How to find EMDR therapists near you

The fastest way to find an EMDR therapist is to search the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) therapist directory at emdria.org. You enter your zip code or city, and the directory shows therapists certified or trained in EMDR within a set distance. The directory lists their credentials, specialties (trauma, anxiety, PTSD, phobias), and contact information.

If you have insurance, call your insurance company's member services line and ask for therapists in your network who list EMDR as a treatment method. Many therapists do not advertise EMDR prominently on their own websites, so the insurance list is often more complete than a general search. Ask the insurance representative to confirm the therapist is in-network before you call them.

Psychology Today's therapist finder (psychologytoday.com) also lets you filter by treatment method. Search your location, check the EMDR box under "Therapies", and see results with insurance information and therapist bios. Some therapists on this site are EMDRIA-certified; others have completed EMDR training but are not yet certified.

Key Takeaways

  • The EMDRIA directory is the most direct source because it lists only therapists with formal EMDR training or certification.
  • Your insurance company's network directory will show you which EMDR therapists are covered under your plan, saving you out-of-pocket costs.
  • Therapist credentials vary: EMDRIA certification requires specific training hours and supervision, while some therapists have completed EMDR training without full certification.
  • Most therapists require an initial phone call or intake appointment before confirming they can treat your specific concern with EMDR.

What credentials and training mean

An EMDRIA-certified therapist has completed at least 125 hours of EMDR-specific training, 100 hours of direct client contact using EMDR, and 50 hours of consultation or supervision with an EMDR-trained clinician. They must also maintain their certification through ongoing education. Certification is the most rigorous credential available.

An EMDRIA-trained therapist has completed the basic EMDR training (usually two or three multi-day workshops) but has not yet completed the full certification process. They may still be working toward the supervision and consultation hours required for certification.

A therapist who lists EMDR on their profile but is not EMDRIA-affiliated may have taken EMDR workshops or training from other organizations. This does not mean they are unqualified, but you have less standardized information about their training depth. When you call, ask how many hours of EMDR training they completed and whether they have pursued EMDRIA certification.

Questions to ask when you call

Before scheduling an appointment, ask the therapist whether they have experience treating your specific concern — trauma, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, or another issue. EMDR is used for many conditions, but a therapist's experience with your particular situation matters.

Ask whether they are currently taking new clients and what their wait time is. Some therapists have a waiting list of several weeks or months. Ask about their cancellation policy, whether they offer telehealth (video sessions), and what their fee is if you are paying out of pocket.

If you have insurance, confirm they are in-network with your plan before the first appointment. Ask whether they will bill your insurance directly or whether you pay upfront and submit a claim yourself. Ask what your copay or coinsurance will be.

In-person versus telehealth EMDR

EMDR can be delivered in person or by video (telehealth). The core technique — bilateral stimulation while you process a memory — works in both settings. Some therapists offer only in-person sessions, some offer only telehealth, and some offer both.

Telehealth EMDR may be easier to schedule if no therapists near you offer it, or if you have transportation barriers. In-person sessions may feel more comfortable if you are processing trauma and want the therapist physically present. Neither is inherently better; it depends on your preference and what your therapist offers.

If you choose telehealth, make sure you have a private, quiet space for the session. Your therapist will guide you through the process, but you will need to be able to focus without interruption.

Cost and insurance coverage

EMDR is covered by most major insurance plans when provided by a licensed therapist. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's copay or coinsurance. A typical copay for a therapy session ranges from $20 to $50, though this varies by plan and by whether the therapist is in-network.

If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover EMDR, therapists' fees vary widely by location and experience. In urban areas, fees often range from $100 to $250 per session; in rural areas, they may be lower. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income.

Before your first appointment, ask the therapist's office what they charge and whether they accept your insurance. If you are uninsured, ask whether they offer a sliding scale or payment plan.

What to expect at your first appointment

Your first session will likely be an intake appointment, not an EMDR session itself. The therapist will ask about your history, your current symptoms, what brought you in, and what you hope to address. They will explain how EMDR works and whether they think it is a good fit for your situation.

The therapist may also ask about your support system, any medications you are taking, and whether you have ever been diagnosed with certain conditions. This information helps them decide whether EMDR is safe for you right now or whether you need additional support first.

If you both agree to move forward, the therapist will schedule your first EMDR session. This usually happens at a second appointment, though some therapists may begin EMDR work in the same session if you are ready.

Finding therapists if your area has few options

If your search of the EMDRIA directory or Psychology Today shows few or no EMDR therapists near you, telehealth is your most practical option. Many EMDR therapists accept clients from other states via video, so you are not limited to your geographic area.

You can also contact your state's psychology licensing board or counseling licensing board to ask for a list of licensed therapists in your area, then call them individually to ask whether they have EMDR training. This is slower than using a directory, but it may uncover therapists who do not advertise widely.

Some community mental health centers and university psychology clinics offer EMDR at lower cost than private practice. Call your local mental health center and ask whether they have EMDR-trained therapists on staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see an EMDR therapist?

No. You can contact an EMDR therapist directly without a referral. However, if you have insurance, some plans require a referral for coverage. Call your insurance company to check your plan's requirements before scheduling.

What if the first therapist is not a good fit?

It is normal to try more than one therapist before finding someone you feel comfortable with. You can stop seeing a therapist at any time. If you want to switch, let your current therapist know and ask for a referral to someone else, or start your search again using the directory.

Can I do EMDR if I am also taking medication?

Yes. EMDR and medication are often used together. Tell your therapist what medications you are taking during your intake appointment so they can factor that into their treatment plan.

How long does EMDR treatment usually take?

Treatment length varies widely depending on what you are treating and your history. Some people see results in a few sessions; others need months. Your therapist will give you a better estimate after your first appointment.

What if I cannot afford therapy?

Ask therapists about sliding scale fees based on income. Community mental health centers often charge on a sliding scale. Some therapists also offer reduced rates for uninsured clients. You can also search for therapists who offer pro bono (free) sessions, though availability is limited.