What is EMDR?
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in the early 1980s by Francine Shapiro. The acronym stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The reference to ‘eye movements’ refers to the moving of the eyes back and forth (left and right) during the processing of a traumatic memory. While eye movements were the first form of bilateral stimulation to be studied, there are other forms that may be as effective, or more effective with some individuals.

Although relatively new (when compared with psychoanalysis for example) EMDR is well-researched, efficacious, and is considered by most health insurance companies to be a “best practice” for the treatment of trauma, including those associated with a diagnosis of PTSD

What does it cost? Can I use my health insurance?
Although the ideal EMDR session lasts 90 minutes, it is possible for a therapist trained in EMDR to utilize this effective approach in session lengths that meet the requirements of most health insurance plans. Generally speaking, health insurance permits sessions that are 45 minutes in length or 53-60 minutes in length. If your therapist determines that you are capable of processing traumatic material and then returning to a calm and safe state within the 53-60 minute time frame, it will be possible to use health insurance for EMDR sessions.

 When health insurance is used, the health insurance company sets the rate for the session as well as the client’s portion of that payment, in the form of a copayment, coinsurance payment, or payment toward deductible. While a single traumatic event may be processed in just a few sessions, clients who experienced prolonged trauma or repeated trauma may require much longer treatment. Clients should expect a minimum of eight sessions, but many clients continue treatment for a year or more.

At Alamo Heights Counseling, we’ve made it our practice to join all major health insurance networks as participating providers.

Our hourly rate is $175.00 per hour for LPCs, LMFTs, and LCSWs, but your health insurance or EAP may have negotiate a lower rate, so if you are an insurance client, please call us to find out what your cost will be.

Our hourly rate for LPC Associates and LMFT Associates is a sliding scale from $50.00 to $100. Unfortunately, Associate counselors and therapists are unable to accept health insurance in Texas, with the exception of Cigna/Evernorth when the Associate’s clinical Supervisor is in the Cigna/Evernorth network.

Our hourly rate for Interns and Practicum Students is a sliding scale from $ 0.00 to $50.00 and is subject to availability. Please call to find out if you qualify for no-cost services.