How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost in Texas?
Takeaway: When deciding whether to start therapy, cost is often a factor for most people. Understanding the financial investment of therapy is an important part of being able to make an informed decision about your care. Here, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of EMDR therapy: what it is, why it costs this much, and why it’s worth it.
Everything you need to know about the cost of EMDR therapy in Texas
It can feel daunting to make an investment in mental health treatment, especially if you've never tried therapy before. While your experience with therapy (including cost) can vary depending on a variety of different factors, it can still help to get a general sense of what to expect.
How much is EMDR therapy?
The exact cost of EMDR depends on which provider you see, how long the appointment is, and more. With that being said, the cost of EMDR in Texas typically ranges from $100-$300, though some providers may charge more or less.
To get more information, I researched therapists' rates in different cities across Texas. The table below offers average rates from 25 different therapists in each city. This can give you a starting point to go off when estimating how much you’ll pay for EMDR treatment.
| City | Average Cost of EMDR Therapy Session |
|---|---|
| Houston | $138 |
| Austin | $143 |
| Dallas | $157 |
| San Antonio | $128 |
| El Paso | $118 |
Remember, these are based on averages from local therapists. Your EMDR therapist may charge more or less, depending on different factors that we'll explore in depth later in this post. Keep in mind that you'll also need multiple sessions to get lasting results—this is the average cost for a single session.
Is EMDR usually covered by insurance?
Yes, EMDR is usually covered by insurance plans. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover the treatment of behavioral and mental health conditions. Since eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma-related anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues, it's typically covered.
With that being said, many EMDR therapists (like myself) work independently from insurance companies. We're considered out-of-network providers because we don't bill your insurance company directly. We can, however, provide you with paperwork that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
There are many reasons why therapists choose to be out-of-network providers. Confidentiality is one of the major reasons. When we bill your insurance plan directly, we have to share your sensitive mental health information with your insurance company.
Insurance providers can also dictate parts of your care, including how frequently you can attend therapy and for how long. Many therapists (myself included) prefer to work directly with clients to create a treatment plan, not worry about what their insurance provider will cover.
Why is EMDR therapy so expensive?
While awareness around mental health care is growing, cost remains a major barrier for some people to get the help they need and deserve. Hopefully, system-level changes will make EMDR therapy more affordable for clients while still meeting therapists' financial needs.
In the meantime, understanding the factors that influence EMDR cost can help you get a better idea of what exactly you're paying for. Putting it all in context might make it easier to take the next step.
It requires specialized training.
Unlike traditional talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), clinicians must get special training to provide EMDR. The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) sets forth the following guidelines for therapists to become a certified EMDR practitioner:
20 hours of instructional training
20 hours of supervised practicum
10 hours of consultation
Many therapists also pursue continuing education to further their knowledge of EMDR after becoming certified.
Fewer therapists are trained in EMDR than other techniques.
Since therapists need special training to provide EMDR sessions, there are fewer therapists who offer this type of care. If there is increased demand for EMDR treatment, therapists may be able to charge more for their services.
Thankfully, online therapy can help people access EMDR therapy sessions. Since therapists are licensed on a statewide level, those who offer virtual EMDR can help people across the entire state. Even if you can't find an EMDR therapist in your town, you may be able to find someone who provides online EMDR in your state.
Some EMDR therapists use special equipment.
Bilateral stimulation is one of the major components of EMDR therapy. Experts believe that this process can help reprocess distressing memories so they are stored differently within the brain, which can help reduce PTSD symptoms.
While there are different bilateral stimulation methods, some require special equipment like a light bar or handheld vibrating devices. EMDR therapists might charge more if they use technical equipment to provide their services, especially since other forms of therapy don't typically involve any equipment.
EMDR cost per session can vary based on factors that also impact other types of therapy.
Some costs of EMDR aren't unique to the fact that it's a special form of therapy. In general, there are many factors that can influence the price of therapy, regardless of the specific modality that the therapist provides.
While this isn't an exhaustive list, some factors include overhead costs like medical record software or billing platforms, licensing fees, professional and liability insurance, therapist location, type of credentials, number of sessions needed, length of treatment, and more.
4 reasons why EMDR therapy cost is worth it
Each person has a different experience in therapy. At the same time, studies show how effective it can be for people. Here are a few of the ways that EMDR therapy may be able to help you.
Heal from traumatic events
EMDR was initially developed as a treatment for people who have experienced traumatic events. It has since been used to treat other mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and more. However, many people still seek it out to heal from childhood trauma or other negative life events.
Improve physical symptoms of trauma
PTSD comes along with many emotional and mental health symptoms, including anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, feeling on guard, and more. However, physical symptoms like sleep problems and muscle tension are also common. By revisiting and reprocessing past events, you can find relief from these physical symptoms as well.
Manage triggers
When you're a trauma survivor, it's common to be triggered by situations that remind you of a traumatic memory or event. Thankfully, when we treat trauma using EMDR, we can help your nervous system relax. You won't be as reactive to triggers, which can help you find more peace and ease in your daily life.
Learn techniques to reduce distress
Part of successful treatment is giving you the skills you need to regulate your nervous system when you do get triggered. Your therapist will teach you strategies, such as mindfulness skills or breathing techniques, that will help you feel confident in soothing yourself during difficult situations.
Invest in your well-being with EMDR therapy in Austin, Texas.
Ready to get started? As an EMDR therapist in Austin, I help people like you heal from past wounds and step into healing. I offer online therapy services to people within Austin and throughout the entire state of Texas, as well as in California.
While I'm passionate about helping all trauma survivors, I have a special interest in supporting high-achievers, highly sensitive people (HSP), BIPOC individuals, and those looking to incorporate their Christian faith into their mental health treatment. Reach out today to schedule your first session!
