How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost?

While EMDR has proven beneficial, the associated cost may be a big hurdle for many. The therapy typically goes on for several sessions, and therapists can be expensive. That said, viable alternatives can bring the cost of EMDR down.
The cost of EMDR can range from $10 to $250 per session, depending on how you receive it and where you’re located.

Quick Comparison of EMDR Cost

Here’s a comparison of how much EMDR costs in terms of per session, month, and the overall treatment course (which can expand over two months or more depending on session frequency and progress).

What Is EMDR?

EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that helps people process and recover from traumatic experiences. It’s primarily used for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, in recent years, it’s also been used for treating other disorders, including anxiety and depressive disorders, as these disorders are often linked to trauma.

This therapy uses a very detailed protocol for reprocessing trauma and feelings. When people experience trauma, they often are unable to process it and arrive at a healing stage. Instead, they’re stuck in that traumatic phase, often reliving it with flashbacks, anxiety, or panic episodes.

In EMDR, you essentially revisit and relive that trauma or bad experiences but with something called ‘bilateral stimulation.’ Bilateral stimulation can be something as simple as moving your eyes up and down or tapping your hands. This stimulation makes it easier for the brain to process the trauma finally.
Unlike traditional counseling or other therapies like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), EMDR has a very specific progression. There are different stages, and the entire therapy may be completed in 6 to 12 sessions. Each session is between 60 to 90 minutes.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

Anyone suffering from PTSD or another disorder possibly linked to trauma can benefit from EMDR. In research, this therapy has shown very promising results, with people coming out of it with much better mental health and control.

EMDR can also work for children and adolescents who have had a traumatic episode. In adults, EMDR may also help treat childhood trauma that has lingered their entire lives. Whether you’ve had an isolated traumatic experience or an emotionally damaging upbringing, EMDR therapy may help you safely process your childhood.

EMDR is also recommended for veterans as one of the treatment options for PTSD, which is common in soldiers after serving in wars.

How Much Does EMDR Cost?

The cost of EMDR depends on various factors. The price you pay for a single session of EMDR depends mainly on whether you’re doing it in person or online.

Let’s look at how much it costs in different situations:

Traditional Therapy (In-Person)

Traditional therapy, where you set up an appointment with a therapist and visit their office, is the most expensive option for EMDR.

Therapists may charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per session. Some may charge an hourly rate or per session, with each session as long as 90 minutes.

The in-person therapy rate generally varies by location and the therapist’s experience. A licensed, seasoned therapist in an urban area typically charges upwards of $100 per session. Keep in mind that this is only their fee—you will also need to pay for transport to get to your session.

EMDR therapy is multi-session, requiring at least six sessions. So, the cost of doing it the traditional way can quickly add up.

Virtual Therapy (Online)

Virtual EMDR with a therapist online is cheaper than in-person therapy. Therapists and therapy platforms typically have monthly subscription plans, which are much more affordable.

It’s essentially the same therapy but provided over the internet through video calls. Plus, you may also be able to message your therapists throughout the week if you have any questions or concerns. In a way, virtual therapy extends support beyond traditional therapy, where you’re time-bound.

Online Therapy is among the most affordable virtual therapy platforms, where you can directly work with a therapist online and take weekly sessions for a monthly subscription. Starting at $49 a month, it’s much more affordable than in-person therapy with a psychologist near you.

And, of course, you also save on transport costs by doing EMDR virtually.

Self-Administered EMDR (Online)

Self-administered EMDR is the cheapest option, with OPEN EMDR. As EMDR has a specific, guided protocol, it’s possible to administer it on your own with online instructional videos.

Virtual EMDR’s self-guided program costs $10 a month or $300 for a lifetime subscription. That means if you complete EMDR in under two months, it will only cost you $20, making it the most cost-effective option for getting this type of therapy.

Besides the virtual program, Virtual EMDR also offers licensed therapists at affordable rates, should you find it more comfortable to do EMDR with a professional.

Does EMDR Work? What Are the Benefits of EMDR?

EMDR therapy works well for treating PTSD and several other mental health conditions. It has show fast and long-lasting results in multiple research studies. According to a review of different controlled trials, EMDR reduces PTSD symptoms and has been shown to be the most effective compared to other treatment options.

EMDR can also be used to treat other disorders, especially those that may have been triggered after a negative life experience. For instance, depression is a common reaction and result of life-altering trauma. EMDR can also help treat depression by addressing the root cause of it, that is, the traumatic experience.

In a study with 16 patients with depression, EMDR showed remission in depressive systems in all of the participants at the end of the treatment.

With all the strong research evidence, it’s safe to say that EMDR is your best bet for treating trauma-related symptoms and disorders.

Begin the Healing Journey

EMDR is now more accessible than ever before, thanks to virtual options. The cost is reasonable whether you want to do it with a licensed professional or DIY. You can complete the sessions at home, or anywhere you feel comfortable and see the results yourself.