Common Questions About EMDR Intensives

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to treat PTSD and trauma related disorders. It uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, touch, or sound to help the brain process and resolve distressing memories. EMDR follows an 8 phase treatment model that addresses issues related to the past, present, and future.

  • EMDR Intensive therapy is an accelerated form of EMDR with 1-5 day sessions to quickly resolve trauma and negative beliefs.

  • Traditional Therapy Sessions

    • 45 to 60 minute sessions

    • Requires ongoing weekly or biweekly appointments, prolonging recovery

    • Limited time to fully process distressing memories

    • Unresolved issues remain between sessions

    • Scheduling constraints and ongoing costs

    EMDR Intensive Healing Programs

    • Extended sessions: 2 to 6 hours per day, lasting 1 to 5 days

    • Faster progress toward therapy goals

    • Accelerated healing—no more lingering distress between sessions

    • Eliminates the stress of ongoing scheduling

    • One-time fee rather than continuous payments. Item description

  • No, insurance does not cover EMDR Intensive Programs. They are self-pay only, but HSA and FSA payments are accepted. Payments can be made using debit cards, credit cards, or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards through our HIPAA-secure practice management system.

    However, insurance is accepted for traditional psychotherapy.

    Insurances Accepted:

    Quest Behavioral Health

    Highmark

    Capital Blue Cross

    UPMC

    • Mini Intensive (2 hours)- $430

    • Half Day (3 hours)- $645

    • Full Day (6 hours)-$1,290

    EMDR Intensives are self-pay and not billed to insurance. Payments can be made using debit cards, credit cards, or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards through our HIPAA-secure practice management system.

  • EMDR Intensive Therapy is effective for individuals with ongoing or recent traumatic stress, PTSD, anxiety, and early life trauma, providing rapid relief and resolution.

    EMDR Intensives Are a Good Fit If:

    ·       You feel stuck in therapy or need faster relief

    ·       Weekly sessions haven’t been enough to fully process trauma

    ·       Your schedule makes ongoing therapy difficult

    ·       You experience PTSD, ongoing trauma, or vicarious stress (e.g., first responders, healthcare workers)

    ·       You struggle with persistent negative self-beliefs

    ·       You’re emotionally ready for 1 to 5 days of deep healing work

    ·       You need a post therapy booster session to maintain progress

  • EMDR Intensives May Not Be A Good Fit If:

    ·       You are currently in crisis or an unstable situation

    ·       You struggle with substance abuse

    ·       You experience severe dissociation or distress

    ·       You have conditions like hallucinations that require ongoing clinical care

    ·       You are not ready to process distressing events

  • EMDR Intensive Programs are structured for rapid relief. Sessions can last several hours to days with breaks to ensure comfort.

  • EMDR Intensive Therapy produces lasting results, with research showing sustained improvements in overall well-being.

  • For immediate mental health support or a crisis, call 911, text “home” to 741741, or visit the emergency room. EMDR Intensives are for post-traumatic stress, not emergency intervention.