How to Find an ART Therapist Near You: A Complete Guide

Finding a Qualified ART Therapist

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a rapidly growing trauma treatment, but it is still less widely available than therapies like CBT or EMDR. As of current estimates, there are approximately 830 Master Certified and 640 Basic Certified ART practitioners through the International Society for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (IS-ART). That number is growing steadily, but finding a qualified provider still requires some targeted searching.

This guide covers exactly where to look, what credentials to verify, what questions to ask, and how to handle insurance.

Where to Search

IS-ART Provider Directory

The most reliable starting point is the official directory maintained by IS-ART. This directory lists therapists who have completed verified ART training and allows you to filter by location. It is the only directory that confirms a therapist's ART certification status directly.

Psychology Today

Psychology Today's therapist directory allows you to filter by treatment approach. Search for "Accelerated Resolution Therapy" in the specialties or modalities filter. Keep in mind that therapists self-report their modalities on this platform, so you should still verify their ART certification independently.

Other Directories

Platforms like Zencare, GoodTherapy, and TherapyDen also list ART therapists. These can be useful secondary resources, especially if the IS-ART directory does not show providers in your area.

Your Insurance Provider

If you want in-network coverage, contact your insurance company directly and ask for therapists who offer ART. Not all insurance directories list specific modalities, so you may need to call providers individually.

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Understanding ART Certification Levels

Not all ART training is equal. IS-ART recognizes three levels of certification:

Basic ART Training

This is the minimum level required to practice ART. It involves a multi-day intensive training program covering the ART protocol, eye movement techniques, and Voluntary Image Replacement. A therapist with Basic certification can competently deliver ART for standard presentations.

Advanced ART Training

This additional training covers more complex clinical situations, including working with clients who have multiple traumas, dissociative features, or treatment-resistant presentations. Advanced-trained therapists have deeper expertise.

Master ART Clinician

This is the highest level of ART certification. Master Clinicians have extensive clinical experience with ART, have completed advanced training, and often serve as trainers or supervisors for other ART therapists. If you have a complex trauma history or want the most experienced provider, look for this designation.

Questions to Ask a Prospective ART Therapist

Before scheduling your first session, contact the therapist by phone or email and ask these questions:

1. What is your ART certification level? Verify they have completed IS-ART-recognized training.
2. How many ART sessions have you conducted? More experience generally means better clinical judgment during the process.
3. What populations do you specialize in? If you are a veteran, a child's parent, or have a specific condition, you want someone with relevant experience.
4. Do you offer telehealth? This significantly expands your options if local providers are limited.
5. What is your approach if ART does not work for me? A good therapist has a backup plan and can offer or refer to alternative treatments.
6. How do you handle sessions where the client gets stuck? Experienced ART therapists have techniques for managing sessions that do not progress as expected.
7. What is your fee, and do you accept my insurance? Clarify costs upfront to avoid surprises.

Red Flags to Watch For

Most ART therapists are well-trained professionals, but be cautious of the following:

• Claiming ART certification without IS-ART verification. Anyone can claim to practice ART. Verify their credentials through the IS-ART directory or by contacting IS-ART directly.
• Unrealistic promises. Statements like "guaranteed cure" or "100% success rate" are not consistent with any legitimate therapy. ART has strong outcomes, but no therapy works for everyone.
• Refusal to discuss limitations. A trustworthy therapist will honestly explain when ART may not be the best fit and what alternatives exist.
• Pressure to commit to multiple sessions upfront. ART is typically 1 to 5 sessions. A therapist who insists you pre-pay for a large package of sessions before you have even started is not following standard practice.
• No underlying clinical license. ART certification is an additional credential on top of a clinical license (such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or psychologist). A person offering ART without a valid clinical license is operating outside ethical boundaries.

Insurance and Payment Tips

In-Network Coverage

ART is billed as psychotherapy using standard CPT codes (typically 90837 for a 60-minute session). If your therapist is in-network with your insurance, ART should be covered the same as any other psychotherapy session. The insurance company does not need to approve "ART" specifically; they are approving the psychotherapy session.

Out-of-Network Options

If the best ART therapist for your needs is out-of-network, ask them for a superbill, an itemized receipt you can submit to your insurance for partial reimbursement. Many PPO plans reimburse 50 to 80% of out-of-network psychotherapy costs after you meet your deductible.

Key Questions for Your Insurance Company

• "Does my plan cover outpatient psychotherapy?"
• "How many sessions are covered per year?"
• "What is my copay or coinsurance for in-network vs. out-of-network providers?"
• "Do I need a referral or prior authorization?"

What to Do If There Is No Local ART Therapist

If the IS-ART directory and other searches do not turn up a provider in your area, you have several options:

Telehealth

Many ART therapists offer virtual sessions. ART can be effectively delivered via video, and this opens your search to any provider licensed in your state. Some states have interstate practice agreements that expand this further.

Intensive Format

Some ART therapists offer intensive sessions where you travel to them and complete multiple sessions over a few days. Given that ART typically requires only 1 to 5 sessions, this can be practical even with travel involved.

Alternative Rapid Therapies

If ART is truly unavailable to you, EMDR is a more widely available alternative that also uses eye movements and does not require extensive verbal disclosure. It typically takes more sessions but is accessible in most areas.

Ready to find an ART therapist?

Start your search with our therapist directory or explore the IS-ART provider network.

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