Does Medicare Cover EMDR Therapy?

Creator: Wendy Wisner
Published: 2026-07-27T15:35:11.401Z
Keywords: Therapy

July 27, 2026

Key takeaways

Medicare covers EMDR therapy as part of Part B, which includes outpatient therapy services.
Medicare will cover EMDR therapy as long as the therapist is enrolled in Medicare and submits paperwork showing that the therapy is medically necessary.
Therapists demonstrate medical necessity by billing Medicare for conditions they are treating with EMDR, such as PTSD, trauma, anxiety, or depression.

Yes, Medicare covers EMDR therapy, as long as the therapy is medically necessary and provided by a mental health professional who accepts Medicare.

PTSD and trauma are more common among older adults than many people realize, and EMDR therapy is one of the most effective treatments. But it can be challenging to find EMDR therapy covered by Medicare.
This article covers where to find an EMDR therapist that takes Medicare, how to understand your coverage, and how to get started without any surprise costs.

Medicare & EMDR: the basics

Medicare does pay for EMDR as outpatient therapy for PTSD and trauma covered by Medicare Part B.

Two main criteria must be met for Medicare EMDR coverage to work:

The mental health provider needs to provide documentation that the treatment is medically necessary.
The mental health provider has to participate in the Medicare program, and accept new Medicare patients.

The way it works is that Medicare covers the therapy service itself, and the therapist typically bills under a standard psychotherapy code. The therapist bills Medicare based on your symptoms, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, not for the EMDR therapy itself. Then, EMDR is integrated into your therapy sessions if that’s what you and your provider have agreed to move forward with.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare Part B covers outpatient therapy, meaning therapy in a clinic, therapist’s office, or remotely (via telehealth). Once a therapist accepts your Medicare assignment, the patient typically end up paying 20% of the Medicare-approved coverage amount after meeting the Part B deductible.

Medicare Advantage plans also cover psychotherapy, though they often have different rules about copays, prior authorizations, or referrals, and may also draw from a different provider network than original Medicare.

How Medicare coverage for EMDR works

The way medical necessity works in EMDR coverage is that your Medicare-covered therapist will submit documentation to Medicare explaining what condition they are helping to treat. This will demonstrate “medical necessity” to Medicare, so your therapy sessions can be covered.

EMDR is most well known as a treatment for trauma or PTSD. But EMDR can treat many other conditions, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, phobias, grief and loss, addiction, sleep issues, and chronic pain.

Your therapist will decide which condition fits best and use the appropriate Medicare diagnosis code to submit for coverage. These codes are called ICD-10 codes, or patient diagnosis codes. These diagnostic codes usually correspond with mental health conditions listed in the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Once your therapy is approved by Medicare, your therapist can use whatever tools are best suited to treat your symptoms. EMDR is a highly effective treatment for many conditions, but it’s not the only one. Many therapists use a combination of treatment options. You and your therapist will work together to decide which treatment to use.

What this means in real life

Learning about the ins and outs of Medicare coverage is one thing. But understanding how it works in real life is something else.

Here’s what it’s typically like getting EMDR therapy covered by Medicare:

You’ll contact a Medicare-covered therapist, and ask them if they are accepting new patients, and if they are trained in EMDR therapy.
If they say yes, you can make an appointment with the therapist.
During your first “getting to know you” session, your therapist will get a sense of what mental health challenges you are living with, and will use this information to choose a diagnostic code to send to Medicare so that your care can be deemed “medically necessary” and your care can be covered.
Your provider will submit required documentation to Medicare, and you will continue seeing your therapist, focusing on what whatever treatment options make sense for you, including EMDR therapy if chosen.
Your therapist may need to periodically update Medicare to show that your care is still medically necessary.
As long as your care is shown to be medically necessary, there’s no limit on the number of sessions covered.

Why finding EMDR therapists that accept Medicare can be difficult

If you’re finding it challenging to find an EMDR therapist who accepts Medicare, you aren’t alone. Just because Medicare covers EMDR therapy doesn’t mean qualified therapists are easily accessible to everyone.

There are several reasons why this is the case.

The first reason is that it can be challenging to find mental health providers who are trained in EMDR specifically. Even once you find one, they may not be covered by Medicare. Some EMDR therapists only accept private pay, and aren’t covered by insurance.

Another challenge is that many therapist directories and listings, and even insurance company provider lists, may be out of date. Or, you may find a Medicare-covered therapist on one of these lists, only to discover that they’re not taking new patients.

Finally, while there may be a Medicare-covered EMDR therapist in your state or region, they may be too far from where you live, they may have a long waiting list, or you may find it challenging to travel due to mobility or health issues.

Sailor Health can help you overcome many of these roadblocks. We have a robust directory of therapists who treat trauma and PTSD, many of whom employ EMDR as part of their care plans.

Importantly, all Sailor Health therapists are covered by Medicare – and you don’t have to leave your home in order to receive treatment. Our telehealth therapy sessions take place either by phone or video chat.

How to find an EMDR therapist who accepts Medicare

While finding an EMDR therapist covered by Medicare can be difficult, it’s not impossible.

Here are some tips:

Start with your Medicare plan or Medicare provider directory to find therapists near you.
Contact therapists directly to see if they still accept Medicare, if they are accepting new patients, and whether they are trained in EMDR.
Search an online therapy directory for Medicare-covered therapists who practice EMDR. The EMDR therapist directory at the EMDR International Association is a helpful resource.
Ask for recommendations in local online groups, or from friends and family members.

It can be helpful to have some questions on hand to help you navigate conversations with prospective therapists. Here are some questions to get you started:

“Do you accept my specific Medicare plan?”
“Are you accepting new patients?”
“Do you offer EMDR?”
“Do you provide EMDR virtually?”
“What will my out-of-pocket cost be?”

How Sailor Health makes EMDR and trauma support easier to access

Navigating the paperwork and provider lists to find an EMDR therapist who accepts Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with trauma, anxiety, or grief. But processing these challenges in later life shouldn't be stalled by administrative hurdles. Therapy can provide a safe, structured space to heal, and getting that support may be simpler than you expect.

Sailor Health removes the common barriers to care by bringing mental healthcare directly to your home. Our sessions are available through video or phone calls (including traditional landlines) so you don't have to worry about driving, arranging for transportation, or sitting in waiting rooms. We match you with a therapist based on your specific needs and preferences, and you may be able to begin your first session within 24 hours of signing up.

Importantly, our therapists are experienced older adults themselves. They understand the unique emotional challenges that come with later life, recognize how mental health symptoms can show up differently with age, and expertly tailor evidence-based techniques like EMDR to meet you exactly where you are. Sailor Health works with Medicare to cover up to 100% of costs, and most of our Medicare patients have a $0 copay. If you’re ready to explore how therapy can help you process past experiences and find relief, reach out when you're ready, and we’ll help you take the first step.

EMDR & Medicare FAQ

Is EMDR covered by Medicare Part B?

Yes, EMDR is covered by Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient therapy care.

Does Medicare Advantage cover EMDR therapy?

Most Medicare Advantage plans have EMDR-covered therapists, but it’s important to contact your specific plan to find out more.

Do I need a referral for EMDR therapy with Medicare?

No, you don’t need a referral to receive EMDR therapy with Medicare.

Does Medicare cover virtual EMDR therapy?

Yes, Medicare covers telehealth for psychotherapy, which includes EMDR therapy.

How much does EMDR therapy cost with Medicare?

After meeting your Plan B deductible, you typically have to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Why do some EMDR therapists not accept Medicare?

There are many reasons why a therapist might not accept Medicare, including low reimbursement rates, or preferring the ease of private pay.

What diagnosis do you need for Medicare to cover EMDR?

Your therapist has to pick a diagnosis that has a Medicare ICD-10 code, or patient diagnosis code. For people who are seeking EMDR, this will often look like a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Does EMDR have its own Medicare billing code?

No, it does not. Instead, your therapist will use a code that corresponds to the symptoms you are experiencing (such as trauma or PTSD) which are causing you to seek EMDR therapy.

How many EMDR sessions will Medicare cover?

Medicare doesn’t have an upper limit when it comes to therapy coverage, but the provider may need to periodically submit paperwork proving that the care continues to be medically necessary.