Online EMDR: how outcomes compare with in-person therapy
Direct comparisons have found meaningful improvement with online EMDR and outcomes similar to in-person treatment on several measures. This page highlights selected studies with findings supportive of online delivery, so you can see what was compared and what the results mean.
At KP Psychological, online EMDR means live sessions with a trained psychologist by secure video. Learn about online EMDR across Alberta or explore the practical benefits of online EMDR.
A randomized comparison for generalized anxiety
Jamshidi and colleagues, 2025 — Cognitive Therapy and Research. This trial compared ten sessions of web-based EMDR, face-to-face EMDR and a waiting list in adults with generalized anxiety disorder.
Both treatment groups showed substantial improvement compared with the waiting list, and improvements persisted at one- and three-month follow-ups. Most measured outcomes did not differ significantly between the two treatment formats; worry was an exception.
What this supports: online EMDR can produce meaningful anxiety improvement, with results similar to face-to-face treatment on several measures in this study. It studied generalized anxiety, rather than PTSD, and a waiting-list comparison cannot isolate effects specific to EMDR. It does not show that every outcome is identical.
A comparison in a specialist PTSD service
Strelchuk and colleagues, 2023 — European Journal of Psychotraumatology. A UK traumatic stress service compared 45 people receiving online EMDR with 33 receiving in-person EMDR.
The evaluation found no evidence of differences in completion, dropout or adverse events. Among people who completed treatment and had outcome data, end-of-treatment PTSD scores were numerically lower in the online group, although evidence for a difference was weak. The authors concluded that online EMDR was an acceptable, safe and effective alternative within their service.
What this supports: encouraging online outcomes in routine PTSD care. People were not randomly assigned, treatment occurred in different years, and the symptom comparison used treatment completers. Those limits mean the study cannot establish equal effectiveness for everyone.
Read the researchers' study summary: Strelchuk et al. (2023).
Virtual and in-person EMDR in primary care
Liou and colleagues, 2022 — Telemedicine and e-Health. Researchers reviewed adult patient records from one therapist in a primary care setting, including virtual and in-person EMDR.
Both delivery formats were associated with significant improvement in anxiety scores. After adjustment, changes in anxiety and depression scores did not differ significantly between the virtual and in-person groups.
What this supports: similar measured outcomes for virtual and in-person delivery in this setting. This was a retrospective study, and the care included EMDR alongside CBT. It does not isolate EMDR's contribution or establish equivalence through a randomized trial.
What comparable outcomes mean for your choice
These selected comparisons give reasons to consider online EMDR when it fits your needs. They support similar outcomes on particular measures in particular settings. Finding no statistically significant difference is not proof that two treatments are equally effective in every situation.
Research results are averages. Your psychologist will discuss your goals, symptoms, privacy, comfort with video and support needs, then review progress with you. The online format should make it easier to access appropriate care while retaining preparation, pacing and a therapeutic relationship.
Discuss online EMDR with KP Psychological
Kyle Poon and Marissa Whalley are Registered Psychologists offering online sessions across Alberta. Kyle is an EMDRIA Approved Trainer and Consultant; Marissa is an EMDR Therapist. We assess fit and discuss treatment options with you. You must be physically in Alberta during sessions.
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