EMDR Therapy in Sioux Falls & Rapid City
Painful memories can keep their grip long after the event is over. EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based way to help your brain process trauma so it feels less overwhelming. We offer EMDR in person at our Sioux Falls and Rapid City clinics.
Understanding EMDR
A proven way to work through trauma
When something overwhelming happens, the brain does not always file the memory away the way it should. It can stay raw, so a sound, a smell, or a thought pulls you right back into the feeling. EMDR, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, helps the brain finish that processing so the memory loses its charge.
At MWI Health, EMDR therapy is delivered by clinicians trained in the method. Care starts with an assessment and time to build coping skills, then moves at a pace that feels safe for you. We also offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a related approach that uses guided eye movements and often works through material in fewer sessions, so your provider can match the method to your needs.
EMDR and ART are available in person at our Sioux Falls and Rapid City clinics. No referral is required, and most new patients are seen without a long wait.
Is it for you
What EMDR therapy can help with
EMDR is best known for trauma and PTSD, and it can ease distress in several other areas. If some of these sound familiar, EMDR may be worth exploring with a provider.
Our approach
How EMDR therapy works at MWI Health
A structured method delivered by trained clinicians, paced to your comfort at every step.
Where to find care
EMDR therapy at two South Dakota clinics
EMDR and ART are offered in person at our Sioux Falls and Rapid City locations.
Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Rapid City
Rapid City, SD 57702
Why MWI Health
A local team built around you
Board-certified psychiatry
Led by a board-certified psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer, with an experienced provider team.
Trained in EMDR & ART
Trauma therapy delivered by clinicians trained in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
Prompt availability
New patients welcome with no referral needed, so you are not waiting months to be seen.
Care in one place
Therapy and psychiatric care coordinated by one team that talks to each other about your plan.
Coverage
Insurance accepted
We accept most major plans and verify your benefits before your first visit.
Good to know
EMDR therapy questions, answered
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps the brain process distressing or traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming. It uses guided bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, while you briefly focus on a target memory.
EMDR is best known for treating PTSD and trauma, and it can also help with anxiety, panic, phobias, and distress that lingers after a difficult experience. Your provider will talk with you about whether it fits your goals.
After an assessment, your therapist helps you build coping resources, then guides you through short sets of bilateral stimulation while you focus on a target memory. Over time the memory tends to feel less distressing. Sessions are structured and paced to your comfort.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a related trauma therapy that also uses guided eye movements, often working through material in fewer sessions. Both EMDR and ART are offered at our Sioux Falls and Rapid City clinics, and your provider can help you choose the better fit.
It varies. Some people notice change in a handful of sessions, while others benefit from a longer course, especially with complex or repeated trauma. Your provider will set expectations with you along the way.
EMDR and ART are available in person at our Sioux Falls and Rapid City clinics in South Dakota.
No referral is needed. You can request an appointment directly and we will help you get scheduled, often without a long wait.
EMDR is delivered as psychotherapy, which most major insurance plans cover. We verify your benefits before your first visit.
Medically reviewed
Reviewed by Clay J. Pavlis, MD
Board-certified psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer of MWI Health.
If you need help now
In a crisis, reach out right away
EMDR therapy is not emergency care. If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about self-harm, please use one of these free, confidential resources, available 24/7.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor any time, day or night.
- Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor by text message.
- Veterans Crisis LineCall 988 and press 1, or text 838255, for support tailored to veterans and their families.
- EmergencyIf someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Take the first step toward feeling lighter
Our team is accepting new patients for EMDR and ART in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. No referral needed.