If you're considering EMDR therapy, you may be wondering whether your health insurance will help cover the cost. Many insurance plans include psychotherapy benefits that may apply to EMDR. What you'll pay depends on your plan, the reason for treatment, and whether your therapist is in your insurance network.
At Resolve Counseling Group, we provide EMDR therapy in Murfreesboro and operate as an out-of-network practice. Clients pay for their appointments directly, and those seeing fully licensed clinicians can request a superbill for possible insurance reimbursement.
Key Takeaways
Many insurance plans cover EMDR when it's provided as medically necessary psychotherapy. Coverage depends on your benefits, diagnosis, and provider network.
EMDR generally uses standard psychotherapy billing codes rather than a separate EMDR-specific code.
Resolve Counseling Group is an out-of-network practice. Clients seeing fully licensed clinicians can request a superbill for possible reimbursement.
Before starting EMDR, ask your insurer about coverage requirements, deductibles, visit limitations, authorization, and out-of-network benefits.
HSA or FSA funds may help pay for eligible treatment expenses. Resolve also offers extended EMDR appointments and intensives, with separate pricing.
Does Insurance Cover EMDR Therapy?
Many health insurance plans cover EMDR when it's provided as medically necessary psychotherapy. EMDR is generally billed using standard psychotherapy codes, so coverage depends on your plan's mental health benefits, diagnosis, appointment length, and whether your therapist is in-network. Your insurer can explain which requirements apply to your treatment.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a structured psychotherapy approach used to help people process distressing experiences and is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Insurance companies typically evaluate EMDR claims under their existing outpatient mental health benefits. They consider factors such as medical necessity, the qualifications of the treating professional, and how the appointment is billed.
For example, someone receiving EMDR for PTSD may have coverage through their plan's psychotherapy benefits. Specific requirements may still apply to the clinician, appointment length, or treatment authorization.
You can review your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage or contact member services to ask how psychotherapy is covered.
For more information about the treatment itself, read our guide on how EMDR therapy works.
What Affects Whether Your Plan Pays
Several insurance requirements determine whether your plan covers EMDR and how much you'll pay.
| Factor | How It Affects EMDR Coverage |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis and medical necessity | Insurance plans generally require treatment to meet their medical-necessity criteria. A qualifying mental health diagnosis may be required. |
| Session length | Coverage and billing requirements may differ for extended psychotherapy appointments, including 90-minute sessions. |
| Visit limitations and treatment reviews | Plans may use utilization reviews, authorization requirements, or other coverage rules that affect ongoing treatment. |
| In-network status | In-network therapists have agreements with insurers. Out-of-network services may have different benefits or no reimbursement. |
| Prior authorization | Some plans require approval before certain mental health services or treatment arrangements are covered. |
If you're considering EMDR for a concern other than PTSD, ask your insurer whether the treatment meets your plan's coverage requirements.
How Do Deductibles, Copays, and Coinsurance Affect EMDR Costs?
Your insurance policy may cover psychotherapy while still requiring you to pay part of the session fee.
Three terms are particularly important:
Deductible: The amount you pay toward covered healthcare expenses before certain insurance benefits begin paying.
Copay: A fixed amount you pay for a covered service, such as a therapy appointment.
Coinsurance: A percentage of an eligible healthcare expense that you're responsible for paying.
For example, if your insurance plan requires 20% coinsurance for a covered $150 psychotherapy appointment, your share would be $30 after any applicable deductible has been met.
Out-of-network expenses can work differently. Your insurer may have a separate deductible, a lower reimbursement percentage, or an allowed amount that's less than your therapist's fee.
If your therapist charges more than the allowed amount, you may be responsible for the difference.
Ask your insurer how these rules apply to outpatient psychotherapy and whether your plan has separate in-network and out-of-network deductibles.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
An in-network therapist has a contract with your health insurance company. Their services are generally billed according to the insurer's negotiated rates and your plan's cost-sharing requirements.
An out-of-network therapist doesn't have that contract. Depending on your policy, you may be able to submit a claim for reimbursement after paying for treatment.
Resolve Counseling Group operates as an out-of-network practice. We don't accept or bill insurance directly.
Our payment process works as follows:
You schedule an appointment with a Resolve clinician.
You pay the session fee at the time of your appointment.
If you're seeing a fully licensed clinician, you can request a superbill.
You submit the superbill to your insurance company for consideration.
Your insurer determines whether the appointment qualifies for reimbursement under your policy.
A superbill includes information about the services provided, such as the appointment date, provider details, applicable billing codes, and other information needed for a claim.
Some insurance plans provide partial reimbursement for eligible out-of-network psychotherapy. Others may not cover out-of-network appointments.
You can review our payment arrangements on our Rates & FAQ page.
EMDR and TennCare, Medicare and Employer Plans
EMDR coverage depends on the type of insurance you have and the mental health benefits included in your policy.
TennCare
TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program. It covers medically necessary behavioral health services, including eligible outpatient psychotherapy.
If you have TennCare, contact your managed care plan to ask whether EMDR is covered as psychotherapy, which providers participate in your network, and whether authorization is required.
TennCare follows specific provider participation and payment rules. Members can use their health plan's provider directory or member services to find participating EMDR therapists.
The TennCare website provides information about benefits and participating health plans.
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers eligible outpatient mental health services, including psychotherapy provided by qualified professionals.
Your deductible, coinsurance, provider participation, and other coverage requirements determine what you pay. If you're considering treatment with a provider who doesn't participate in Medicare, ask Medicare about the payment rules that apply before scheduling.
You can review outpatient mental health benefits on Medicare.gov.
Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
Employer plans often include outpatient mental health benefits, although deductibles, provider networks, authorization requirements, and reimbursement policies vary.
Check your benefits documents or call the member services number on your insurance card. If you plan to attend therapy at Resolve, ask specifically about out-of-network psychotherapy benefits and reimbursement requirements.
Marketplace Health Plans
Health insurance plans sold through the Marketplace include mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits.
The details of covered services, provider networks, and cost-sharing depend on your policy. HealthCare.gov explains the federal coverage requirements.
If you have a Marketplace plan, check whether it includes out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services.
Resolve Counseling Group operates as a private-pay practice and doesn't bill insurance directly. Clients with commercial insurance may have out-of-network reimbursement benefits, depending on their policies. TennCare and Medicare have separate provider participation and payment rules.
8 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company Before Starting EMDR
Before scheduling EMDR therapy, call the member services number on your insurance card and ask:
Does my plan cover EMDR therapy as outpatient psychotherapy? Ask whether your insurer has specific requirements for this treatment approach.
Do I need a qualifying mental health diagnosis? Find out how your plan determines medical necessity.
Are there treatment reviews or visit limitations that apply? Ask whether ongoing psychotherapy requires additional authorization or review.
Is prior authorization required? Confirm whether approval is needed before treatment begins.
Are 90-minute or other extended psychotherapy sessions covered? Ask how longer appointments are billed and reimbursed.
Does my plan cover telehealth psychotherapy? Confirm whether virtual appointments have different billing or network requirements.
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits? Ask about your deductible and any separate requirements for out-of-network providers.
How much could I receive in reimbursement, and what paperwork is required? Ask about the allowed amount, reimbursement percentage, claim deadlines, and superbill requirements.
Write down the date of your call, the representative's name, and any reference number provided. You can also request written information about your benefits.
For questions about Resolve's appointment fees or EMDR services, you can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our team.
How Much Does EMDR Cost Without Insurance?
At Resolve Counseling Group, standard 50-minute therapy appointments are priced according to the clinician's qualifications and experience.
| Clinician | Fee for a 50-Minute Session |
|---|---|
| Master's-level intern completing graduate school | $45 |
| Graduate-level clinician working toward full licensure under supervision | $120–135 |
| Fully licensed clinician | $135–190 |
EMDR appointment fees depend on the treating clinician and session length. You can find our general fee schedule on our Rates & FAQ page.
At Resolve, we offer 90-minute and two-hour EMDR appointments when clinically appropriate. Clients can also explore an intensive format that provides extended blocks of treatment time.
Our EMDR intensives cost $225 per hour. Total fees depend on the number of treatment hours scheduled. When comparing EMDR therapy costs, consider the clinician's rate, appointment duration, and treatment frequency. Your therapist can discuss the proposed schedule and help you estimate the total expense.
Are Longer EMDR Sessions and Intensives Covered by Insurance?
Insurance generally covers 50 minute sessions. Extended EMDR appointments may not be covered by insurance or be subject to different billing and reimbursement requirements than standard psychotherapy sessions.
Longer psychotherapy appointments may be billed differently from standard sessions, depending on the services provided and applicable billing codes. An insurer may reimburse only the amount allowed under its policy, leaving you responsible for the remaining balance.
For extended appointments and EMDR intensives, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on the total fee and any reimbursement your plan provides.
Ways to Pay for EMDR If Insurance Falls Short
If you're paying out of pocket, you may be able to use eligible HSA or FSA funds or seek reimbursement through applicable out-of-network benefits.
1. Use Out-of-Network Benefits
If you have out-of-network psychotherapy benefits, check whether your EMDR appointments qualify for reimbursement. Resolve provides superbills to eligible clients seeing fully licensed clinicians.
2. Check HSA or FSA Eligibility
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) may be used for eligible medical expenses, including qualifying mental health treatment.
Ask your plan administrator whether your EMDR sessions qualify and what documentation you'll need to retain.
3. Compare Standard Appointments and EMDR Intensives
Standard EMDR appointments spread treatment across shorter visits, while intensives provide longer blocks of treatment time. Your therapist can discuss which schedule suits your clinical needs and budget.
4. Discuss Appointment Length and Frequency
Your treatment schedule affects your overall costs. Ask your therapist about the expected appointment frequency, session duration, and when your treatment plan will be reviewed.
You can also contact our team to discuss fees for different appointment lengths.
Is EMDR Worth the Cost?
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy recommended for PTSD by major clinical guidelines. The VA National Center for PTSD recognizes EMDR as an effective trauma-focused treatment, and the EMDR International Association provides additional research and professional resources.
When deciding whether EMDR is worth the cost, consider how your symptoms affect your daily life, what you hope to achieve through treatment, and the financial commitment involved. Your therapist can discuss the treatment plan and review your progress as therapy continues.
Learn more about our EMDR therapy services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TennCare Cover EMDR?
TennCare covers medically necessary behavioral health services, including eligible outpatient psychotherapy. EMDR-specific coverage depends on your managed care plan, treatment requirements, and participating provider.
Contact your TennCare plan to ask whether EMDR is covered, whether authorization is required, and which providers participate in your network.
You can also review the official TennCare website.
Resolve doesn't accept TennCare directly.
How Many EMDR Sessions Will I Need?
The number of EMDR sessions depends on your symptoms, trauma history, treatment goals, and response to therapy.
Some people complete treatment over a shorter period, while others need more time for preparation and processing.
Your clinician can recommend an initial treatment plan and review your progress throughout therapy. The number and length of appointments will also affect your total treatment cost.
Can I Use an HSA for EMDR?
HSA funds may be used for eligible psychotherapy expenses, including EMDR provided for qualifying medical treatment.
Eligibility depends on the nature of the service and applicable tax requirements. Check with your HSA administrator or tax adviser before using the funds.
Keep your appointment receipts and relevant documentation for your records.
Is Online EMDR Covered by Insurance?
Some health insurance plans cover EMDR delivered through telehealth as outpatient psychotherapy. Coverage depends on your policy, provider network, and billing requirements.
Resolve offers online counseling throughout Tennessee. Your therapist can discuss whether virtual EMDR is appropriate for your needs.
Check your telehealth benefits and any applicable out-of-network reimbursement requirements before scheduling.
Is EMDR Billed Differently From Talk Therapy?
EMDR is generally billed using standard psychotherapy codes rather than a separate billing code specific to EMDR.
Billing may vary based on session length, clinician credentials, and services provided. Your insurer can explain which psychotherapy codes are eligible for coverage and whether authorization is required.
Can You Get EMDR Therapy for Free?
Free or reduced-cost EMDR may be available through certain community mental health programs, nonprofit organizations, training clinics, or publicly funded treatment services.
Availability depends on the provider, eligibility requirements, and whether trained EMDR clinicians are available.
Resolve offers a free 15-minute consultation. Therapy appointments are billed according to the practice's rates.
What Qualifies You for EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is commonly used to treat PTSD and other trauma-related concerns.
A qualified clinician assesses your symptoms, treatment history, current circumstances, and readiness to determine whether EMDR is suitable.
Your insurer may separately require a qualifying diagnosis and evidence that treatment meets its medical-necessity criteria.
Why Can EMDR Therapy Be Expensive?
EMDR fees depend on clinician qualifications, experience, specialized training, and appointment duration.
Extended sessions and intensives may have higher individual costs because they involve longer treatment blocks.
At Resolve, general therapy fees vary by clinician, while EMDR intensives cost $225 per hour. Ask about the expected treatment format and session fees when scheduling.
Talk With Resolve About EMDR
Resolve Counseling Group offers in-person EMDR therapy in Murfreesboro, including services for clients traveling from Smyrna and La Vergne.
Our founder, Missy Loftis, LMFT, is an EMDR Certified Therapist. Our team can answer questions about clinician availability, session fees, and payment arrangements.
Book your free 15-minute consultation or call 615.900.4008.
You can also read more about our EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives.
