Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Coverage For Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, commonly referred to as EMDR, was developed in 1987 as a treatment option for PTSD. EMDR differs from other mental health therapies because it focuses on the trauma, or distressing memory, itself.  By focusing on the memory, you’re changing the way the memory is stored in your brain, which can reduce your experienced symptoms. 

EMDR is a structured therapy that follows a specific format, or outline, to achieve its full benefits. These steps include:

• History Taking: Time is spent reviewing your full mental health history with the appropriate assessments, and identifying goals for targets for treatment, which can include memories, current triggers, and goals for the future. 

• Preparation: Your therapist will thoroughly discuss what to expect during EMDR and introduce you to the different eye movements you will be using. Your counselor will make sure that you can manage the emotions that arise for you and have you partake in a Safe/Calm Place exercise. 

• Assessment: The next stage activates the memory that will be targeted in the session by identifying the image, cognition, affect, and body sensation associated with your trauma. Two measures will be used to get a baseline of your experience, which will be repeated at a later time for comparison. 

• Desensitization: You will be focusing on your identified memory while engaging in eye movements. You will share any new thoughts you experience with your counselor. This is repeated again and again until you find that the memory is not as distressing as it was before. 

• Installation: This stage focuses on strengthening your preferred positive cognition.

• Body Scan: During this stage, you will be asked to pay attention to your physical response while thinking about your trauma and your positive cognition so that you can identify any other physical symptoms you’re experiencing. If there are places in your body where you’re experiencing distress, additional procedures will be done. 

• Closure: This occurs when your time together is coming to an end. If you were unable to fully process your memory, your counselor will review healthy coping skills that you can use to manage your distress until your next session. 

• Re-evaluation: Your next session will start here, where your counselor will assess your current symptoms and experiences, in addition to exploring new memories that have come up since your previous session. 

What Is The Difference Between “Talk Therapy” and EMDR?

A key difference between psychotherapy, or “talk therapy”, and EMDR is that EMDR is a structured therapy, that follows a set format, whereas psychotherapy can be a bit fluid. Psychotherapy can include various therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and holistic therapy, among others, whereas EMDR is its treatment in and of its own. 

Psychotherapy focuses on exploring and processing your current and past experiences, whereas EMDR focuses specifically on trauma, more specifically a specific memory that you find distressing. EMDR uses eye movements or bilateral stimulation to help your brain in a natural healing process, which can decrease the distressing symptoms often associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions.

Common Types of Mental Health Disorders Treated with EMDR

Though EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma, continued research has indicated that it is an effective treatment approach for various mental health concerns. It is important to note that there are personal differences that determine if this is the right therapeutic approach for you. Examples of mental health conditions that could benefit from EMDR treatment include:

More Information About BCBS Health Insurance

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) originated in the 1920s as separate health insurance plans: Blue Cross, which provided hospital services, and Blue Shield, covering physician services. They merged in 1982 to form BCBS. Over decades, BCBS has grown to serve millions, earning numerous accolades for quality healthcare coverage and innovation in the insurance industry.

BCBS offers various products and services that are often customizable, allowing you to choose healthcare plans that align with your healthcare needs while respecting your budget. Commonly used BCBS services and products include family and individual plans, as well as employer-sponsored plans for employees. BCBS offers a range of comprehensive coverage options including dental coverage, vision coverage, prescription drug coverage, and behavioral health options including treatment for both mental health and substance use disorders.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover EMDR Therapy

Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield often provides coverage for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for mental health conditions including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Coverage can vary by plan, so it’s important to verify specific benefits and requirements with your individual BCBS policy. In some cases, preauthorization or a referral from a primary care provider may be necessary.

BCBS often includes mental health services within its broader behavioral health coverage, which often includes a range of therapies that can be used to treat mental health conditions, including EMDR. If you have specific questions or are still wondering what BCBS covers for EMDR with your plan options, we encourage you to dial (866) 461-4474 today to speak with an Admission Counselor at the Harmony Health Group. 

Does BCBS insurance pay for EMDR therapy?

Yes, BCBS insurance typically pays for trauma therapies, including EMDR. This allows you to receive EMDR therapy benefits at a reduced cost, which can decrease some of the financial concerns you have about treatment. Your plan may require co-pays, deductibles, and session limits.

Your coverage for EMDR with BCBS may require certain conditions to be met, such as an appropriate mental health diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional and prior authorization. If you would like to discuss the personal details of your insurance plan, and how they would relate to receiving EMDR therapy, we encourage you to contact the Harmony Health Group and verify your insurance so that we can provide you with more answers to the common question of, does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover therapy with specific insurance plans.