How Much Does EMDR Cost in Boulder, CO?
Takeaway: EMDR is a specialized therapy that can help resolve trauma and emotional distress at the root, often more efficiently than traditional talk therapy. If you’re wondering how much EMDR costs in Boulder, CO, this guide will walk you through what to expect, why the investment varies, and how to make it more accessible.
Looking into EMDR therapy often isn’t your first step—it’s one that comes after a lot of inner work, reflection, or even frustration with other approaches that haven’t brought the change you hoped for, so figuring out the cost shouldn’t add more stress.
That’s why I created this guide: because it’s completely normal to wonder how much EMDR costs in Boulder, CO. Below, I’ll walk you through average rates, what factors influence pricing, how EMDR differs from talk therapy, and what to know about insurance.
Let’s get started.
How much does EMDR therapy typically cost in Boulder, CO?
A session of EMDR therapy typically costs around $185 per session.
Like all mental health services in private practice, EMDR therapists set their own rates, which means costs can vary significantly. That said, I know it’s helpful to have a general idea of what to expect before reaching out.
To give you a clearer picture, I reviewed the rates of several therapists in the Boulder area and compared them to those who specialize in EMDR and offer EMDR intensives, so you have a better understanding of what you might be committing to before starting EMDR.
| Therapy Type | Format | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional talk therapy | 45–60 minutes weekly | $173 per session |
| EMDR therapy | 60–90 minutes weekly | $185 per session |
| EMDR intensives | 3–7 hours (often 2–4 days) | $220 per hour |
Just a quick note: these numbers are general estimates meant to give you a sense of the range. They don’t reflect the exact rates of any one provider. If you’re curious about a specific therapist’s fees, the best step is to reach out to them directly.
Why EMDR therapy may cost more than talk therapy?
If you’ve been comparing rates, you might notice that EMDR sessions can be more expensive than traditional talk therapy, and there’s a good reason for that.
Here are a few key factors that influence the cost:
Specialized training and certification
EMDR therapists complete a rigorous training process that goes well beyond graduate school. This usually includes an EMDRIA-approved basic training (often 50+ hours), supervised practice, and optional certification that involves consultation and evaluation of clinical skills. Not all therapists are trained in EMDR, and that advanced expertise often shows up in the fee.
Ongoing education
Many EMDR providers regularly pursue continuing education in advanced protocols—such as working with attachment trauma, complex PTSD, or dissociation—to meet the needs of more nuanced cases. These trainings require both time and financial investment, which contributes to the overall cost.
Longer sessions than traditional talk therapy
EMDR often requires more time than a standard 50-minute session. Many EMDR sessions run 60–90 minutes to allow for sufficient processing and integration, especially once reprocessing begins. The extended time naturally affects the session rate.
Type of practice setting
Rates can vary depending on where the therapist works. Private practice tends to be more expensive than community clinics or university-based counseling centers, which may offer EMDR at a lower cost—or on a sliding scale—depending on resources and staffing.
Availability of EMDR intensives
In addition to weekly sessions, some therapists offer EMDR intensives—half-day, full-day, or multi-day formats that condense months of therapy into focused blocks. While intensives often involve a higher upfront cost, they’re designed to accelerate healing and minimize the long wait between sessions. These aren’t available in most standard therapy practices and are priced to reflect the intensive preparation and follow-up involved.
So, when wondering about the cost of EMDR, it helps to keep these added layers of care and preparation in mind. You’re not just paying for time; you’re paying for expertise, precision, and a proven method that can rewrite trauma’s impact on your brain. If cost feels steep, remember: this is deep work, and Boulder’s rates reflect that.
How EMDR differs from talk therapy
If you’re familiar with traditional talk therapy, EMDR might feel like a completely different experience—and that’s because it is.
While talk therapy often focuses on gaining insight, exploring patterns, and processing emotions through conversation, EMDR works directly with the brain’s memory and nervous system to resolve stored distress. Rather than retelling your story over and over, EMDR helps you access the original memory networks and reprocess them using a structured, phased approach that includes bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements, tapping, or tones).
Here are a few key differences:
You won’t need to describe every detail of your trauma out loud. EMDR allows your brain and body to do the heavy lifting internally, which can feel safer and more contained for many clients.
EMDR doesn’t just explore why you feel a certain way—it helps your brain resolve how that distress is stored. Many clients report a reduction in emotional intensity and physical reactivity after reprocessing.
Where talk therapy may focus more on thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors, EMDR works directly with the physiological responses tied to trauma, like hypervigilance, numbness, or emotional flooding.
EMDR follows a clear protocol with eight distinct phases, from preparation and resourcing to desensitization and integration. This structure ensures the work is grounded, safe, and personalized to your readiness.
If you’ve ever felt like you understand your patterns intellectually but still feel emotionally stuck, EMDR may offer the more profound shift you’re looking for. It's not better or worse than talk therapy—it’s just a different path that reaches a different layer of healing.
Does insurance cover EMDR therapy?
In many cases, EMDR therapy can be covered by insurance, especially if you're working with a therapist who's in-network and you have a qualifying diagnosis, like PTSD. However, coverage depends largely on the specifics of your plan.
That said, a growing number of EMDR therapists, myself included, choose not to work directly with insurance companies. Going out-of-network gives you more flexibility and choice in who you work with and how your therapy is structured. You’re not limited to a short list of providers, and you’re able to shape your sessions—both in terms of frequency and duration—based on your actual needs, rather than the limitations of your plan.
I also understand that not everyone can comfortably afford therapy out of pocket. To help bridge that gap, I provide clients with a SuperBill—an itemized receipt you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
Since coverage for out-of-network therapy varies widely, it’s a good idea to call your provider and ask about your benefits. Some important questions to ask include: Do you cover out-of-network mental health services? What diagnoses are eligible? And how much can I expect to be reimbursed?
So when considering the pricetag of EMDR, remember that your actual out-of-pocket expense may depend not only on the therapist’s fee, but also on how your insurance handles out-of-network care.
Ways to make EMDR more affordable
Therapy is an investment, and I know cost can be a real barrier for many people. If you're wondering how to make EMDR therapy more financially accessible, here are a few options that might help:
Sliding scale spots
Many EMDR providers, like myself, offer a limited number of sliding scale openings based on financial need. These are designed to make therapy more accessible for clients who might not otherwise be able to afford ongoing care.
Payment plans or package discounts
For clients who want to plan ahead or commit to a series of sessions, some practices will offer pre-paid packages at a reduced rate. Payment plans may also be available to spread out the cost over time—just reach out and talk with the therapist about what works best for you.
Consider EMDR intensives
Ask about EMDR intensives. These are longer, structured sessions that allow for deeper work in a shorter time frame. While the upfront cost may be higher, many clients find that intensives reduce the need for months of weekly therapy, which can make them more cost-effective overall.
When you’re exploring the cost of EMDR, it’s worth asking potential providers what flexibility or options they offer. You might be surprised by what’s possible when you open that conversation.
Why invest in EMDR?
Choosing to invest in therapy—especially a specialized approach like EMDR—isn’t just about the cost per session. It’s about what that investment can open up for you in the long term. Here are some benefits to think about when you’re considering the cost of EMDR:
It targets the root cause, not just the symptoms. EMDR helps you process the original experiences that keep anxiety, fear, or shame stuck in your system. Rather than just managing symptoms, it works to shift how those memories live in your body and mind.
It’s research-backed and proven to be effective. EMDR is one of the most well-researched trauma therapies and is recommended by organizations like the APA and WHO for conditions like PTSD. It’s a structured, evidence-based method with results that tend to stick.
It supports nervous system regulation. EMDR doesn’t just change thoughts—it helps calm the body’s physiological stress response. That means you may feel less reactive, more grounded, and better able to cope in everyday situations.
It creates space for greater clarity and confidence. As distressing memories lose their emotional charge, many people report feeling more in control of their emotions and less weighed down by the past. This often opens up new possibilities for relationships, career, and overall well-being.
The bottom line is that you’re not just paying for sessions. You’re investing in freedom from old triggers, clarity without constantly retelling your story, and a proven method that respects your resilience.
Final thoughts
Starting therapy, especially for trauma, takes courage. And when you’re weighing the cost of EMDR in Boulder, CO., it’s normal to hesitate. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of doing this work: You can’t put a price on your well-being.
While the cost of therapy is an important consideration, so is the potential for real, lasting change. Whether you’re exploring weekly sessions or considering an EMDR intensive, the goal is the same: helping you feel more free, more connected, and more at ease in your life.
Ready to learn more?
If you’re curious about whether EMDR is the right fit for you, I offer a free consultation to answer your questions and talk through your options. You’re welcome to reach out—no pressure, just a chance to connect and see what feels right for your next step.
