How Much Does an EMDR Therapist Charge in Texas?

Why is EMDR Therapy so Expensive?

Providing psychotherapy in general requires a minimum of a masters degree in a mental health related field and a minimum of 3000 hours of clinical supervision to become licensed to practice. In addition to this, EMDR training cost thousands of dollars and requires many hours of consultation and practice to become competent. Once you add the costs of operating a private practice such as insurance, rent, website hosting, marketing, software subscriptions, dues to professional organizations, licensing fees, and continuing education, the costs add up. Many private practice therapists limit their caseloads to 20-25 clients per week to ensure they are providing effective care and not just racking up billable hours. Providing EMDR therapy truly reflects a commitment to providing high quality evidence based care for the treatment of trauma and related disorders.

What Factors Affect the Cost of EMDR Therapy?

Several factors may influence how much you’ll pay for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing sessions in Austin, Texas or other cities:

• Therapist’s Credentials:

  • Licensed professionals such as Licensed Psychologists (LPs), LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, or LPC Associates may offer different rates based on their experience and training in EMDR.

• Session Length:

  • Standard EMDR sessions last 50–60 minutes, but longer or intensive sessions (80–90 minutes) are sometimes recommended for more complex cases.

• Type of Service:

  • Some therapists offer online therapy, virtual sessions, or family therapy, which may be priced differently.

• Treatment Complexity:

  • EMDR can help with a wide range of challenges from PTSD symptoms and childhood trauma to dissociative disorders, attachment injuries, and even chronic pain or substance use. More complex cases may require longer treatment.

• Demand for EMDR Therapy:

  • EMDR has become a name brand highly sought after trauma therapy by clients who have done their own research and tried other methods. This results in many EMDR therapists having full caseloads with limited availability.

Is EMDR Therapy Usually Covered by Insurance?

Any insurance plan with mental health benefits for psychotherapy will typically cover EMDR provided there is a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Without this diagnosis, insurance may question the use of EMDR or expect another therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be used instead. This is one of the drawbacks to having insurance involved in your therapy process.

• In Network Insurance:

  • I recommend checking with your insurance provider to ensure you’re covered. I accept Aetna insurance at this time.

• Out of Network Insurance:

  • Many insurance plans will assist with a significant portion of your cost per session through out of network reimbursement. I use a company called Thrizer to help you get instant reimbursement on your claims if your deductible for the year is met. This can be arranged with most insurance companies.

• Out-of-Pocket:

  • Many clients opt for private pay to ensure privacy and avoid insurance limitations on EMDR treatment. I charge on the low end for Austin at $150 per session.

• Sliding Scale:

  • Depending on availability, I may offer a limited number of reduced-rate sessions to support clients with financial need.

Why Invest in EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is more than just a treatment for trauma, it’s a powerful tool for long-term transformation, helping you heal the underlying injuries vs learning coping skills to live with your trauma. Whether you're seeking support for PTSD, complex or developmental trauma, or a traumatic loss of a loved one, EMDR offers a unique, evidence-based path toward healing. Here’s why it’s worth the investment:

Grounded in Neuroscience

EMDR therapy is rooted in our current understanding of the brain and nervous system and how the brain processes traumatic memories. It uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping, along with the principles of memory reconsolidation. This technique leverages neuroplasticity to move traumatic memories from a fragmented emotionally charged state to an integrated and more neutral state, no longer provoking trauma responses or PTSD symptoms. Learn more about the neuroscience of EMDR.

Backed by a Large Evidence Base

EMDR is one of the most extensively researched trauma therapies available. It’s recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for PTSD. Decades of clinical studies have shown that EMDR can lead to significant and lasting change, even for individuals with complex trauma histories.

Faster Than Talk Therapies and Other Trauma Therapies

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can take many months to years to produce meaningful change, EMDR often accelerates the healing process. Many clients begin to feel some relief in just a few sessions, especially when treatment is tailored to their specific memories, life experiences, and individual needs. EMDR’s structured approach targets the root of the problem: unprocessed traumatic memories, rather than circling around symptoms.

Somatic Healing vs. Cognitive Focus

Where many therapies focus primarily on thoughts and beliefs, EMDR goes deeper, connecting to the body’s felt sense of trauma. Because trauma is stored not just in the mind, but in the body, EMDR offers a somatic healing process that integrates emotional, physical, and cognitive recovery. This approach helps clients access and release trauma held in the body without needing to talk at length about it.

No Need to Discuss Details of Trauma

One of the most unique aspects of EMDR is that you don’t need to verbally share the full story of what happened in order to heal. This makes it especially valuable for clients healing from sexual assault, childhood trauma, or other deeply personal experiences. You can work with specific images, sensations, or memories without revisiting every painful detail aloud, allowing for healing in a safe space on your own terms.

Ready to Begin EMDR Therapy in Austin, TX?

If you're searching for the right place to start or continue your healing journey, you're not alone, and you're in the right place. I specialize in trauma-informed care using EMDR therapy tailored to your individual needs and life experiences. I offer a competitive cost for the Austin area with flexible options for in-person and telehealth virtual sessions. 

Visit my home page or book a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about how you can Heal you past, Reclaim you present, and Build your future after trauma.