If you're looking into EMDR therapy, one of your first questions is probably: How much does it cost?
It's a fair question. Therapy is an investment of both time and money, and it's important to understand what you're committing to before getting started.
If you're looking for EMDR therapy in Markham or elsewhere in Ontario, here's what you need to know about session fees, how many sessions you might need, insurance coverage, and an alternative option called EMDR intensive therapy.
How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost?
In 2026, our standard fee for EMDR therapy is $210 per 50-minute session.
We offer EMDR therapy in two formats:
Traditional EMDR therapy: 50-minute sessions at $210.
Extended EMDR therapy: 75-minute sessions at $315.
Our team of EMDR therapists offers in-person appointments at our Markham location, as well as virtual therapy for clients anywhere in Ontario.
Fees can occasionally increase, so it's always a good idea to confirm current rates when booking.
We also offer free consultations with all our therapists. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about EMDR, and determine whether a particular therapist might be a good fit before committing financially.
How Many EMDR Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
This is where things get a little more nuanced.
At our practice, we encourage clients to commit to approximately 6-12 sessions to give EMDR an honest shot.
Why? Because EMDR therapy isn't necessarily something you jump into during your first appointment. You can read more about what happens during an EMDR session here.
The First Few Sessions Are About Preparation
Some people are surprised when they book EMDR therapy expecting to begin trauma processing on day one.
However, we believe it's important not to rush this process.
The first few sessions typically involve:
Understanding your history and what brings you to therapy.
Assessing your needs and determining an appropriate treatment plan.
Identifying specific memories, experiences, or issues to work on.
Developing coping strategies and emotional regulation resources.
Preparing you for the emotional experiences that can sometimes arise during EMDR processing.
EMDR can bring up intense emotions. Having the appropriate preparation and resources in place helps create a safer, more supportive therapeutic experience.
We don't believe in simply jumping into the deep end without first understanding the person sitting across from us.
What Is the Total Cost of EMDR Therapy?
If you attend 6-12 standard sessions at our 2026 rate of $210, here's what your investment would look like:
6 sessions: $1,260
8 sessions: $1,680
10 sessions: $2,100
12 sessions: $2,520
Some clients experience meaningful improvements in fewer than 12 sessions. In the therapy world, this can be considered relatively short-term treatment.
Others benefit from longer-term therapy, particularly when working through more complex trauma or multiple difficult life experiences.
There isn't a universal number of sessions that works for everyone. Your treatment plan should reflect your individual needs, goals, and circumstances.
Is EMDR Therapy Worth the Cost?
In our experience, absolutely.
We've seen clients experience incredibly meaningful, sometimes life-changing results through EMDR therapy.
For example, we've worked with individuals who have:
Experienced a genuine sense of healing from childhood trauma.
Overcome debilitating phobias that previously affected their daily lives.
Started feeling more like themselves again after a significant or distressing life event.
Every person's experience is different, and we would never promise a particular outcome or timeline. However, seeing people experience meaningful relief from things they've carried for years is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
Here's another perspective worth considering: Therapy is expensive, but so is avoiding it.
Living with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories can come with a significant emotional and mental cost. It can affect relationships, confidence, work, daily functioning, and your overall quality of life.
That doesn't mean everyone needs therapy, or that you should stretch yourself financially to afford it. But it's worth considering the broader investment in your well-being, not just the price of an individual appointment.
Does Insurance Cover EMDR Therapy in Ontario?
Many extended health insurance plans provide coverage for psychotherapy services, although coverage varies depending on your individual policy.
At our practice, clients receive a receipt upon payment that they can submit to their insurance provider for reimbursement.
We recommend checking your plan before beginning treatment. In particular, ask:
Does my plan cover psychotherapy or social work services?
What is my annual coverage limit?
Is there a maximum reimbursement per session?
Are there specific registration or professional designation requirements for the therapist?
Understanding your coverage ahead of time can help you plan your therapy budget more comfortably.
What Is EMDR Intensive Therapy?
One thing that makes our practice different is that we offer EMDR therapy in two ways: traditional hourly sessions and EMDR intensive therapy.
While traditional therapy involves attending regular weekly or biweekly appointments, EMDR intensives allow clients to condense treatment into one to three full days of in-person therapy.
In 2026, the cost of one full day of EMDR intensive therapy is $1,250. Two intensive days would cost $2,500, which is roughly equivalent to 12 standard 50-minute EMDR sessions ($2,520), or approximately three months of weekly therapy. For some clients, this concentrated format offers an appealing alternative to spreading treatment over several months.
How Do EMDR Intensives Work?
EMDR intensives are designed for individuals who want to dedicate concentrated time to working toward a specific therapeutic goal.
Rather than spreading appointments over several weeks or months, clients have the opportunity to focus on their treatment over a shorter period.
This approach may appeal to people with busy schedules, those travelling for therapy, or individuals who prefer a more concentrated therapeutic experience.
Of course, an intensive isn't appropriate for everyone. Just like traditional EMDR therapy, it requires careful assessment and preparation. The therapist will help determine whether this format is suitable for your needs.
If you're interested in this option, it's worth asking about EMDR intensives (with Grace Kim) during your free consultation.
How Do I Choose the Right EMDR Therapist?
Cost is important, but it shouldn't be the only factor when choosing a therapist.
EMDR is a specialized approach to psychotherapy, and you want someone with appropriate training and experience who makes you feel comfortable and supported.
Consider the following:
Does the therapist have appropriate EMDR training?
Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
Do they take time to understand your history and goals?
Do they explain the treatment process and answer your questions?
Do they prioritize preparation rather than rushing into trauma processing?
Does their approach and availability work for you?
The therapeutic relationship matters. You want to work with someone you trust, particularly when addressing difficult or painful experiences.
Looking for EMDR Therapy in Markham, or Online in Ontario?
Our team offers EMDR therapy in person in Markham and virtually throughout Ontario.
Whether you're interested in traditional weekly therapy or exploring the possibility of an EMDR intensive, we're happy to help you understand your options.
We offer free consultations with all our therapists, so you can ask questions, discuss your goals, and explore whether EMDR might be a good fit.
If you're curious about EMDR therapy, we invite you to book a free intro call and learn more about how we can help.
