EMDR in the UK: NHS or private, waiting lists and what it costs
If you've spent an evening with fourteen tabs open, trying to work out whether you can get EMDR on the NHS, how long you'd wait, and what on earth "EMDR Europe accredited training" means, this one's for you. Make a cup of tea and close a few of those tabs.
I'm Charlotte, an EMDR practitioner and BABCP-accredited CBT therapist. I spent 12 years in NHS and community mental health services, including NHS Talking Therapies, before moving into private practice, so I've seen both sides.
Can you get EMDR on the NHS?
Yes, in some situations. EMDR is recommended in NICE guidance for adults with PTSD, so it's one of the treatments NHS services may offer for PTSD.
In England, the main route is NHS Talking Therapies (it used to be called IAPT). You can usually refer yourself online without seeing your GP first: search "NHS Talking Therapies" plus your area, or use the NHS website's service finder. They'll have an assessment with you and talk about what might help, which for PTSD may be EMDR or trauma-focused CBT. If your difficulties are more complex, you may be referred on to a specialist service.
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, services are organised differently. Your GP is usually the best place to start.
How long is the NHS waiting list for EMDR?
It depends a lot on where you live and what you need. Some areas move quickly, and in others the wait for specialist trauma therapy can be long. When you have your assessment, it's completely fine to ask "how long is the wait for EMDR here?".
I loved my years in the NHS, and NHS therapists do incredible work under a lot of pressure. If an NHS route is right for you, it's a brilliant option. Many people choose private therapy because of the wait, because they'd like more choice over who they see, or because they'd like longer or more flexible sessions.
How much does private EMDR cost in the UK?
Prices vary depending on the therapist's experience, where they're based and how long sessions are. As a rough guide, private EMDR sessions in the UK often cost somewhere around £70 to £150 a session.
Some EMDR therapists offer longer sessions, often 75 to 90 minutes, because processing a memory and then settling properly afterwards can take time.
My fees: 50 minute sessions are £120. Extended 80 minute EMDR sessions are £180. A block of six sessions is £660 (£110 a session), used within 12 weeks.
How many sessions will I need?
For PTSD after a single event, NICE guidance suggests around 8 to 12 sessions, and more if there have been several difficult experiences. Everyone's different, so a good therapist will talk this through with you at the start and review it as you go, rather than promising a number.
How to find an EMDR therapist in the UK
EMDR UK's "Find a therapist" directory (EMDR Association UK) lists members by area and online.
Counselling Directory and other directories let you filter by EMDR.
Ask your GP whether there are local options.
What to ask a private EMDR therapist
It's completely okay to ask these, and a good therapist will be happy to answer:
"What EMDR training have you done?" Look for training accredited by EMDR Europe (usually in parts, such as Parts 1 to 3 or 1 to 4).
"Who are you registered with?" For example BABCP, BACP, UKCP, the HCPC or Social Work England.
"Do you have EMDR supervision?" Regular supervision with an EMDR consultant is a sign of good practice.
"Are you an EMDR UK member, and are you accredited?" Some therapists are fully accredited, and others are trained practitioners working towards accreditation under supervision. Both can be fine, it's just good to know.
"Have you worked with experiences like mine?"
"How do you prepare people before working on memories?" You're listening for time spent helping you feel steady first.
"Do you offer EMDR online?" If that matters to you.
One small thing to try
Before you contact anyone, write down three things that matter most to you in a therapist. It might be "someone who won't rush me", "evening sessions" or "someone who's worked with birth trauma". Then use them to guide which questions you ask. You're allowed to be choosy.
Quick answers
Tap a question to see the answer.
Is EMDR free on the NHS?
It can be, for PTSD, through NHS services such as NHS Talking Therapies in England.
Can I self-refer for EMDR?
In England you can usually self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies, who'll assess what might help.
How much is EMDR privately?
Prices vary. Mine are £120 for 50 minutes and £180 for an extended 80 minute EMDR session.
How do I know an EMDR therapist is properly trained?
Ask about EMDR Europe accredited training, professional registration and EMDR supervision.
When you're ready
I'm an EMDR practitioner and a member of EMDR UK, trained with Dr Michael Paterson OBE and working under the supervision of an EMDR consultant while I complete my hours for full accreditation. I'm also a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist, registered with Social Work England. I work with adults online across the UK, without the wait.
For bite-sized OCD support most days, come and find me on Instagram at @the_floral_therapist.
Charlotte
If you're struggling to stay safe right now, call 999 or go to A&E, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123.
This post is educational and isn't a replacement for therapy. Please speak to a qualified therapist or contact your GP for further support.
Sources
NICE (2018, reviewed 2025), Post-traumatic stress disorder, NG116
NHS Talking Therapies (nhs.uk)
EMDR UK (emdrassociation.org.uk)
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