EMDR Statistics and Success Rates: What the Research Shows

EMDR by the Numbers

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most extensively researched psychotherapies in the world. Since Francine Shapiro published her first study in 1989, EMDR has accumulated a large and growing evidence base across more than 30 randomized controlled trials, dozens of meta-analyses, and endorsements from every major clinical guideline body for trauma treatment.

This page compiles the key statistics, success rates, and research findings in one place. We have tried to be precise about what the evidence does and does not show.

PTSD Remission Rates

The strongest evidence for EMDR comes from its use in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

84-90%

Source: Shapiro, 2014; Wilson et al., 1997

77-80%

Source: van der Kolk et al., 2007

100%

Source: Wilson, Becker & Tinker, 1995 (small sample)

EMDR vs. Medication

One of the most frequently cited studies compared EMDR directly with fluoxetine (Prozac), one of only two FDA-approved medications for PTSD.

91%

Source: van der Kolk et al., 2007

72%

Source: van der Kolk et al., 2007

0%

Source: van der Kolk et al., 2007

This study is important because it suggests that EMDR produces more durable changes than medication alone. When medication is discontinued, symptoms often return. EMDR appears to produce lasting changes in how traumatic memories are stored and processed.

EMDR vs. Other Therapies

Multiple meta-analyses have compared EMDR with other frontline trauma treatments, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE).

Comparable

Source: Bisson et al., 2007; Cusack et al., 2016

The consensus across systematic reviews is that EMDR and trauma-focused CBT produce equivalent outcomes for PTSD. Neither is consistently superior to the other. Where they differ is in the mechanism and client experience:

• EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of the trauma, which some clients prefer
• EMDR does not assign homework between sessions, unlike CBT approaches that often require written exercises or in-vivo exposure practice
• EMDR may achieve results in fewer sessions — several studies have found that EMDR reaches equivalent outcomes to CBT in fewer sessions, though this finding is not universal

Fewer sessions

Source: Ironson et al., 2002; Power et al., 2002

Session Count Data by Condition

How many EMDR sessions does treatment typically take? This varies significantly by the complexity of the presenting issue.

Meta-Analysis Findings

Meta-analyses pool data from multiple studies to reach more reliable conclusions. Here are the key findings from major EMDR meta-analyses:

Chen et al. (2014) — Analyzed 26 RCTs. Found EMDR produced large effect sizes for PTSD symptom reduction (Cohen's d = 0.66 to 1.46 depending on comparison group). Concluded EMDR is effective for PTSD.

Cusack et al. (2016) — Systematic review for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Confirmed EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD with strong evidence, comparable to PE and CPT.

Bisson et al. (2007, updated 2013) — Cochrane-style review for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Found EMDR and trauma-focused CBT both had strong evidence. EMDR was recommended as a first-line treatment.

Wilson et al. (2018) — Meta-analysis examining EMDR for conditions beyond PTSD, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Found moderate to large effect sizes across conditions, though evidence was strongest for PTSD.

30+

Source: EMDRIA, 2024

7

Organizational Endorsements

EMDR is endorsed or recommended by every major organization that publishes trauma treatment guidelines.

150,000+

Source: EMDR International Association

Effectiveness Across Populations

EMDR has been studied across a range of populations, not just civilian adult trauma survivors.

Veterans and Active Military

The VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline gives EMDR a "strong" recommendation for PTSD. Studies with veterans show significant symptom reduction, though treatment may take longer due to multiple deployments and complex trauma histories. A 2012 study of combat veterans found that 78% no longer met PTSD criteria after twelve EMDR sessions.

78%

Source: Carlson et al., 2012

Children and Adolescents

The WHO specifically recommends EMDR for children and adolescents with PTSD. Research shows children often respond even faster than adults, sometimes achieving significant improvement in as few as one to three sessions for single-incident trauma.

1-3 sessions

Source: Rodenburg et al., 2009

Populations with Complex Trauma

Clients with complex trauma histories — including childhood abuse, neglect, and repeated interpersonal violence — typically need more sessions, but still show significant improvement. A 2019 study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology found that EMDR was effective for complex PTSD when treatment was appropriately extended and included adequate stabilization.

Culturally Diverse Populations

EMDR has been studied and used effectively across cultures, including in post-disaster settings in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Because it does not require extensive verbal narrative — a feature that can be culturally uncomfortable in some populations — it has shown particular utility in cross-cultural contexts.

Cost-Effectiveness

Beyond clinical outcomes, the economic argument for EMDR is compelling.

$10,000-$15,000

Source: Mavranezouli et al., 2020 (NICE economic analysis)

A 2020 economic analysis conducted for NICE found that EMDR and trauma-focused CBT were both cost-effective compared to no treatment and compared to medication-only approaches. The analysis factored in not just therapy costs but downstream healthcare utilization, productivity losses, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).

Key cost-effectiveness findings:

• EMDR may cost less overall than medication because it produces durable results without ongoing prescription costs
• Fewer sessions needed compared to some other therapy approaches reduces total treatment cost
• Reduced healthcare utilization after successful EMDR treatment — fewer ER visits, fewer medical appointments for trauma-related somatic complaints, reduced use of psychiatric medication

Lower

Source: Mavranezouli et al., 2020

Research Limitations: What the Evidence Does Not Tell Us

Intellectual honesty requires acknowledging the gaps in the EMDR research base.

Known limitations include:

• Most RCTs study single-incident trauma. The highest remission rates (84-90%) come from studies of adults with single-trauma PTSD. Clients with complex trauma, multiple comorbidities, or dissociative features may have lower response rates and need longer treatment.
• Comparison studies are often small. Many head-to-head studies comparing EMDR to other treatments have modest sample sizes, making definitive conclusions difficult.
• The mechanism is debated. While EMDR's clinical effectiveness is well-established, researchers still disagree about why it works. The specific role of eye movements versus other forms of bilateral stimulation versus simply having a structured therapeutic protocol remains actively debated.
• Publication bias is possible. As with all therapies, studies showing positive results are more likely to be published than studies showing null results.
• Long-term follow-up is limited. While several studies show maintained gains at 6- to 12-month follow-up, very few studies track outcomes beyond one year.
• Most studies use civilian populations. While military research exists, the majority of EMDR studies involve civilian adults. More research on specific populations — including children, older adults, and people with intellectual disabilities — is needed.

How to Interpret These Numbers

Statistics are useful for understanding whether a treatment has strong evidence behind it. EMDR clearly does. But no percentage can tell you how you specifically will respond to treatment.

What the data consistently shows is that EMDR is a well-validated, effective treatment for PTSD that performs comparably to other frontline approaches, may work in fewer sessions, and produces durable results. It has earned the endorsement of every major clinical guideline body in the world. That is a strong foundation for considering it as a treatment option.

The next step is a conversation with a qualified EMDR therapist who can assess your specific situation and give you a realistic picture of what treatment might look like for you.

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