Does Insurance Cover EMDR?

August 19, 2025

What You Need to Know About Trauma Therapy & Coverage
Because trauma healing shouldn’t be a luxury.

If you’ve been exploring ways to heal from trauma, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about EMDR.

Maybe a friend recommended it.
Maybe you saw it trending on TikTok.
Or maybe your regular talk therapy just isn’t cutting it anymore—and you’re ready for something deeper.

But then comes the big question:
“Will my insurance even cover this?”

Let’s break it down—without the confusing language, judgment, or runaround.

What is EMDR, Exactly?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

Don’t let the name scare you—it’s a research-backed therapy that helps you process trauma in a way that doesn’t require retelling your story over and over again.

It’s especially helpful for:

PTSD and complex trauma
Childhood emotional wounds
Grief and loss
Anxiety and panic
Low self-worth or stuck patterns

EMDR helps your brain and body reprocess painful memories so they stop running in the background of your life.

It’s not magic—but the results can feel like it.

So… Does Insurance Cover EMDR?

Short answer? Sometimes.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ If your therapist is in-network with your insurance and is EMDR-trained, sessions may be covered—just like regular therapy.
This is the most straightforward path.

➕ If your therapist is out-of-network, you may still get partial reimbursement through your plan’s “out-of-network benefits.”
(This means you pay upfront, then submit a claim and may get a portion back.)

🚫 EMDR intensives—which are longer, immersive trauma-healing sessions (often 6 or 12 hours)—are typically not covered by insurance.
They’re seen as “non-traditional” because they don’t fit the 50-minute model.

That said, many folks find that the deep transformation in just a few hours is worth it—and often more efficient than months of weekly sessions.

Why Doesn’t Insurance Always Cover It?

Let’s keep it real:
Most insurance systems are built for short, surface-level care—not deep, holistic healing.

They like things they can code, bill, and control.
So when you step outside the mold—like with EMDR intensives or trauma-informed coaching—insurance companies often don’t know what to do with it.

But just because they don’t cover it, doesn’t mean it’s not valid or valuable.

It means the system still has catching up to do.

How to Check Your Insurance Coverage for EMDR

Here’s how to find out what’s covered:

Call your insurance provider (yep, you may have to deal with hold music).
Ask them:
- “Do you cover outpatient therapy with an EMDR-trained provider?”
- “Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?”
- “What’s my deductible and copay for mental health services?”
Ask your therapist or their billing team if they accept insurance or offer superbills for reimbursement.
Consider using HSA/FSA funds if your plan includes a health savings account. EMDR therapy typically qualifies.

Pro tip:
Always write down who you spoke to and what they said.
Insurance reps give conflicting info sometimes—it’s good to keep receipts.

Can I Still Heal If I Can’t Afford EMDR Right Now?

Absolutely.

Here’s what you can do:

Start with what’s covered. Regular therapy with a trauma-informed provider is powerful, too.
Look into sliding scale options. Some EMDR therapists offer reduced rates for private pay clients.
Use self-guided resources (like our Release & Reset course) to begin clearing emotional clutter.
Join free or low-cost community spaces for emotional support while you plan your next steps.

Your healing isn’t on a timer.
And just because insurance is limited doesn’t mean your options are.

Final Word: You Deserve Access to Real Healing

You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or empty your bank account just to feel emotionally safe in your own body.

Healing should be a right—not a luxury.

Whether you’re using insurance, paying out of pocket, or navigating both—know this:

You are worthy of healing that works.
You are worthy of support that sees you.
And you are absolutely allowed to ask for what you need.

We’re here to help you figure it out, one step at a time.

Want to explore EMDR intensives, therapy, or accessible wellness support?
Whether you’ve got insurance or not—we’ll walk you through the options and help you find what fits.

👉🏽 Check Out Our Services

Healing is possible.
Let’s find your way forward.