If you are looking into EMDR, you may be wondering if it costs more than regular talk therapy. The cost of EMDR therapy depends on several things, including how long each session is, how many sessions you need, your insurance coverage, and where you live. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you anticipate how much you’ll pay out of pocket.
We put this guide together to explain what determines the price of EMDR therapy, how coverage tends to work, and what options exist if cost is a factor
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It is a structured therapy that helps people process distressing memories so they feel less intense over time. During EMDR, you briefly focus on a memory while following a back-and-forth movement or sound, such as a therapist’s moving finger or alternating tones.
EMDR therapy is best known for helping people dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which develops for some people after a frightening or painful event. Unlike some talk therapies, EMDR therapy usually does not require you to describe the trauma in detail, and there is no homework between sessions. It follows eight phases, starting with history and preparation before any memory work begins.
Understanding how EMDR therapy is structured helps explain why its cost can look a little different from weekly talk therapy. The next section breaks this down.
How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost?
There’s no universal rate, so we can’t make an estimate. Rates vary widely from therapist to therapist, and your total cost depends on the factors below more than on any one session fee.
Check How Long Each Session Runs
EMDR sessions can run longer than a standard therapy hour. Sessions typically last about 50 to 90 minutes, and longer sessions usually cost more per visit. When you compare therapists, it helps to ask how long their EMDR sessions are so you can compare fees fairly.
Estimate How Many Sessions You May Need
The number of sessions has the biggest effect on your total cost. For a single upsetting event, some people need three to six sessions. For complex or long-term trauma, eight to 12 sessions or more is common.
Many people start with weekly sessions to build momentum early on. As progress is made, moving to every other week is often a natural next step, which can also spread out costs.
Ask About the Therapist’s Training
EMDR requires extra training beyond a therapist’s license. A basic EMDR training program includes instruction, supervised practice, and consultation hours. Some therapists go on to earn advanced certification, and their rates may reflect that added experience.
Consider Where You Live and Who You See
Therapy fees tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. Fees can also differ between solo private practices, group practices, and community clinics.
Curious what kind of therapist would be right for you?
We’ve helped over 500,000 find a therapist that fits for free.
Does Insurance Cover EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy, so many health plans cover it the same way they cover other therapy sessions. Coverage still varies by plan. Plans usually need a mental health diagnosis on file to pay for any type of therapy, including EMDR.
Understand Your Deductible, Copay, and Coinsurance
It’s important for you to understand three terms, which impact how much you’ll pay when you use insurance. Your deductible is the amount you pay each year before your plan starts sharing costs. A copay is a set amount you pay for each session. Coinsurance is a percentage of the session cost that you pay after you meet your deductible.
Under federal parity rules, most plans cannot require approval for all mental health treatment or set stricter visit limits than they do for medical care. Marketplace plans also include mental health services as an essential benefit.
Use Out-of-Network Benefits If Your Therapist Is Not In-Network
Many trained EMDR therapists do not take insurance directly. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, you may be able to pay the therapist and then get part of your money back by sending your insurer an itemized receipt called a superbill. Your deductible and coinsurance still apply.
Before you start, it can help to call the number on your insurance card. Ask whether your plan covers psychotherapy with an out-of-network provider, whether longer sessions are covered, and whether you need approval in advance.
How Can You Lower the Cost of EMDR?
If you are paying yourself or have a high deductible, several options may help bring costs down.
- Sliding-scale fees. Some therapists lower their rates based on income. Paying without insurance often comes with more of these flexible options than people expect.
- HSA and FSA funds. Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts let you use pre-tax money for eligible care. Therapy received as medical treatment generally counts as a medical expense under IRS rules.
- A written cost estimate. If you are uninsured or paying yourself, you generally have a right to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges. If your final bill is much higher than the estimate, you may be able to dispute it.
- Community and training clinics. University training clinics and community mental health centers sometimes offer EMDR at lower rates.
Is EMDR Therapy Worth the Cost?
Many people find EMDR worth it because it is structured and often time-limited. EMDR is considered one of the most effective types of therapy for PTSD. Federal PTSD treatment guidelines recommend EMDR alongside two other trauma-focused therapies, cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure.
Guidelines do differ somewhat on how EMDR ranks among trauma therapies. A trained therapist can talk with you about which approach may fit your goals, history, and preferences best. Feeling comfortable with your therapist matters as much as the method itself.
How Do You Find an EMDR Therapist?
There are several ways to find a trained EMDR therapist. Your insurance plan’s online directory can show in-network providers, and your primary care doctor may have referrals. University training clinics and community mental health centers are also good places to ask.
We created Mental Health Match to make this part easier, and it is free to use. You answer a few questions about what you need, your preferences, and your budget, and we introduce you to therapists who fit. Most offer a free consultation, which is a good time to ask about EMDR training, session length, and fees.
| Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional about any medical concerns. If you are in crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. |
