Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a short-term, trauma-focused therapy designed to help individuals process multiple traumatic experiences by constructing a chronological life narrative that integrates traumatic memories into a coherent story.
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board · Reviewed November 24, 2025
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Narrative Exposure Therapy 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.
Re-traumatization if not adequately supported
Thoughts of suicide? Call or text 988, any time.
Everything we know about Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), section by section.
14 chapters · about 14 min to read it all. Open any one.
Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly sessions.
Duration: 8–16 sessions, depending on trauma complexity.
Total Treatment Time: 2–4 months typical.
Check-in, review of emotional stability and safety.
Narrative construction and detailed exploration of traumatic events with therapist support.
Review of progress, grounding exercises, planning for self-care between sessions.
typical session cost: $100–$200
total treatment cost: $800–$3,200 depending on duration and setting
insurance coverage: Often covered under psychotherapy benefits for PTSD
cost effectiveness: Efficient due to short-term duration and strong outcomes in complex trauma
Less studied in single-incident trauma; requires emotional readiness for exposure.
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 Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)? A prescriber can tell you if it fits.
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