Does Insurance Cover EMDR Therapy?
March 2026 · By Sherly Millan, LICSW
One of the most common questions we get from clients is is EMDR covered by insurance — and honestly, it's usually the first hurdle people want to clear. The short answer is yes. EMDR therapy is generally covered by health insurance when provided by a licensed mental health professional billing for psychotherapy services. Insurance companies do not pay specifically for EMDR as a technique, but they do cover the underlying therapy sessions.
At EMDR Unlocked, we are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS), Aetna, Cigna / Evernorth, MassHealth (Medicaid), UnitedHealthcare (including Medicare Advantage, OneCare, Senior Care Options, Community Plan, and ConnectorCare through Optum), Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Mass General Brigham Health Plan. Coverage depends on your specific plan and benefits. Have specific questions about UnitedHealthcare or Cigna / Evernorth? See our UHC coverage FAQ or the Cigna / Evernorth coverage FAQ on the insurance page.
The most important step is to call the member services number on your insurance card and ask: "Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits, and what is my deductible and copay?"
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Coverage
In-network coverage means we bill your insurer directly. You pay a copay or coinsurance based on your plan. This is the most affordable option if your insurer is in our credentialed network.
Out-of-network benefits allow you to see a therapist outside your insurer's network. We can provide a superbill — an itemized receipt — that you submit to your insurer for partial reimbursement.
"Most clients are surprised to find that their insurance covers significantly more of their EMDR therapy than they expected."
Even with a deductible, many clients find that their out-of-pocket costs are manageable — especially when they weigh the long-term cost of untreated trauma.
How to Check Your Benefits
Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Ask about mental health benefits, your deductible status, and whether telehealth therapy is covered. Confirm the CPT codes typically used: 90837 (60-min therapy) and 90834 (45-min therapy).
If you are uninsured or underinsured, ask about our sliding scale fee options. We believe that financial barriers should not prevent access to quality trauma care.
References
- American Psychological Association: Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Services
- Massachusetts Division of Insurance: Mental Health Parity Guidelines
