Provide Therapy

Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS) contracts with mental health professionals committed to SURVIVORS’ mission to “facilitate the healing of torture survivors and their families; educate professionals and the public about torture and its consequences; and advocate for torture survivors and the abolition of torture.”

The independent contractors are California licensed mental health professionals as well as license-eligible mental health professionals with appropriate experience and supervision by a licensed professional.

Contractors accept clients for clinical services on a case by case basis. Referrals are made by the SURVIVORS’ clinical staff. The services are:

Psychotherapy with survivors and their families

Many survivors and their families suffer severe mental and emotional consequences from the ordeal they have been through. Individual, couple, family, or group therapy is often an important part of their efforts to heal and rebuild their lives.

Psychological evaluation in support of applicants for asylum

Many torture survivors in the United States are seeking asylum and fear for their lives if returned to their home countries. It is important to document the psychological consequences of torture as part of the case presented to immigration officers and judges. SURVIVORS’ contracted licensed mental health professionals may accept these clients to conduct a psychological evaluation, and prepare a written report for submission to the court. Consultation with attorneys and SURVIVORS’ clinical staff support contracted clinicians in this work.

TRAINING AND CONSULTATION

Contracted clinicians can request to receive written materials and personal consultation to orient them to issues surrounding this work: What is torture? Why is it practiced in countries in the world? How do survivors get to the United States and what are their needs once here? What role do mental health professionals play in helping and healing survivors of torture and their families?

COMPENSATION for work done by contracted mental health professionals is funded by private donations and grants. While modest, compensation is provided on an hourly basis for psychotherapy and on a per case basis for evaluations.