Private EMDR therapy in the UK commonly costs around £70 to £150 per session, although prices vary considerably depending on where you live, the therapist's experience and whether the appointment lasts 50, 60 or 90 minutes.
Longer EMDR processing sessions can cost £120 to £200 or more, while highly experienced trauma specialists and central London practices may charge considerably above the national average.
The price per appointment is only part of the calculation. EMDR is usually delivered as a course of treatment rather than as a single session, so somebody paying £100 per appointment could easily spend £800 to £1,200 across eight to twelve sessions.
People with complex trauma or several traumatic experiences may need longer treatment.
This guide explains current private EMDR therapy costs in the UK, how many sessions you may need, whether 60- or 90-minute appointments offer better value, what private health insurance may cover and when EMDR may be available through the NHS.
How Much Does Private EMDR Therapy Cost in the UK?
There is no regulated national fee for private EMDR therapy.
Looking across current UK therapists and clinics, a useful budgeting range is approximately:
| EMDR service | Typical private cost |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation or assessment | About £60–£150 |
| 50–60 minute EMDR session | About £70–£150 |
| 75–90 minute EMDR session | About £100–£200+ |
| 8 sessions at £90 each | About £720 |
| 12 sessions at £100 each | About £1,200 |
| Specialist London EMDR | Can exceed £150 per session |
These are broad private-pay estimates rather than fixed fees.
For example, current therapists listed in London advertise EMDR at around £80 for 60 minutes and £120 for 90 minutes at the lower end, while other practices charge around £120–£150 for a standard EMDR session. Some specialist trauma therapists charge around £180 for a shorter session and £250 for an extended session.
Our broader guide to private therapy costs in the UK explains how EMDR compares with counselling, psychotherapy and other forms of therapy.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.
It is a psychological therapy best known for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms.
During EMDR, the therapist helps you work with distressing memories while using bilateral stimulation. This often involves guided eye movements, although alternating taps or sounds can also be used.
The aim is not to erase the memory. Instead, treatment aims to reduce the intense emotional and physical distress linked to it and help the memory become less disruptive.
The EMDR Association UK explains that EMDR is used to help people recover from distressing events that have led to problems such as flashbacks, upsetting images, anxiety and depression.
EMDR is particularly well established for PTSD. NICE recommends EMDR for adults with PTSD or clinically important PTSD symptoms in several circumstances, including people presenting more than three months after non-combat-related trauma.
That does not mean EMDR is automatically the right treatment for every person who has experienced something difficult. A proper assessment should come first.
How Many EMDR Sessions Will You Need?
This is one of the biggest factors affecting the final cost.
NICE says that EMDR for adults with PTSD is typically provided over 8 to 12 sessions, although more sessions may be clinically appropriate when someone has experienced multiple traumas.
Someone working on one relatively contained traumatic event may therefore need a shorter course than somebody who has experienced repeated trauma over many years.
For example:
If your therapist charges £90 per session:
- 6 sessions would cost about £540;
- 8 sessions would cost about £720;
- 12 sessions would cost about £1,080;
- 20 sessions would cost about £1,800.
At £120 per session:
- 8 sessions would cost about £960;
- 12 sessions would cost about £1,440;
- 20 sessions would cost about £2,400.
This illustrates why asking only for the price of one EMDR appointment can be misleading.
Ask the therapist what kind of treatment length they would tentatively expect after your initial assessment, while remembering that no ethical therapist should guarantee an exact number of sessions before seeing how treatment progresses.
Why Are Some EMDR Sessions 90 Minutes Long?
EMDR does not always fit neatly into a traditional 50-minute counselling appointment.
A session may involve checking how you are feeling, preparing for trauma processing, working with a target memory, using bilateral stimulation and then making sure you are sufficiently settled before leaving.
Some therapists therefore offer 75- or 90-minute EMDR appointments.
A typical pricing structure might be:
- £80–£120 for around 60 minutes;
- £120–£180 or more for around 90 minutes.
Longer sessions are not necessarily better for everyone.
Some people tolerate relatively intensive trauma processing well. Others benefit from shorter, more gradual sessions.
Complex trauma, dissociation, emotional regulation difficulties and other mental health conditions may mean more preparation is needed before intensive memory processing begins.
NICE recommends that EMDR should be delivered in phases and should include education about trauma responses, techniques for managing distress and methods for coping with flashbacks.
The cheapest hourly rate should therefore not be the only consideration.
Does the First EMDR Session Cost More?
Sometimes.
Some therapists charge their standard session fee for the initial assessment, while others have a separate assessment price.
A specialist clinic might charge around £100–£150 for assessment before treatment begins.
The first appointment usually involves much more than starting eye movements immediately.
The therapist may ask about:
- what has brought you to therapy;
- your current symptoms;
- traumatic experiences;
- mental health history;
- medication;
- physical health;
- sleep;
- alcohol or drug use;
- risk and safety;
- support available outside therapy.
They will also consider whether EMDR is appropriate and whether some preparation or stabilisation work should happen first.
This can be particularly important when somebody has complex PTSD, significant dissociation or several overlapping mental health difficulties.
If you are unsure what type of professional you need, our guide to psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists explains the differences.
What Makes Private EMDR More Expensive?
Location has an obvious effect.
Therapists working in central London often charge more than therapists working elsewhere in the UK because their room rental and other business costs are higher.
Experience matters too.
A clinician who specialises almost entirely in trauma, complex PTSD and dissociation may charge more than a general therapist who offers EMDR alongside several other forms of therapy.
Other factors that can affect the fee include:
- session length;
- therapist accreditation and professional background;
- in-person versus online treatment;
- evening or weekend appointments;
- clinic location;
- complexity of treatment;
- whether the therapist works with private medical insurers.
A clinical psychologist offering EMDR may also charge more than some counsellors or psychotherapists because of the psychologist's broader clinical training and professional role.
However, price alone does not tell you whether one therapist is more suitable than another.
The important question is whether the therapist is appropriately trained and experienced in treating the problem you need help with.
The EMDR Association UK emphasises the importance of seeing a properly qualified therapist.
Is Online EMDR Cheaper Than Face-to-Face EMDR?
Sometimes, although not always.
Many private EMDR therapists now offer treatment through video appointments.
Online EMDR can use visual cues on a screen, alternating sounds, self-tapping or specialist software for bilateral stimulation.
Some therapists charge slightly less online because they do not need to rent a therapy room. Others use the same fee for online and face-to-face appointments because the therapist's time, training and clinical work are the same.
Online treatment can nevertheless reduce your total cost if it removes:
- travel expenses;
- parking;
- train fares;
- time away from work;
- childcare needed for travel time.
It also widens your choice of therapists. Instead of finding somebody within commuting distance, you may be able to work with an EMDR therapist elsewhere in the UK.
However, online EMDR is not automatically suitable for every person or every clinical situation.
Your therapist should consider privacy, safety, emotional stability and what support is available to you if you become distressed during or after a remote session.
Can You Get EMDR on the NHS?
Yes.
EMDR is an established treatment for PTSD and is used within NHS mental health services.
Access depends on the service available locally and your clinical needs.
For adults in England, NHS Talking Therapies services can provide evidence-based psychological treatment, and some services offer trauma-focused therapy including EMDR for PTSD.
NHS treatment is free.
The main reason people consider private EMDR is often not that the treatment is unavailable on the NHS, but that they want:
- faster access;
- greater choice of therapist;
- evening appointments;
- a particular trauma specialist;
- longer sessions;
- continuity with the same clinician.
Availability varies locally, so it is worth checking NHS options before assuming private treatment is your only route.
You can also read our overview of private mental health care, NHS options and costs.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover EMDR?
It may.
Some private medical insurance policies include outpatient mental health treatment and may cover EMDR where it is clinically appropriate.
However, cover varies considerably between policies.
The therapist may need to be recognised by your insurer, and the insurer may require:
- a GP referral;
- pre-authorisation;
- a recognised diagnosis;
- a therapist with particular professional registration;
- a treatment plan;
- a maximum number of approved sessions.
Do not assume that seeing the word "mental health" in your policy means unlimited therapy sessions are covered.
Ask the insurer how many sessions are authorised and whether there is an excess or outpatient benefit limit.
If the therapist charges £120 per session but your insurer reimburses only £90, you should also establish whether you are expected to pay the difference.
Our guide to private mental health treatment costs in the UK covers insurance and self-pay treatment more broadly.
EMDR vs CBT Cost: Which Is More Expensive?
The cost per session can be quite similar.
Private CBT commonly costs around £60–£150 per session depending on the therapist, location and type of service.
EMDR may be slightly more expensive where the therapist routinely uses longer 75- or 90-minute appointments.
But the total treatment cost depends much more on the number and length of sessions than on the therapy name.
For PTSD, both trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are evidence-based treatments used within UK services.
NICE recommends several trauma-focused psychological interventions depending on the person's circumstances.
The decision should therefore be based primarily on clinical suitability and your preferences rather than simply choosing whichever therapy costs £10 less per appointment.
Our guide to private CBT costs in the UK provides a useful comparison.
How to Choose a Private EMDR Therapist
EMDR is more specialised than ordinary supportive counselling, so it is worth checking the therapist's training rather than simply searching for the cheapest appointment.
Ask what professional body they belong to and what specific EMDR training they have completed.
The EMDR Association UK provides a therapist directory that can help you find EMDR-trained and accredited practitioners.
It can also be useful to ask:
- How much do sessions cost?
- How long is each appointment?
- Is the assessment charged separately?
- Do you regularly treat PTSD or complex trauma?
- Do you offer online and face-to-face sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Do you work with my insurer?
- How do you decide when somebody is ready for trauma processing?
A therapist should be able to explain the process without pressuring you to buy a large course of sessions in advance.
You should also feel able to discuss concerns about pacing. Trauma therapy is not a competition to process difficult memories as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is EMDR therapy per session in the UK?
A typical private EMDR session costs roughly £70–£150. Longer 75- or 90-minute appointments commonly cost around £100–£200 or more. Specialist therapists and central London clinics may charge higher fees.
How much does a full course of EMDR cost?
If you need eight to twelve sessions and pay around £100 per appointment, a course could cost roughly £800–£1,200. More complex trauma may require substantially more treatment, increasing the overall cost.
How many EMDR sessions do you normally need?
NICE says EMDR for adults with PTSD is typically provided over eight to twelve sessions, but additional sessions may be appropriate when someone has experienced multiple traumatic events. Individual treatment length varies.
Can EMDR work in one session?
A single session may be helpful for some people, but EMDR treatment generally involves assessment, preparation, trauma processing and follow-up rather than one isolated appointment. It is not realistic to assume one session will resolve PTSD or complex trauma.
Why does EMDR cost more than normal counselling?
It does not always cost more, but EMDR therapists have additional specialist training and sessions may be longer than a standard 50-minute counselling appointment. Specialist trauma clinicians may also charge higher fees because of their experience and qualifications.
Is 90-minute EMDR better than 60 minutes?
Not necessarily. Longer sessions allow more time for trauma processing and settling at the end of an appointment, but some people benefit from shorter sessions. Your therapist should recommend a format based on your needs rather than automatically using the longest appointment.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. Many UK therapists provide EMDR by video consultation using screen-based bilateral stimulation, sounds or tapping. Remote treatment is suitable for many people but should still involve an assessment of clinical appropriateness and safety.
Is EMDR available free on the NHS?
Yes. EMDR is used within NHS services, particularly for PTSD. Whether it is available through your local service and how quickly you can access it will vary.
Do you need a PTSD diagnosis to have EMDR privately?
Not necessarily. Private therapists may use EMDR for other trauma-related difficulties and some other mental health problems. However, the strongest established guideline support is for PTSD, and a therapist should assess whether EMDR is appropriate for your particular difficulties.
Can EMDR make you feel worse?
Working with traumatic memories can temporarily increase distress, tiredness, vivid dreams or emotional reactions. A trained therapist should prepare you for this, pace treatment appropriately and teach techniques for managing distress between sessions.
Does Bupa or AXA cover EMDR?
Some policies from major UK insurers cover psychological therapy that may include EMDR, but eligibility depends on your specific policy, clinical circumstances and whether the therapist is recognised by the insurer. Obtain authorisation before starting treatment if you expect insurance to pay.
Is EMDR worth paying for privately?
Private treatment can be useful if you want faster access, a particular trauma specialist, longer appointments or more choice over who treats you. However, EMDR is also available through NHS services, so it is worth comparing waiting times, cost and treatment options before deciding.
