Melbourne has a solid range of psychologists who offer Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, with practitioners available across the CBD, inner suburbs and outer metro areas. EMDR is an evidence-based treatment primarily used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), though psychologists also apply it to anxiety, phobias, grief and complex trauma.
What to Look for in an EMDR Psychologist
EMDR requires specific post-graduate training beyond a standard psychology qualification. Look for a psychologist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who has completed accredited EMDR training through the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) or an equivalent body. Fully accredited EMDRAA members have completed a structured training programme including supervised clinical hours. Some practitioners are “EMDR trained” but not yet accredited, which means they may still be building supervised experience. Asking about a psychologist’s EMDR training level and how many clients they have treated with the approach is a reasonable and useful question before booking.
Finding EMDR Psychologists in Melbourne
The EMDRAA website (emdraa.org) maintains a public directory you can filter by location, which is the most reliable starting point for finding accredited practitioners in Melbourne. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) Find a Psychologist tool also allows you to search by therapy type and suburb. Clinics with known EMDR offerings in Melbourne include practices in Fitzroy, South Yarra, Richmond, and the CBD, as well as telehealth options that let you work with a Victorian-registered psychologist from home. Many practices now offer an initial phone consultation at no charge, which gives you a chance to ask directly about their EMDR experience and caseload.
Costs and Medicare Rebates
EMDR sessions in Melbourne typically run 50 to 60 minutes and are priced between $200 and $320 per session at standard private rates. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate currently set at $137.05 per session for a registered psychologist, for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. This brings the out-of-pocket cost to roughly $60-$180 per session depending on the practice’s fee structure. Private health insurance may cover a portion of psychology fees under extras cover, though EMDR is not separately listed as a treatment type by insurers. It is billed as a standard psychology consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the complexity of the issue being treated. A single-incident trauma (such as a car accident) may resolve in 6 to 12 sessions. Complex or developmental trauma typically requires longer treatment, sometimes 20 or more sessions. Your psychologist should discuss an estimated treatment length with you after an initial assessment.
Is EMDR available via telehealth in Melbourne?
Yes. Many Melbourne-based EMDR psychologists offer sessions via video platform. Research published in recent years supports the effectiveness of remote EMDR delivery, and the EMDRAA has published guidelines for practitioners conducting it online. You would need a stable internet connection and a private space.
Can I get EMDR through the public health system in Victoria?
Access through the public system is limited and typically involves longer wait times. Some community mental health services in Melbourne offer trauma-focused therapy, and EMDR may be available depending on the clinician’s training. The private system with a GP referral and Medicare rebate is the more accessible route for most people.
