EMDR Therapy in Orlando: Costs, Insurance, and Who It’s Right For
EMDR Therapy in Orlando: Costs, Insurance, and Who It’s Right For
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
You’ve heard about EMDR therapy, and you’re wondering if it might be right for you. You want to feel informed before reaching out to a therapist, and you should be. People often have many questions about EMDR therapy when they call our practice. For example, what does it cost, is it covered by insurance, what does EMDR treat, and who might not be a good candidate? In this article, I will walk through each of these questions and more to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and while that term can sound intimidating, let me break down what it really means. EMDR is a mind-body-brain therapy that heals at the root level.
EMDR therapy works by helping the brain and body heal at a deep level. When a disturbing event happens that overwhelms the brain or body’s capacity to cope, fragments of the experience can get stored in both places. If this is left unhealed, then over time, whenever something reminds you, either consciously or subconsciously, of that original event, your brain and body may start to respond as if the past is happening all over again.
People often have many questions about EMDR therapy. For example, what does it cost, is it covered by insurance, who is a good candidate, and who might not be a good candidate. In this article, I will walk through each of these questions to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
In this blog post, I will cover some of the most commonly asked questions so you can have clarity in deciding whether EMDR therapy is right for you.
Does EMDR Therapy Really Work?
Yes! At Mindful Living Counseling, we have seen clients with debilitating PTSD and trauma symptoms improve so much that their symptoms no longer qualify as PTSD. We have also worked with clients who had phobias, such as a fear of flying or difficulty driving, and through EMDR, they were able to return to vacationing and driving with confidence. We have also seen clients with ongoing chronic health conditions reduce their stress levels so significantly through EMDR that their overall health improved. A simple Google search for “what is the effectiveness of EMDR therapy” will yield plenty of research-based evidence for anyone who is skeptical.
At Mindful Living Counseling, we have used EMDR to treat many issues:
Stress Related to Chronic Health Conditions
Who Is EMDR Not Recommended For?
EMDR therapy is not recommended for individuals with seizure disorders, those who are newly sober or who are actively engaging in substance abuse, those who are highly dissociative, or people living in unstable or volatile situations. At Mindful Living Counseling, we suggest working with an experienced EMDR therapist who can provide a full assessment of your readiness for EMDR.
Substance Use Disorders
EMDR therapists who treat individuals with substance use disorders use caution before moving into the standard protocol. This is because EMDR processing can trigger a relapse for people who are early in recovery. Exploring traumatic memories can be especially overwhelming during this stage, and without enough stability, the process may increase the risk of relapse. For this reason, EMDR is typically introduced only once someone has built a stronger foundation in their recovery.
Seizure Disorders
For individuals who have a seizure disorder, EMDR therapists will use caution or avoid EMDR therapy altogether. The bilateral stimulation, which involves back-and-forth taps, tones, or eye movements, can sometimes trigger a seizure.
Dissociation and Complex Trauma
For some individuals with a complex trauma history, there is a higher likelihood of experiencing dissociation. A trained EMDR therapist will modify the approach so that EMDR can be used safely and effectively with clients who tend to dissociate.
Volatile or Unstable Home Environments
EMDR is not recommended for individuals who do not have a safe and stable home environment. Processing can bring up intense emotional reactions, and it is very important that clients have a supportive setting where they can feel grounded outside of sessions. Living in an unsafe or unstable environment can keep the nervous system in a constant state of dysregulation, which makes it difficult to move forward with EMDR therapy safely.
Readiness for EMDR Therapy
At Mindful Living Counseling, we provide a full assessment for each of our clients to determine their readiness for EMDR Therapy. EMDR therapists always consider this one question: Does the client have the capacity to feel a little worse before feeling better? If the question is no, we slow down and help the client become more grounded. This could be providing tools to help regulate their nervous system or exploring what life circumstances can be changed so that they can have more stability.
What Are the Costs of EMDR Therapy?
The cost of EMDR therapy usually ranges from $100 to $300 per 50-minute session. The cost can vary depending on the therapist’s certification, experience, and additional training. Certified and highly trained therapists often have higher rates. It is important to ask these questions when exploring the cost of EMDR therapy with your therapist so you understand what factors may influence their fees.
Is EMDR Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Yes, if your insurance plan covers mental health counseling, then EMDR therapy is generally covered.
It is important to ask your EMDR therapist if they accept your specific insurance plan. If the therapist does not accept your insurance, you will need to explore your out-of-network benefits. In that case, you would pay out of pocket for therapy, and your insurance company may reimburse you depending on your coverage. For more on using your out-of-network benefits, click here.
At Mindful Living Counseling, we are considered out of network with insurance companies. However, we can help determine what your out-of-network benefits are. We also provide a service that submits superbills for you, making it much easier to use your out-of-network benefits.
Ready to Start EMDR Therapy Orlando?
If you are ready to put the past behind you so that you can fully show up to your life now, reach out to us. We are here to walk with you on your healing journey.
Fill out our New Client Consultation form here.
Once you complete the form, you’ll be invited to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our EMDR therapists.
Get ready to start your healing journey!
Not Quite Ready for EMDR Therapy?
At Mindful Living Counseling, we understand how difficult it can be to carry the weight of past experiences. You don’t have to work through it on your own. While you consider taking the next step, we invite you to explore the blogs below to learn more about EMDR Therapy and how it may support your healing journey.
EMDR Therapy Orlando Resources
Why Weekly EMDR Therapy Sessions Are Essential for Lasting Change
EMDR Therapy for Trauma-Related Brain Injuries
EMDR Therapy Orlando for a Recent Trauma
Orlando Therapist Explains How EMDR Therapy Works
Orlando Therapist Explains What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
Orlando Therapist Answers the Question - What is EMDR Therapy?
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
Types of Counseling: What is EMDR?
A video by VEN EMDR About How EMDR Works
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando
At Mindful Living Counseling, we offer a variety of therapy services! Our therapeutic options include EMDR Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, Teen Therapy, and Toxic Relationship Therapy. Additionally, we provide Guided Meditations for our clients!
Anxiety Therapist Lauran Hahn
Lauran Hahn is an Orlando therapist who specializes in supporting clients dealing with anxiety and trauma. She holds certifications as both a Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and an EMDR Therapist, and she is recognized as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Lauran aims to help individuals cultivate a sense of calm in their bodies, achieve mental peace, and foster connections in their relationships.