How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost in NC?

Takeaway: Understanding the cost of EMDR therapy is an important part of making an informed decision about your mental health care. In this post, I’ll break down what you can expect to pay for EMDR therapy in North Carolina, the factors that influence pricing, and whether it’s worth the investment in your healing journey.

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EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a research-backed therapy approach designed to help people process and heal from trauma, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other overwhelming life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements or tapping) to help the brain “reprocess” painful memories, so they no longer feel as distressing or disruptive.

If you’re considering EMDR treatment, you might also be wondering: How much does EMDR therapy cost? That’s a completely valid question. Starting therapy—especially a specialized form like EMDR—can feel like a big step. If you're exploring your options, it makes sense that you’d want to know what you're stepping into—not just emotionally, but financially, too.

That’s why I created this post. Here, I’ll shed some light on the average price of a therapy session in different areas of North Carolina so you can make an informed decision about your mental health care. We’ll also dive deeper into the “why” behind the cost—and whether the investment may be worth it for you.

What's the Average Cost of EMDR Therapy in NC?

While the exact price can vary depending on several factors (which we’ll cover in the next section), having a general idea of the average EMDR therapy cost in North Carolina can help you plan and feel more confident as you take this step toward healing.

To give you some data to consider, I’ve compiled the average rates of 25 EMDR-trained therapists in some of the major cities across North Carolina.

City in North Carolina	Average cost of EMDR therapy sessions
Charlotte	$158
Raleigh	$146
Greensboro	$145
Durham	$153
Fayetteville	$131

Remember, rates can vary significantly, and these figures don't represent the fees of any one particular provider. They’re averages—offered simply to help you get a general idea of what the cost of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy might look like in your area.

Factors Influencing EMDR Therapy Cost

As you begin exploring your options for EMDR therapy, you might notice that prices can vary quite a bit—from one therapist to another, and even from one city to the next. That’s because EMDR therapy cost isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors can influence how much you might expect to pay per session.

Here are some of the most common reasons costs might differ:

1. Therapist’s Training & Experience

EMDR requires specialized training and certification. Clinicians with advanced expertise—especially those who work with complex trauma—may charge higher rates, reflecting their depth of knowledge and effectiveness.

2. Session Length

While many traditional mental health treatment sessions last around 50 minutes, EMDR sessions are often longer—sometimes 60 to 90 minutes—especially during more intensive phases of treatment. Longer sessions naturally come with higher fees, but they can also offer deeper, focused progress.

3. Practice Setting

Private practice therapists typically set their own rates, which may be different from those working within a group practice, clinic, or larger mental health organization. Private practices often offer more flexibility and personalized care, which may also affect the cost.

4. Location

Where your therapist is located can play a big role in pricing. Therapists in larger cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Asheville may charge more due to higher overhead costs and demand. Rural areas or smaller towns might offer slightly lower rates—but keep in mind, availability can also be more limited in those regions.

5. Virtual vs. In-Person Sessions

Some therapists offer both in-person and online therapy. While virtual sessions can sometimes be more affordable, the EMDR therapy cost is usually consistent across formats. What matters most is finding the option that feels safest and most accessible for you.

Knowing what influences the cost can empower you to ask the right questions, compare options, and make decisions that feel aligned with both your emotional and financial well-being.

Is EMDR Covered by Insurance?

When considering EMDR therapy, one of the most common questions I hear is: "Is EMDR covered by insurance?" It's an important question because while investing in your healing is invaluable, understanding your financial options can make quality care more accessible.

The short answer? It depends. While EMDR is an evidence-based treatment recognized by organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), coverage varies by insurance provider and plan.

Some plans may require that your therapist is in-network, while others offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network services. It’s always a good idea to call your insurance company directly and ask questions like:

• Is EMDR therapy covered under my plan?

• Do I need pre-authorization?

• What is my copay or coinsurance?

• Will I be reimbursed for sessions with an out-of-network provider?

Insurance coverage can feel complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you're unsure about how your benefits apply to EMDR cost, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m happy to guide you through it or answer questions as best I can.

When Insurance Says No

If your plan doesn’t cover EMDR—or if you’d prefer not to use insurance—you can discuss affordable EMDR therapy options by asking about:

• Sliding scale fees: Many EMDR therapists, myself included, offer income-adjusted sliding scale rates to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to care. These flexible pricing options are designed with accessibility in mind, so don’t hesitate to ask about availability. While spots may be limited, we’ll always do our best to find a solution that works for your situation.

• Payment plans: Paying for therapy upfront isn’t feasible for everyone—and that’s okay. Some clients prefer to split their EMDR cost into smaller, manageable payments over time. If this would help you, let’s discuss a plan that aligns with your financial comfort level, no stress or judgment.

• HSAs/FSAs: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are often underutilized for mental health care. These pre-tax funds can typically be used for EMDR therapy, making your out-of-pocket expenses more manageable. Check with your provider to confirm eligibility, but many clients find this a helpful way to offset costs.

Paying for EMDR Therapy at SJT Therapy

I’ve chosen to be an out-of-network provider for EMDR therapy, and I want to take a moment to explain why—and how that choice can actually benefit you. While insurance can be helpful for some, working outside of insurance offers more flexibility, privacy, and personalization—especially for trauma-focused work like EMDR.

More Privacy for Your Healing Journey

There’s absolutely no shame in seeking support. But when you're doing deep, sensitive trauma work, privacy matters. Choosing private pay means your personal history and therapy details stay between us—there’s no need to share anything with your insurance company unless you choose to.

Therapy Designed for You, Not Insurance Rules

Insurance companies often limit:

• Session length (EMDR sometimes needs 90-minute slots for deeper work).

• Number of sessions (even if you need more time to heal).

• Treatment methods (they may favor cheaper, less specialized options).

EMDR doesn't always fit neatly into those boxes. Working together without insurance allows us to tailor the process to your needs, not a policy’s limitations.

No Diagnosis Required

In order to bill insurance, I’d be required to assign a mental health diagnosis. But not everyone who seeks EMDR therapy has—or wants—a formal diagnosis. Maybe you’ve experienced something difficult and want support processing it. That’s valid. Private pay means we can focus on your growth and healing, without needing to define you by a label first.

Is EMDR Therapy Worth the Investment?

The cost of EMDR therapy can certainly feel like a significant investment. But when you consider the lasting benefits it offers, many find that it’s more than worth the cost. So, is EMDR therapy worth it?

Let’s break it down:

• Fast and Effective Results: Research shows EMDR can be more rapid and more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, with a 77-90% success rate for single-trauma PTSD.

• Lasting Change: Processes trauma at the root rather than just managing symptoms. Clients often report permanent resolution of triggers and flashbacks.

• Whole-Person Healing: Improves sleep, relationships, and daily functioning. Reduces physical symptoms of trauma (like chronic pain or tension).

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of the benefits, as each person is unique. If you're not sure if EMDR is right for you, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.

Take the Next Step in Your Healing Journey

Deciding to begin therapy is a big decision, and it’s perfectly normal to want to understand the cost of EMDR therapy before moving forward. Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, or simply looking to process difficult emotions, EMDR can be a transformative tool in your healing journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to help. I offer a safe, supportive environment where you can begin processing and healing at your own pace. If you have any questions about pricing, what to expect in an EMDR session, or how to determine if this therapy is the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to chat with you about your goals, explore how EMDR could benefit you, and guide you through the process.

You deserve to feel supported, empowered, and confident in your mental health care. Let’s work together to find the path that best supports you.

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