Is EMDR Therapy Covered by Insurance? What Providers Don’t Clearly Explain

Is EMDR Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Yes—EMDR therapy is often covered by insurance, but the coverage is rarely straightforward.

Many people assume that because EMDR is an evidence-based treatment, insurance will automatically pay for it. In reality, insurance companies typically do not reimburse for “EMDR” as a labeled service. Instead, they cover the therapy session under standard psychotherapy billing codes.

This distinction is where confusion—and unexpected bills—often arise.

If you are considering EMDR, understanding how insurance really works can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

---

How Insurance Companies Actually View EMDR Therapy

Insurance providers focus on billing codes, not therapy techniques.

Most EMDR sessions are billed using standard psychotherapy CPT codes such as:

• 90834 – 45-minute psychotherapy
• 90837 – 60-minute psychotherapy

From an insurer’s perspective, EMDR is simply one method a licensed therapist may use during a covered psychotherapy session.

That means coverage depends more on the therapist and diagnosis than the technique itself.

---

When EMDR Therapy Is Most Likely to Be Covered

Insurance coverage is more likely when all of the following are true:

1. The Therapist Is In-Network

If your therapist participates in your insurance network, sessions are usually covered at standard copay or coinsurance rates.

2. The Therapist Is Properly Licensed

Coverage typically requires a licensed mental health professional, such as:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
• Psychiatrist (MD or DO)

3. You Have a Covered Diagnosis

Insurance plans usually require a documented mental health diagnosis such as:

• PTSD
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Trauma-related disorders

EMDR is especially well-supported for PTSD, which improves the likelihood of coverage.

---

Why Many People Are Told EMDR “Isn’t Covered”

Patients are often told EMDR is not covered for reasons that are technically true but misleading:

• “We don’t cover EMDR therapy”
• “That’s a specialized trauma treatment”
• “You’ll need to pay out of pocket”

What insurers often mean is:

“We cover psychotherapy, but not every therapist who offers EMDR is in-network.”

This distinction matters. Coverage depends on provider status, not whether EMDR is legitimate.

---

Common Insurance Limitations You Should Know About

Even when EMDR is covered, restrictions often apply.

Session Limits

Many plans cap therapy sessions per year, regardless of treatment type.

Preauthorization Requirements

Some insurers require approval before trauma-focused therapy begins.

Medical Necessity Reviews

Insurers may request documentation proving EMDR is necessary for your diagnosis.

Higher Out-of-Network Costs

If your EMDR therapist is out-of-network, you may be reimbursed only partially—or not at all.

For a full breakdown of expected expenses, see our guide on EMDR therapy cost.

---

Insurance Coverage by Provider Type (General Overview)

Coverage varies by plan, but trends include:

• Medicare: Covers psychotherapy but does not pay specifically for EMDR as a labeled service
• Medicaid: Coverage varies by state; trauma therapy often covered
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Frequently covers EMDR when billed as psychotherapy
• UnitedHealthcare: Coverage depends on diagnosis and provider network
• Aetna: Often covers EMDR with documentation of medical necessity

Always verify benefits directly with your insurer.

---

How to Confirm EMDR Coverage Before Your First Session

Before booking, ask both your insurance provider and the therapist these questions:

1. Is the therapist in-network for my plan?
2. What CPT codes are used for sessions?
3. Is preauthorization required?
4. How many sessions are covered annually?
5. What is my copay or coinsurance amount?

Getting answers in writing can help prevent billing disputes later.

---

Why Some EMDR Therapists Choose Not to Accept Insurance

Many highly trained EMDR therapists operate on a self-pay basis because:

• Insurance reimbursement rates are low
• Claims require extensive documentation
• Session limits interfere with trauma treatment pacing

This does not mean insurance won’t reimburse you—it means you may need to submit claims yourself.

If you’re searching for coverage-friendly providers, start with our Find an EMDR Therapist directory.

---

Can You Get Reimbursed for Out-of-Network EMDR?

Yes, in many cases.

If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may receive partial reimbursement after paying upfront. Reimbursement rates commonly range from 50% to 80% of the allowed amount, depending on your plan.

Ask your therapist for a superbill, which you can submit to your insurer.

---

Is EMDR Worth Paying for if Insurance Doesn’t Cover It?

For many people, yes.

EMDR often requires fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy for trauma-related conditions. Although per-session costs may be higher, total treatment costs can be comparable—or even lower—over time.

Still, cost is a valid concern. Reviewing insurance options and provider availability upfront is essential.

---

Key Takeaways About EMDR and Insurance

• EMDR is usually covered when billed as psychotherapy
• Coverage depends more on the therapist than the technique
• In-network providers offer the lowest out-of-pocket costs
• Out-of-network reimbursement is often possible
• Clear verification prevents surprise bills

---

Next Steps

If cost and coverage are top concerns, start here:

• Review EMDR therapy cost for pricing expectations
• Use our Find an EMDR Therapist page to locate qualified providers