EMDR Therapy in San Antonio, TX
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process stuck traumatic memories. Our licensed, EMDR-trained clinicians in San Antonio work with adults and adolescents managing PTSD, trauma, and anxiety.
Understanding EMDR
Therapy that helps stuck memories finish processing
EMDR is one of the most research-supported therapies for trauma and PTSD, recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a first-line trauma treatment. It also helps with anxiety, phobias, and grief.
The theory behind EMDR is that some traumatic experiences get stored in the brain without being fully processed. They stay reactive, so the memory (or a related trigger) can still feel like it is happening now. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, usually guided eye movements, while you briefly focus on a targeted memory. Over sessions, the memory becomes less charged and shifts into a normal, past-tense experience.
At South Texas Mental Health Associates, EMDR is offered by licensed clinicians trained in the full 8-phase EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) protocol. Sessions happen at our San Antonio clinic on NW Military Highway or by secure telehealth across Texas.
By the numbers
EMDR by the numbers
EMDR is one of the most research-supported trauma therapies. Here is what the evidence shows.
What EMDR helps
Conditions and experiences EMDR is used for
EMDR started as a PTSD treatment and has since been validated for a wide range of experiences where distressing memories play a role.
The 8-phase protocol
How EMDR therapy works at STMHA
EMDR follows a structured, 8-phase protocol. Not every session includes the bilateral stimulation part. The preparation phases matter as much as the reprocessing.
Why STMHA
Why patients choose STMHA for EMDR
EMDR-trained clinicians
Licensed therapists trained in the full EMDRIA-approved 8-phase protocol.
Trauma-informed team
EMDR sits inside a psychiatry practice, so medication and coordinated care are available when they help.
Prompt scheduling
New patients typically seen within a week or two, no referral required.
In-person or telehealth
EMDR is fully effective by secure video. In-person or online, your choice.
Comparing trauma therapies
EMDR vs. Prolonged Exposure vs. CPT
All three are first-line, evidence-based PTSD treatments. They differ in how they work.
| Therapy | How it works | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| EMDR | Uses bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements) while briefly holding a memory in mind. Minimal detailed retelling required. | 6-15 sessions for single-incident |
| Prolonged Exposure (PE) | Structured detailed retelling and gradual real-world exposure to feared, avoided cues. | 8-15 sessions |
| Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) | Structured cognitive work on trauma-related beliefs about safety, trust, power, esteem, and intimacy. | ~12 sessions |
Your therapist matches the approach to your trauma history, preferences, and clinical picture.
Related services
Related care that pairs with EMDR
EMDR often works alongside other services for a complete treatment plan.
The broader PTSD and trauma treatment program at STMHA San Antonio.
Learn more › Anxiety treatmentAnxiety care that often benefits from EMDR when trauma is involved.
Learn more › Depression treatmentDepression that follows trauma often responds well to combined care.
Learn more › Medication managementPsychiatric medication management for patients who benefit from combined care.
Learn more › Individual psychotherapyTalk therapy that supports and complements EMDR work.
Learn more › DBT therapySkills-based therapy for stabilization before or alongside EMDR.
Learn more ›Where to find care
Our San Antonio clinic
Care is available at our San Antonio clinic on NW Military Highway, Monday through Friday, and by secure telehealth across Texas.
STMHA San Antonio
Coverage
Insurance accepted
We accept most major plans and verify your benefits before your first visit, so there are no surprises.
Good to know
EMDR therapy questions, answered
Yes. EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a first-line treatment for PTSD, with a strong evidence base for other trauma and anxiety-related conditions.
It varies. Single-incident trauma often responds within 6 to 12 sessions. Complex trauma and childhood trauma typically take longer. Your therapist will discuss expected timeline after the assessment phase.
No. EMDR does not require detailed verbal retelling of traumatic experiences. You hold the memory briefly in mind during reprocessing, but you are not required to narrate it.
Bilateral stimulation is a rhythmic, alternating left-right input during EMDR reprocessing. Most commonly this is guided eye movements. Some clinicians use tapping or auditory tones instead. All are effective.
EMDR is safe when delivered by a properly trained therapist. The preparation phases are specifically designed to make sure you have stabilization skills before reprocessing begins.
Yes. Research supports EMDR delivered by secure video. Our clinicians offer both in-person and telehealth EMDR.
In most cases, yes. Your psychiatric provider and EMDR therapist coordinate to make sure medications and therapy support each other.
We accept most major insurance plans for EMDR therapy. We verify benefits before your first visit.
Medically reviewed
Reviewed by John Lusins III, MD
Board-certified psychiatrist and Medical Director of South Texas Mental Health Associates.
In a crisis
Get help right now
STMHA is an outpatient clinic and cannot respond to emergencies. If you or someone you know is in danger or thinking about suicide, please use these free, confidential resources, available 24/7.
- Call 911Life-threatening emergency, or someone at immediate risk of harm.
- Call or text 988Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7. Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
- Dial 988, then press 1Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.
- Dial 2-1-1Texas 2-1-1, everyday support and community resources.
Stuck memories can move. EMDR can help.
Contact South Texas Mental Health Associates to schedule EMDR therapy at our San Antonio clinic, or by telehealth anywhere in Texas.