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1,566 people sought EMDR therapy help in Pennsylvania 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 65 therapists in Pennsylvania 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA, 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.

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 Pittsburgh therapists and counselors accept 31 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Geisinger Health Plan

  • Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Pittsburgh
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
Read more Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
Pamela Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh is near Wood Street and Fourth Street. Our office is near University Center, and across the street from Madarin Gourmet.

Phone number

(412) 668-1226

Languages spoken by PA providers

  • Russian
  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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