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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer EMDR therapy in Austin, TX

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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2,919 people sought EMDR therapy help in Texas in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a EMDR can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 113 therapists in Texas available for an online or in-person session.

Starting EMDR therapy

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on assisting individuals in processing traumatic memories, diminishing their emotional intensity, and facilitating the integration of the traumatic experience into their past, enabling them to progress in their lives. This process follows four steps: history-taking, preparing the client, assessing the target memory, and processing the memory and finding an adaptive resolution. After this, Thriveworks EMDR therapists in Austin will continue to help individuals process the memory and evaluate the results of the treatment to ensure its effectiveness.

Who could benefit from EMDR?

EMDR is primarily employed to aid individuals who have endured trauma, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and who have experienced other distressing life events.

Who should not do EMDR?

EMDR therapy is generally less suitable for individuals currently experiencing acute trauma or those who have not yet acquired fundamental coping and distress tolerance skills. To engage in EMDR therapy effectively, one must possess a certain degree of distress tolerance.

What is the success rate of EMDR therapy?

EMDR tends to be very effective in relieving the negative symptoms associated with trauma. In a study performed by Francine Shapiro called The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine: Addressing the Psychological and Physical Symptoms Stemming from Adverse Life Experiences (2014), results showed that after just three EMDR sessions, 84% of participants reported a remission of PTSD diagnosis. EMDR will often have a higher success rate for survivors of a single traumatic event than for those who have experienced repeated or multiple instances of trauma when EMDR is performed for the same amount of time. This is due to the increased intensity of the trauma and the need to process multiple events.

How much does EMDR therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network. Because of the shorter duration, EMDR services alone can cost less than ongoing therapy.

Is EMDR therapy usually covered by insurance?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, accepting 585+ insurance plans. This means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, we also offer self-pay options for those who are out-of-network.

Is EMDR therapy conducted in person or online?

If you’re looking for EMDR therapists in Austin, TX, you’re in luck. EMDR therapy at Thriveworks can be conducted both in person at one of our many offices around the U.S. and online via remote video conferencing. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions is EMDR usually?

Generally, EMDR is a shorter-term therapy, typically encompassing multiple sessions. While some individuals may make substantial progress within just a few sessions, others may opt for an extended treatment period, particularly if dealing with complex or severe trauma or conditions.

Need more help deciding?

Eye-catching Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization goes Mainstream

It had been almost six months since the accident, and Thomas felt himself getting worse, not better. He could not escape the screeching sound of the tires and shattering glass. He was unable to turn his mind off from the moment the truck slammed into his car. As time passed, his flashbacks and insomnia increased. Thomas, had difficulty driving and remembering where he was going. Thomas sought help with therapist, Dr. Gayle, who specializes in EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR involves a variety of techniques, not only eye movement.

After taking a history, Dr, Gayle handed Thomas two small disks that pulsed in his palms. He also wore headphones that delivered audio tones to alternating ears. The session continued for Thomas to think about images from the accident, and a negative belief he had about himself when he thought about the incident. She also asked him to rate that belief on a scale from 0-10, and how he hoped to transform it. After three sessions, Thomas said, “his panic attacks subsided”.

Where traditional therapies may take months, EMDR takes only a few sessions. EMDR was developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro and recently gained mainstream approval. Shapiro thinks EMDR effects are like that of REM, or rapid eye movement. Researchers say that during REM, the brain consolidates learning and memories; it is also when we dream. In 2004, the American Psychiatric Association and the departments of Veterans Affairs, and Defense have recommended EMDR as a method to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

EMDR sessions look something like this: The client identifies a problem. Then describes how the event creates a belief about the event. The client also states what they hope to believe about themselves in the future. In 15- to 20- second “sets the therapist has the client listen to tones and feel tactile pulses. The client recalls the event, as well as its sights, sounds, and smells. Meanwhile, the therapist continues the “sets.” Clients remain awake and aware. After each set, the therapist asks the client how their perceptions of themselves may have changed. “The client guides you,” said Dr, Gayle, who has used EMDR for several years. “As long as, the process is moving, we continue.”

“Some clients may require only one session of EMDR before finding the memory less disturbing, while others may need more. Three sessions seem to be the average. We schedule three Sessions for $460 (approximately 60-90-minute sessions) for three consecutive weeks. After one session, most people experience a lessening of negative emotions around the event, said Dr. Gayle. Many therapists think EMDR helps the rational left side of the brain to “knit” a disturbing memory from the emotional right side. Millions of people have been treated and research supports the remarkable claims made for EMDR therapy. Please Call Thriveworks and schedule your EMDR session now at 512.649.3050. You can email Dr. Gayle at DrGayle@thriveworks.com.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Austin therapists and counselors accept 43 insurance plans

  • APEX Memorial Hermann

  • ARIA | Covenant Management Systems

  • Aetna

  • Ambetter by Superior Health Plan

  • Auto Club Enterprises (Employers Health Network)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas HMO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Buist Byars and Taylor (Employers Health Network)

  • Carelon

  • Christus Health Plan Exchange

  • Christus Health Plan Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Austin
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

3.7 Thriveworks Austin reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Amazing!!! I am beyond happy with the services provided by Dr. Nunez. She has been so amazing with my children and I am beyond grateful for her and ThriveWorks. I’d recommend her to anyone. She is incredibly talented and listens without judgement. If I could I’d give her a zillion stars for having the most positive, profound impact on our lives!
Read more Amazing!!! I am beyond happy with the services provided by Dr. Nunez. She has been so amazing with my children and I am beyond grateful for her and ThriveWorks. I’d recommend her to anyone. She is incredibly talented and listens without judgement. If I could I’d give her a zillion stars for having the most positive, profound impact on our lives!
West Lake Hills Sep 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I needed someone who was strong, kind, listened and was action oriented who had the experience to deal with the trauma I was struck with when I experienced severe loss of a loved one in 2016. Linda was and is present, intelligent, professional, human, warm and kind and at every session she has offered me practical solutions to face my life and my day to day activities. I highly recommend her. She Is so good it is very hard to get an appointment with her but if you can get one keep it. She is fabulous and will heal your spirit and soul in a safe and loving place. I love her strength more than anything and her optimism that anyone can get to a better place and not be stuck in pain and hopelessness. She is healing my heart and I feel like I have found a person who truly cares. This is a very good place.
Read more I needed someone who was strong, kind, listened and was action oriented who had the experience to deal with the trauma I was struck with when I experienced severe loss of a loved one in 2016. Linda was and is present, intelligent, professional, human, warm and kind and at every session she has offered me practical solutions to face my life and my day to day activities. I highly recommend her. She Is so good it is very hard to get an appointment with her but if you can get one keep it. She is fabulous and will heal your spirit and soul in a safe and loving place. I love her strength more than anything and her optimism that anyone can get to a better place and not be stuck in pain and hopelessness. She is healing my heart and I feel like I have found a person who truly cares. This is a very good place.
West Lake Hills Sep 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am gonna cry as I write this review... I have been working with Linda M. since I was married to my abusive ex husband and through my single time and my time meeting and marrying my current very wonderful husband. She has pushed me to be the very best person I can be and literally saved my life on several occasions. I'm moving to VA so I can't see Linda anymore and I'm telling you, this is my hardest goodbye. This woman is beyond amazing. She has forced me to take a good hard look at myself and work on everything: anxiety, borderline and PTSD to make me be a better person. You CANNOT go wrong with Linda. It's amazing how much one person and one session can change your life. I've tried therapy before, many times, with no luck until I got dragged to Thriveworks by someone close to me who wanted therapy to fix me! Well it didn't "fix me" it made me a totally new person. A happier, more confident person willing to take on the world. I even wanted Linda to come to my wedding, but knew she couldn't as she is very professional and this is against policy. But I would have had her there in a heart beat!
Read more I am gonna cry as I write this review... I have been working with Linda M. since I was married to my abusive ex husband and through my single time and my time meeting and marrying my current very wonderful husband. She has pushed me to be the very best person I can be and literally saved my life on several occasions. I'm moving to VA so I can't see Linda anymore and I'm telling you, this is my hardest goodbye. This woman is beyond amazing. She has forced me to take a good hard look at myself and work on everything: anxiety, borderline and PTSD to make me be a better person. You CANNOT go wrong with Linda. It's amazing how much one person and one session can change your life. I've tried therapy before, many times, with no luck until I got dragged to Thriveworks by someone close to me who wanted therapy to fix me! Well it didn't "fix me" it made me a totally new person. A happier, more confident person willing to take on the world. I even wanted Linda to come to my wedding, but knew she couldn't as she is very professional and this is against policy. But I would have had her there in a heart beat!
West Lake Hills Apr 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The office is quiet and peaceful. It is hard to beat an appointment within 24 hours and no waiting once you get there.
Read more The office is quiet and peaceful. It is hard to beat an appointment within 24 hours and no waiting once you get there.
West Lake Hills Mar 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com
☆☆☆☆
Sadly, I was in at vulnerable time and felt taken advantage of with Lisa. She was late for appointments and cut appointments short with no apology. I had been charged for full appointments. If the patient is late or misses, we are charged regardless of the circumstances. Unfortunately, it doesn't go the other way with the therapists. I felt she was defended by Thriveworks for her actions. I can only hope that for the sake of the patients this will change.
Read more Sadly, I was in at vulnerable time and felt taken advantage of with Lisa. She was late for appointments and cut appointments short with no apology. I had been charged for full appointments. If the patient is late or misses, we are charged regardless of the circumstances. Unfortunately, it doesn't go the other way with the therapists. I felt she was defended by Thriveworks for her actions. I can only hope that for the sake of the patients this will change.
West Lake Hills Jun 2015
Review left on Thriveworks.com
☆☆☆☆
My teenage daughter with diagnosed social anxiety and anxiety and depression was dropped because your counselor could not meet at times that worked for the patient. No other doctor was recommended. A nice note was written but now I’m empty handed with a serious situation. And you all dumped us.
Read more My teenage daughter with diagnosed social anxiety and anxiety and depression was dropped because your counselor could not meet at times that worked for the patient. No other doctor was recommended. A nice note was written but now I’m empty handed with a serious situation. And you all dumped us.
West Lake Hills Apr 2015
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Austin is located in the same building as Detect Lab, Oakin Adams & Kilmer LLP, Actum Processing, MaQro Advisors, Cobalt Group Inc., Tribe Design Group, Virtus Financial Group, and Ecolab. Across the street is Hill Country Animal Hospital. We are near the intersection of Bee Cave Rd and St Stephens School Rd S, which has a Texaco nearby, as well as Rob Roy Chevron and Half Off Fireworks.

Phone number

(512) 601-5098

Languages spoken by TX providers

  • English
  • Spanish
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in CT

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in CT

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