San Antonio · Corpus Christi · Edinburg

EMDR Therapy
in South Texas

Evidence-based trauma therapy at all three STMHA clinics. EMDR is recognized by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a frontline treatment for PTSD and trauma.

Schedule a Consultation What is EMDR ↓
EMDR therapy session at South Texas Mental Health Associates
APA, WHO & VA Recognized
Available at All 3 Locations
Tricare & Medicare Accepted
6 to 12 Sessions on Average
About EMDR

What Is EMDR Therapy?

South Texas Mental Health Associates offers EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy at all three of our locations in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Edinburg. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy technique recognized by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a frontline treatment for PTSD and trauma-related conditions.

EMDR was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. During EMDR sessions, a trained therapist guides you through a process of bilateral stimulation, typically using guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones, while you focus on distressing memories, thoughts, or body sensations.

This process helps your brain's natural information processing system reprocess memories that have become "stuck," meaning they continue to trigger intense emotional or physical responses long after the original event. EMDR does not require you to talk in detail about the traumatic experience, making it particularly effective for patients who find traditional talk therapy about trauma difficult or overwhelming.

The Eight-Phase Protocol

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase protocol. After an initial history-taking and preparation phase, your therapist will help you identify specific target memories for reprocessing. During the reprocessing phases, you hold the target memory in mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as following the therapist's finger with your eyes.

This dual-attention process appears to engage the brain's natural healing mechanisms, similar to what occurs during REM sleep. Over the course of treatment, the targeted memories lose their emotional charge. You can still recall the events, but they no longer trigger the same level of distress, anxiety, or physical response.

Most EMDR treatment plans involve 6 to 12 sessions, though some patients experience significant relief in fewer sessions. Each session lasts 60 to 90 minutes.

Phase 1 & 2History & PreparationYour therapist gathers your history and prepares you with coping strategies before beginning reprocessing.
Phase 3 & 4Assessment & DesensitizationTarget memories are identified and bilateral stimulation begins, reducing emotional distress associated with each memory.
Phase 5 & 6Installation & Body ScanPositive beliefs are strengthened and any residual physical tension linked to the memory is addressed.
Phase 7 & 8Closure & ReevaluationEach session closes with stabilization techniques, and progress is evaluated at the start of each subsequent session.
Conditions We Treat

Conditions Treated with EMDR

While EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, research has demonstrated its effectiveness for a broad range of conditions. Our therapists evaluate each patient individually to determine whether EMDR is the most appropriate treatment approach, and may combine EMDR with other evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

  • PTSD & Complex Trauma
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Panic Disorder
  • Phobias
  • Grief & Loss
  • Depression Linked to Trauma
  • Military & Combat PTSD
  • Childhood Trauma
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Sexual Trauma (MST)
Comparing Approaches

EMDR vs. CBT: How Do They Compare?

Both EMDR and CBT are evidence-based, first-line treatments for PTSD and trauma. Neither approach is universally superior. The best treatment depends on your individual symptoms, preferences, and history. Our therapists can help you understand which approach may be most effective for your situation, and many patients benefit from elements of both.

FactorEMDRCBT
Core methodBilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memoriesIdentifying and restructuring unhelpful thought patterns
Trauma discussionLess direct verbal recounting requiredStructured verbal exploration of thoughts and triggers
Sessions needed6 to 12 sessions on average12 to 20 sessions on average
Best forSingle-event trauma, PTSD, those who struggle with talk therapyAnxiety, depression, avoidance behaviors, thought distortions
Recognized byAPA, WHO, Department of Veterans AffairsAPA, NICE, most major clinical bodies
Find a Location

EMDR Therapy at Our South Texas Clinics

Our trained therapists use EMDR to help patients reprocess traumatic memories, reduce the emotional intensity of distressing experiences, and build lasting psychological resilience. Whether you are dealing with a single traumatic event, complex childhood trauma, military service-related PTSD, or anxiety rooted in past experiences, EMDR may accelerate your healing process.

EMDR Therapy in San Antonio

Our San Antonio therapists offer EMDR as part of our comprehensive psychotherapy services. San Antonio is home to a large military community, and EMDR is one of the most effective treatments for combat-related PTSD. We accept Tricare and work with veterans and active-duty service members.

2161 NW Military Hwy, Suite 114, San Antonio, TX 78213

(210) 468-7099

EMDR Therapy in Corpus Christi

EMDR therapy is available at our Corpus Christi clinic alongside DBT and individual therapy. Our Corpus Christi therapists are trained in EMDR protocols and integrate this approach with other evidence-based modalities for comprehensive PTSD and trauma treatment.

1321 Glenoak Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78418

(361) 356-1234

EMDR Therapy in Edinburg & the Rio Grande Valley

Our Edinburg clinic offers EMDR therapy for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley including McAllen, Pharr, Mission, and surrounding communities. Whether you are dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or trauma-related depression, our Edinburg therapists can help you begin the reprocessing journey.

3120 Center Pointe Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539

(956) 329-2654
Coverage

Insurance & Scheduling

EMDR therapy is covered by most major insurance plans as a form of psychotherapy. Our team will verify your coverage before your first appointment. We also offer telehealth appointments for therapy follow-ups, providing flexibility for patients throughout South Texas.

To schedule an EMDR consultation, call your nearest STMHA location or complete the Become a Patient form on our website.

  • Medicare
  • Tricare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • United Healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions

EMDR Therapy: Common Questions

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy technique that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Over the course of treatment, distressing memories lose their emotional intensity, reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. EMDR is recognized by the APA, WHO, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a frontline treatment for PTSD.
Most patients benefit from 6 to 12 EMDR sessions, though some experience significant improvement in fewer sessions. Your therapist will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs and treatment goals.
Yes. EMDR therapy is covered by most major insurance plans as a form of psychotherapy. We accept Medicare, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and most other plans. Contact your nearest STMHA location to verify your specific coverage.
Both are evidence-based treatments for trauma. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns through structured exercises. EMDR focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, often with less direct discussion of traumatic content. Your therapist can help determine which approach is most appropriate for your situation.
EMDR therapy is available at all three STMHA locations: San Antonio at (210) 468-7099, Corpus Christi at (361) 356-1234, and Edinburg at (956) 329-2654. Telehealth therapy follow-up appointments are also available throughout Texas.
Yes. EMDR can be conducted effectively via secure telehealth video platforms. Bilateral stimulation is adapted for virtual sessions using on-screen visual cues or audio tones. Ask your STMHA therapist whether telehealth EMDR is appropriate for your treatment plan.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Healing?

Contact South Texas Mental Health Associates today to schedule an EMDR consultation at one of our locations in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, or Edinburg.

Become a Patient Today →