Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover EMDR?

 Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover EMDR? Yes, EMDR is usually covered by BCBS, which means you get to enjoy high-quality treatment with lower out-of-pocket expenses. However, there may be some conditions to qualify for EMDR insurance coverage. Read on to find out BCBS EMDR coverage, no. of sessions covered, out-of-pocket costs, and much more to plan your finances.

ChoicePoint EMDR therapy NJ program accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer evidence-based personalized help. Verify your insurance online to get started! 

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Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover EMDR Therapy? 

According to the official BCBS website, Blue Cross Blue Shield covers EMDR under mental health and substance abuse treatment benefits.¹ EDMR is a newer therapy and more expensive than traditional talk therapy. So it is essential to understand your insurance benefits.

Cost of EMDR in NJ with Insurance Vs. Without Insurance

Because EMDR is relatively new, it often comes with a high price tag, and not many therapists or rehab centers offer it. 

Without insurance, EMDR can be anywhere from $100-$250 per session. Which is why choosing rehab that accepts BCBS (BCBS in-network rehabs) like ChoicePoint can make a real difference.

At ChoicePoint, you get to heal with online or in-person EMDR in NJ without the concerns of high out-of-pocket costs. Call 844.445.2565 for a confidential appointment. 

Extent of Coverage of EMDR Therapy 

The extent of BCBS EMDR therapy depends on the type of your insurance plans, location, and medical benefits. The coverage usually depends on these factors: 

1. No. of Sessions Covered

BCBS typically covers EMDR for PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, substance abuse disorders, and other medically necessary conditions. Some BCBS plans may limit the number of sessions. For example, 20 sessions per year. And may require evaluation before approving additional sessions. More flexible plans, however, may offer full coverage. 

2. Out-of-pocket Costs

For in-network sessions, you may be required to pay little to no out-of-pocket costs based on your plan. These may be as little as $30-$50 per session (cost may vary according to your plan benefits). Out-of-network therapists may be more expensive. You may also be required to pay upfront and then reimburse later.

3. Prior Authorization

Many Horizon plans require prior authorization. Your provider may be required to submit a prior authorization request or medically-necessity form to confirm that EMDR is required to treat your condition. 

4. Horizon NJ EMDR Coverage 

Horizon NJ is a New Jersey-specific company of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. EMDR is usually covered by Horizon NJ under mental health benefits.² The coverage may include:

• Therapist visit
• Pre-screening 
• Any psychiatric medication that may be prescribed.

To know the extract coverage details of an EMDR therapy, please verify your insurance benefits online within minutes. Or, talk to our customer care representative at 844.445.2565.

Why ChoicePoint EMDR Therapist

EMDR Under Different BCBS Plans

EMDR coverage according to different BCBS plans:

4 Types of Disorders Treated Through EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based approach for treating a wide range of mental health conditions. According to the American Psychological Association, it is most effective for the treatment of PTSD.³ At ChoicePoint, we offer the following EDMR programs:

Recommended Read: EMDR vs CBT. Which one is best for PTSD

3 Action Steps To Get the Most Out of Your EMDR Coverage

Here are a few steps to make the most out of your EMDR therapy:

1. Verify Your Insurance Benefits

• Call the number on your insurance card or log in to your member portal to check if EMDR therapy in NJ is covered under behavioral health benefits.
• Verify your insurance at BCBS in-network rehab, like ChoicePoint, to know the exact cost.

2. Choose an In-Network EMDR Therapist

Use your insurance company’s provider directory to find licensed EMDR-certified therapists within your network to save on cost. Or, search for mental health institutions or rehabs that accept Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

3. Submit Preauthorization (If Required)

Work with your therapist and rehab center to submit any necessary documentation for approval before starting EMDR treatment. Pre-approval results in smoother billing and fewer rejections.

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

ChoicePoint-BCBS Covered EMDR Therapy Program in NJ

ChoicePoint is an addiction treatment rehab in Fair Lawn, NJ. We offer an EMDR therapy program in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Horizon BCBS (NJ), and other major insurers. 

1. Licensed Therapists

Our BCBS-accepting therapists have tons of experience and a valid EMDR license to provide only the best expert care that aligns with your recovery goals. 

2. Online EMDR Therapy 

We offer both online EMDR and in-person therapy sessions based on your convenience, schedule, and eligibility criteria. 

3. Real Work Real Results

We offer personalized care according to your diagnosis. Ur treatment model is not only focused on treating your symptoms but also heals from within.

In addition to EMDR, we also specialize in BCBS-covered substance abuse treatment, dual diagnosis, and medication-assisted treatment.

FAQs Related To EMDR BCBS Coverage

More of your questions are answered below:

1. How to Find an EMDR Therapist?

To find a qualified EMDR therapist:

1. Visit EMDRIA.org for a directory of certified EMDR providers.
2. Use your insurance provider’s network search tool (e.g., Horizon BCBSNJ Member Portal).
3. Ask your primary care physician or mental health provider for a referral.
4. For NJ residents, centers like ChoicePoint offer licensed EMDR therapists covered by most insurance plans.

2. Why Is EMDR So Expensive?

EMDR is expensive because only specialized, trained, and licensed therapists can carry it out. It also has a longer duration of sessions. But, fortunately, EMDR is covered by most insurance plans to reduce the cost.

3. Is EMDR Controversial?

Since EMDR is relatively new, it was met with some skepticism, but now major organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and WHO endorse it.

4. Are There Any Dangers or Side Effects of EMDR?

EMDR is generally safe but may lead to:

• Temporary emotional discomfort during or after sessions
• Increased vividness of memories as trauma is being processed
• Fatigue or emotional release following intense sessions

References

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. (n.d.). Blue Cross Blue Shield.
   https://www.bcbs.com/
2. Horizon NJ Health. (n.d.). Behavioral health benefits grid. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. https://www.horizonnjhealth.com/for-providers/programs/horizon-behavioral-health/behavioral-health-benefits-grid
3. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing