Does Insurance Cover EMDR Therapy in Washington
Good news: EMDR therapy is typically covered by insurance in Washington State just like any other form of psychotherapy. As a certified EMDR therapist in Seattle, I'll explain exactly how insurance coverage works for EMDR, what to ask your insurance company, and how to maximize your benefits for trauma treatment.
The Simple Answer: Yes, Usually
Why EMDR Is Covered
Insurance companies cover EMDR because:
It's an evidence-based treatment
Recognized by major health organizations
Standard psychotherapy billing codes
Proven effective for covered conditions
Cost-effective treatment option
EMDR isn't considered "experimental" or "alternative"—it's mainstream psychotherapy.
Same Coverage as Regular Therapy
Important Point: Insurance companies don't typically distinguish between therapy types. They cover:
The provider (must be licensed)
The diagnosis (must be covered)
The service (psychotherapy)
Not the specific technique
This means your EMDR sessions are billed and covered exactly like traditional talk therapy.
How EMDR Coverage Works
What Insurance Sees
When I provide a superbill for EMDR, it shows:
Standard psychotherapy CPT codes (90834 or 90837)
Your diagnosis (like PTSD, anxiety, depression)
My credentials as licensed therapist
Date and length of service
There's no special "EMDR code" that might trigger coverage issues.
Coverage Depends On
Your Plan Type:
PPO: Usually best coverage, out-of-network benefits
HMO: In-network providers only typically
EPO: Limited out-of-network coverage
POS: Combination features
Your Benefits:
Mental health coverage included?
Deductible met?
Session limits?
Prior authorization required?
Not the Type of Therapy:
EMDR = covered
CBT = covered
Psychodynamic = covered
All legitimate therapy = covered
Washington Insurance Specifics
Major Insurers in Washington
Premera Blue Cross
Widely accepted
Good mental health benefits
EMDR covered as psychotherapy
Many have out-of-network benefits
Regence BlueShield
Common in Seattle area
Mental health parity laws apply
No special EMDR restrictions
Standard therapy coverage
Kaiser Washington
Must use Kaiser therapists typically
EMDR covered if provided
Some out-of-network exceptions
Check your specific plan
Molina Healthcare
Apple Health (Medicaid) included
Covers EMDR for appropriate diagnoses
Provider must accept Medicaid
No special restrictions
United Healthcare
Good mental health coverage typically
EMDR included in psychotherapy
Check out-of-network benefits
No prior authorization usually
Washington State Laws Help
Mental Health Parity Act
Insurance must cover mental health equally
Can't have stricter limits than medical
Applies to most plans
Protects your access
State Regulations
Protect access to evidence-based treatments
EMDR clearly qualifies
Can't exclude specific therapies
Must cover appropriate care
What to Ask Your Insurance
Key Questions About EMDR Coverage
Call your insurance and ask:
"Do you cover outpatient mental health services?" (If yes, EMDR is included)
"What are my mental health benefits?"
In-network vs. out-of-network
Deductible amounts
Copay or coinsurance
Session limits annually
"Do you cover treatment for [your diagnosis]?"
PTSD
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Adjustment disorders
"Do I need prior authorization?" (Usually not for outpatient therapy)
"Are there any excluded treatments?" (EMDR shouldn't be listed)
What NOT to Ask
Avoid these questions that might confuse:
"Do you cover EMDR specifically?"
"Is EMDR experimental?"
"Do I need special approval for EMDR?"
These might prompt unnecessary scrutiny. Remember: EMDR is just psychotherapy.
Diagnoses Covered for EMDR
Commonly Covered Conditions
Insurance typically covers EMDR for:
Trauma-Related:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Acute Stress Disorder
Adjustment Disorders
Complicated Grief
Anxiety Disorders:
Generalized Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Specific Phobias
Social Anxiety
Mood Disorders:
Major Depression
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Bipolar Disorder (adjunct)
Other Conditions:
Some chronic pain (trauma-related)
Some addiction (with trauma component)
Certain behavioral issues
Getting Coverage Approved
To ensure coverage:
Have qualifying diagnosis
See licensed therapist
Follow plan requirements
Submit claims properly
Appeal if denied
Using Your Benefits with Me
As an Out-of-Network Provider
While I don't contract with insurance:
You likely have out-of-network benefits
I provide detailed superbills
You submit for reimbursement
Often get 60-80% back
Maximizing EMDR Coverage
Strategy for Best Coverage:
Verify your benefits before starting
Understand your deductible
Plan treatment timing
Submit claims promptly
Track reimbursements
Example Scenario:
My fee: $250/session
Your plan covers: 70% after $500 deductible
Your cost after deductible: $75/session
EMDR treatment: Same coverage as any therapy
Common Coverage Concerns
"What If They Don't Cover EMDR?"
This is extremely rare because:
EMDR isn't billed separately
It's standard psychotherapy
Evidence-based treatment
Widely accepted
If issues arise:
Appeal with research support
Provide EMDR endorsements
Work with patient advocate
Consider different billing approach
"Will They Limit My Sessions?"
Some plans have session limits:
Often 20-50 sessions annually
EMDR counts same as any therapy
Can appeal for more if needed
Medical necessity determines
"Do I Need Special Authorization?"
Typically no:
Outpatient therapy rarely requires
EMDR isn't flagged differently
Standard therapy authorization applies
Check your specific plan
Cost-Benefit of EMDR
Why Insurers Like EMDR
Insurance companies actually benefit from covering EMDR:
Often fewer total sessions needed
Reduces long-term costs
Prevents chronic conditions
Evidence-based outcomes
Lower relapse rates
Your Financial Benefit
EMDR can be cost-effective:
Faster results than traditional therapy
Fewer total sessions
Reduced medication needs potentially
Prevent costly complications
Return to functioning quicker
Special Situations
Workers' Compensation
If trauma is work-related:
L&I covers EMDR
No questions about type
Focus on returning to work
Often preferred treatment
Auto Accidents
Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
Covers accident-related trauma
EMDR commonly approved
Effective for accident PTSD
No special restrictions
Crime Victims Compensation
Washington State program:
Covers therapy for crime victims
EMDR included
Application process required
Can cover full cost
Documentation for Coverage
What I Provide
Every superbill includes:
Service date
CPT codes (standard therapy)
Diagnosis codes
Session length
My credentials
Everything insurance needs
Keeping Records
Save all:
Superbills
Insurance correspondence
Reimbursement checks
Claim numbers
Appeals if needed
The Bottom Line
EMDR therapy is covered by insurance in Washington just like any other psychotherapy. Don't let coverage concerns prevent you from getting this effective treatment. Your insurance covers:
The therapeutic service
Not the specific technique
Based on your benefits
For covered diagnoses
Next Steps for Coverage
Call your insurance
Ask about mental health benefits
Don't mention EMDR specifically
Understand your coverage
Schedule consultation with confidence
During our free consultation, we can:
Review your insurance situation
Calculate expected reimbursement
Discuss payment options
Plan your treatment
Address coverage concerns
EMDR is simply effective psychotherapy—and your insurance covers psychotherapy.
