Takeaway: Ready to start EMDR therapy but unsure about logistics like cost? Here, the team at Resilience Counseling & Wellness in Houston breaks down the average cost of EMDR therapy in Texas and shares their insights on why it’s often worth the investment.
If you’ve been wanting to try something other than regular talk therapy so you can finally break free from the weight of trauma and anxiety, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may be next on your list. EMDR is a life-changing treatment to consider and could be the breakthrough you’re looking for. Before you dive in, it’s natural to ask: What’s the price of EMDR therapy in Texas?
At Resilience Counseling & Wellness in Houston, we know that understanding the financial side of therapy can feel overwhelming. Our team of highly trained, licensed therapists specializes in trauma-informed care, EMDR therapy, and comprehensive healing approaches. With years of expertise supporting individuals through trauma, anxiety, and stress, we are committed to providing clear, reliable information to help you make informed decisions.
In this post, we’ll break down the average costs of EMDR therapy across Texas, the factors influencing pricing, insurance, and payment options, and why investing in your mental health is one of the most valuable decisions you can make.
What’s the average cost of EMDR therapy in Texas?
As we’ve mentioned, EMDR is an effective mental health treatment that is used to treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, childhood trauma, and many other mental health issues.
When considering EMDR therapy cost in Texas, on average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 per session, depending largely on where you live. In major metropolitan areas like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, rates tend to be higher due to greater demand, higher living costs, and therapist specialization. For example, sessions in Houston and Dallas tend to lean toward the upper end of the range, while Austin and San Antonio may offer slightly lower prices depending on the provider’s experience and setting.
While the cost of therapy can feel like a major investment, it’s important to remember that EMDR requires specialized training and is considered an evidence-based treatment that often leads to meaningful, lasting change. In the next sections, we’ll dive deeper into what influences the cost and how to find the right therapist for your needs and budget.
| City in Texas | Average Cost of an EMDR Therapy Session |
| Houston | $150-300 |
| Dallas | $150-300 |
| Austin | $140-275 |
| San Antonio | $100-$250 |
Why is EMDR therapy so expensive?
The higher cost of EMDR treatment reflects the extensive training, expertise, and time commitment required to offer this specialized treatment. More specifically, therapists trained in EMDR have invested significant time outside of their normal work schedule to hone their skills, as well as invested thousands of dollars in their EMDR training and consultation so their clients receive the best results from the treatment.
EMDR is not regular talk therapy
EMDR therapy is not a basic counseling service or traditional talk therapy, as it uses bilateral stimulation to reprocess distressing memories or traumatic events and can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for trauma treatment or symptom reduction for other mental health conditions. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based method designed to help individuals heal from trauma, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and emotional distress at a deep neurological level.
EMDR therapists have specialized training and expertise
Therapists offering EMDR have typically undergone costly and time-consuming advanced certification programs, ongoing education, and intensive consultation and supervision to ensure they are providing the safest and most effective care possible. This level of ongoing training and consultation, combined with the emotional complexity of trauma work, contributes to higher session fees.
EMDR sessions can be longer in duration
EMDR therapy sessions are often longer than traditional talk therapy sessions, with some lasting up to 90 minutes or sometimes even longer in a more intensive format. Extended sessions allow additional time for adequate resourcing before the desensitization and reprocessing, the brain adequate time to process traumatic memories, and more time to close up the session so the client ends the process feeling grounded and settled.
While the upfront cost of EMDR therapy in Texas may seem high, the long-term benefits, such as reduced symptoms, improved emotional regulation, and a renewed sense of resilience, make it a truly worthwhile investment in your mental health. Choosing a skilled EMDR therapist can mean faster, more lasting results compared to traditional therapy alone.
Is EMDR therapy usually covered by insurance?
EMDR therapy is often covered by insurance when working with in-network providers, but many EMDR therapists are considered out-of-network providers. This means they are not directly paneled with insurance companies and do not bill insurance on behalf of their clients. Instead, clients typically pay for their EMDR therapy sessions out of pocket upfront, with the potential to seek reimbursement through their insurance provider afterward, depending on their specific plan benefits.
Although some EMDR therapists are in-network with insurance companies, they can be harder to find, especially in larger cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Even when you do find an in-network EMDR therapist, you may face long waitlists — sometimes a month or longer — and limited scheduling options, which can delay access to care. This is one reason why many individuals opt to work with out-of-network EMDR therapists despite the higher upfront cost: it often means faster access to specialized trauma therapy and more flexibility in choosing a therapist who truly fits their needs. Understanding your specific insurance benefits and the true value of EMDR therapy can help you make the best decision for your healing journey.
How else can I pay for EMDR therapy?
If you’re concerned about the cost of EMDR therapy, you’re not alone — and thankfully, there are several alternative ways to make this powerful treatment more accessible. Many communities across Texas offer lower-cost options through nonprofit organizations, mental health centers, or community health clinics. These clinics often provide EMDR therapy at a reduced fee based on your income or offer sliding scale pricing to ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to getting the help you need.
Some private EMDR therapists also offer a sliding scale fee, especially for individuals experiencing financial hardship. It’s worth asking during an initial consultation whether a therapist has flexible payment options or can refer you to a lower-cost provider if needed.
In addition, several nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance specifically for therapy. Exploring these options can help make EMDR therapy more affordable without sacrificing quality. Healing should be accessible — and with the right resources, it can be.
If you’re looking for ways to make EMDR therapy more affordable, several nonprofit organizations and programs can help cover the cost or connect you with low-cost providers. Here are some trusted resources to explore:
Organizations That Help Fund EMDR Therapy
Veteran-Focused Organizations:
- Headstrong Project – Provides free, confidential mental health care, including EMDR therapy, to veterans and their families.
- Veteran Resilience Project – Offers low- or no-cost EMDR therapy to veterans, with a focus on supporting those with PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
Trauma and Survivor Support:
- Beauty After Bruises – Offers financial assistance to survivors of complex trauma seeking specialized treatments like EMDR.
- Give an Hour – Connects individuals (especially veterans, military families, and underserved communities) with therapists offering free or reduced-cost sessions.
Community-Wide and Identity-Focused Programs:
- Open Path Collective – Connects individuals to affordable private practice therapists nationwide, with session rates typically between $40 and $70, including EMDR-trained providers.
- The Loveland Foundation – Provides therapy grants for Black women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals seeking mental health support, including trauma therapy like EMDR.
- Therapy Aid Coalition – Offers free or low-cost mental health support, including trauma-focused therapy, to people impacted by national crises, disasters, or hardships.
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) – Provides financial assistance to Queer and Trans people of color seeking culturally affirming mental health services, including EMDR therapy.
Investing in EMDR therapy at Resilience Counseling & Wellness
At Resilience Counseling & Wellness in Houston, we understand that choosing to invest in EMDR therapy is a courageous step toward healing. Our compassionate, trauma-informed therapists are deeply committed to walking alongside you as you navigate recovery from trauma, chronic stress, and anxiety. We don’t just offer EMDR therapy — we pair it with innovative mind-body approaches like somatic interventions, neurofeedback, and vibroacoustic therapy to create a truly holistic path to healing. Our EMDR therapy rates typically range from $150 to $200 per session, depending on the therapist’s experience and specialization. Although we are an out-of-network provider, we aim to make the process as easy as possible for you. We partner with Thrizer, a platform that allows you to pay just your out-of-network rate upfront — Thrizer handles insurance reimbursement directly, saving you the hassle of paperwork and long waits. We also offer a limited number of sliding scale slots for clients facing financial hardship. At Resilience Counseling & Wellness, we believe that healing should be accessible, compassionate, and transformative — and we are honored to be part of your journey toward resilience and wholeness.
Is EMDR therapy worth it?
As trauma therapists at Resilience Counseling & Wellness, we understand that starting EMDR therapy is an investment, not just financially, but emotionally and mentally, too. In our professional experience and according to a growing body of research, EMDR therapy offers profound and lasting benefits for those struggling with trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress. Here are some of the key benefits to consider when asking if EMDR therapy is worth it:
Faster Symptom Relief Compared to Traditional Talk Therapy
EMDR therapy often leads to noticeable symptom improvement in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy. By directly targeting how trauma is stored in the brain and body, EMDR can help clients process distressing memories more efficiently, allowing for quicker emotional relief. According to the EMDR International Association, many individuals experience significant progress within just 6–12 sessions, depending on the complexity of their trauma (EMDRIA).
Long-Lasting Healing, Not Just Temporary Coping
Unlike therapies that primarily focus on coping strategies, EMDR aims to resolve the root cause of emotional distress. Our experience at Resilience Counseling & Wellness mirrors the research: clients often report that once an issue is processed through EMDR, the emotional charge around it permanently decreases or disappears. This leads to more enduring recovery rather than just symptom management (APA Guidelines for PTSD).
Reduces Physical Symptoms of Trauma
Many clients are surprised to find that after completing EMDR therapy, they experience fewer physical symptoms associated with trauma, such as chronic pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, or gastrointestinal issues. Because EMDR targets the nervous system directly, it helps the body shift out of a constant fight-or-flight state. In our integrative approach, combining EMDR with somatic therapies often magnifies these physical healing benefits.
Builds Emotional Resilience and Empowerment
One of the most rewarding outcomes we see at Resilience Counseling & Wellness is the increase in clients’ emotional resilience. As trauma processing clears old wounds, individuals gain confidence in their ability to handle future stressors. They often report greater emotional regulation, stronger boundaries, and a renewed sense of empowerment in their lives.
Final thoughts
As we’ve explored, EMDR therapy offers a highly effective and efficient path to healing for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Whether you’re seeking quicker relief, long-term emotional healing, or physical symptom reduction, EMDR’s benefits are undeniable. While the cost of therapy can be a concern, there are a variety of options to make EMDR more accessible, including sliding scale fees and funding through organizations.
At Resilience Counseling & Wellness, we’re committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care with a range of innovative therapies to support your mind-body healing journey. We understand that taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but with our expert guidance, you’re not alone.
If you’re ready to experience the transformative benefits of EMDR therapy, reach out to us today. Let’s work together to help you reclaim your resilience and begin your healing process!
