How to Find a Certified EMDR Therapist

Experienced male therapist welcoming a new client into his counseling office for an initial consultation.

Finding the right EMDR therapist can make a real difference in your treatment experience. But how do you know whether someone is properly qualified? And what’s the difference between a therapist who has completed EMDR training and one who holds formal certification?

I’m Mark Odland, founder of Lion Counseling, an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant with over 20 years of counseling experience and more than 15,000 therapy sessions conducted.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to find a certified EMDR therapist, what qualifications to look for, and the questions I recommend asking before choosing someone to work with.

Table Of Contents:

EMDR Trained vs. EMDR Certified: What’s the Difference?

Not every therapist offering EMDR therapy is certified. There’s an important difference between completing basic EMDR training and becoming an EMDRIA Certified Therapist.

An EMDR-trained therapist has completed foundational training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), including instruction, practical exercises, and consultation. This prepares qualified mental health professionals to begin using EMDR in their clinical practice.

An EMDRIA Certified Therapist has taken additional steps to demonstrate experience and professional development. This includes completing more EMDR sessions, receiving additional consultation, and undertaking continuing education.

I believe both training and certification are valuable, but certification provides an additional way for clients to assess a therapist’s qualifications.

How to Become a Certified EMDR Therapist

To become a certified EMDR therapist through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), a mental health professional must meet specific requirements.

These include:

  • Professional experience: At least two years of experience in their mental health profession.
  • EMDR training: Completion of an EMDRIA-approved basic training program.
  • Clinical practice: At least 50 EMDR therapy sessions with a minimum of 25 clients.
  • Professional consultation: At least 20 additional hours of consultation with an EMDRIA-approved consultant.
  • Continuing education: At least 12 hours of EMDRIA-approved continuing education.
  • Professional credentials: Appropriate professional licensure or certification, along with the required recommendations and documentation.

Certified therapists must also meet ongoing requirements to maintain their EMDRIA certification.

You can review the full requirements on the official EMDRIA certification page.

How to Find a Certified EMDR Therapist

If you’re looking for a certified EMDR therapist, I recommend doing a little research before booking an appointment. Certification is a good starting point, but experience, specialization, and finding someone you’re comfortable with are just as important.

Here are five steps I recommend:

  1. Search the EMDRIA Directory: The EMDR International Association has a directory where you can search for EMDR therapists and check their certification status.
  2. Verify Their Qualifications: Look for the EMDRIA Certified Therapist credential and confirm they hold a valid professional license in your state.
  3. Check Their Experience: Find out how long they’ve practiced EMDR and whether they have experience treating your particular concerns, such as PTSD, childhood trauma, or anxiety.
  4. Review Their Specializations: Some therapists specialize in complex trauma, while others focus on relationships, addiction, or specific mental health conditions. I recommend choosing someone familiar with your needs.
  5. Schedule an Initial Consultation: Before committing to treatment, arrange a consultation to discuss your goals, ask questions, and see whether you feel comfortable working together.

My advice: Don’t choose a therapist based on certification alone. Look for someone with relevant clinical experience, a clear treatment approach, and the ability to make you feel heard and understood.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing your EMDR Therapist

Man asking an EMDR therapist questions during a consultation, with floating question marks symbolizing his concerns.

Before committing to treatment, I recommend asking a few questions to make sure the therapist is qualified, experienced, and a good fit for your needs. A reputable certified EMDR therapist should be happy to explain their qualifications and approach.

Here are some important questions to ask:

  • Are you EMDRIA certified?
  • How much experience do you have with EMDR? Ask how long they’ve practiced.
  • Have you treated people with similar concerns? Look for experience with your specific challenges.
  • What should I expect during treatment? Ask how sessions work and how they prepare clients for trauma processing.
  • How many sessions will I need?
  • Do you offer online EMDR therapy? If flexibility matters.
  • What are your fees and cancellation policies? Make sure you understand the costs before starting treatment.

How Much Does a Certified EMDR Therapist Cost?

In the United States, a certified EMDR therapist typically charges between $200 and $300 per session, although highly experienced specialists may charge up to $500 or more. Fees vary depending on the therapist’s qualifications, location, experience, and session length.

Some therapists accept health insurance, which reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Others operate on a private-pay basis, particularly those offering specialized trauma treatment or longer EMDR intensive sessions.

I always encourage people to consider experience and specialization alongside cost. A higher fee doesn’t necessarily mean better results, but an experienced therapist who understands your particular concerns may be worth considering.

Before booking, ask about session fees, insurance coverage, and whether longer sessions or EMDR intensive programs are available.

Can You See a Certified EMDR Therapist Online?

Man attending an online EMDR therapy session with a certified therapist from his home office.

Yes, you can work with a certified EMDR therapist online, and research suggests that virtual EMDR therapy is just as effective for treating PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.

Online EMDR therapy follows the same general treatment process as in-person sessions. Instead of sitting in the same room, you connect with your therapist through a secure video call. Your therapist will guide you through forms of bilateral stimulation.

I find that online EMDR therapy can be particularly beneficial for people who:

  • Live in rural areas or have limited access to specialists.
  • Have demanding work schedules or travel frequently.
  • Prefer receiving therapy from the comfort of their home.
  • Need access to an experienced therapist outside their immediate area.

How Much Does a Certified EMDR Therapist Cost?

In the United States, a certified EMDR therapist typically charges between $200 and $400 per session, although highly experienced specialists charge $500 or more. Fees vary depending on the therapist’s qualifications, location, experience, and session length.

Some therapists accept health insurance, which reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Others operate on a private-pay basis, particularly those offering specialized trauma treatment or longer EMDR intensive sessions.

I always encourage people to consider experience and specialization alongside cost. A higher fee doesn’t necessarily mean better results, but an experienced therapist who understands your particular concerns may be worth considering.

Before booking, ask about session fees, insurance coverage, and whether longer sessions or EMDR intensive programs are available.

Find an Experienced EMDR Therapist at Lion Counseling

At Lion Counseling, we provide specialized EMDR therapy for individuals dealing with trauma, PTSD, and other emotional challenges. Our approach focuses on understanding your experiences, identifying the underlying causes of your difficulties, and developing a treatment plan suited to your needs.

Whether you need EMDR therapy or a more intensive treatment program, we offer personalized options based on your circumstances and goals.

Work With Mark Odland, EMDRIA Certified Therapist

I’m Mark Odland, founder of Lion Counseling and an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant, with over 20 years of counseling experience and more than 15,000 therapy sessions conducted.

My qualifications include:

  • EMDRIA Certified Therapist: Advanced training, clinical experience, and consultation beyond basic EMDR training.
  • EMDRIA Approved Consultant: Qualified to provide professional consultation to other EMDR therapists.
  • 20+ Years of Experience: Extensive experience helping individuals work through trauma, PTSD, and complex emotional difficulties.
  • 15,000+ Therapy Sessions: A substantial clinical background working with clients facing a wide range of mental health challenges.

I believe effective EMDR therapy requires more than technical knowledge. It also takes experience, sound clinical judgment, and an individualized approach to treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation​

If you’re looking for a certified EMDR therapist, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with Lion Counseling.

We can discuss your concerns, answer any questions you have about EMDR therapy, and determine whether our approach is right for you.

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