A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements or other side-to-side stimulation to help you process traumatic memories and reduce the distress they cause.
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board · Reviewed November 24, 2025
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The full guide below has the details.
About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)How many people in 100 notice each one in clinical studies. Many early side effects fade within a few weeks.
Dissociation if unprepared or unsupported
Thoughts of suicide? Call or text 988, any time.
Everything we know about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), section by section.
14 chapters · about 14 min to read it all. Open any one.
Frequency: Typically once or twice per week.
Duration: 6–12 sessions for single-incident trauma; longer for complex trauma.
Total Treatment Time: Variable, often 2–4 months.
Review symptoms and establish target memory.
Guided recall of traumatic event with bilateral stimulation.
Debriefing, coping strategy reinforcement, planning next target.
typical session cost: $100–$200
total treatment cost: Typically $1,200–$2,500 depending on duration
insurance coverage: Often covered under mental health benefits for PTSD
cost effectiveness: Considered cost-effective compared to long-term supportive therapy for trauma
May not be suitable for people with unstable mental health conditions or strong dissociation unless they first work on stabilizing.
This treatment information is for educational purposes only. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals based on individual circumstances, symptoms, and medical history. Do not attempt treatment without professional guidance.
Thinking about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)? A prescriber can tell you if it fits.
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