FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Intensive Trauma Therapy (ITT) is a structured, short-term model designed to address trauma in a focused, time-efficient way. 

Key Differences:

✅  Session Length & Frequency: ITT sessions run 3–6 hours per day, often across multiple days per week for 2–8 weeks. A preparation phase (2–3 hrs, 1–2x/week) may precede intensive work. Conventional outpatient therapy is usually 45–60 min weekly and may extend for months or years.

✅  Outcomes & Timeframe: Both reduce distress and promote healing, but ITT’s condensed format often leads to faster relief and measurable progress in weeks rather than months.

✅  Insurance Coverage: Conventional weekly sessions are typically covered by insurance. Because ITT sessions extend beyond 60 minutes, insurance companies generally do not recognize or reimburse the full block of time.  For more information, see FAQ: “Can I use my insurance benefits for intensive therapy?”)

ITT may be a good fit if you want to address trauma’s impact in a focused, accelerated way.

It’s especially effective for those impacted by:

• High-profile events (natural disasters, shootings, terrorist attacks)
• Personal traumas (assault, accidents, medical diagnoses, sudden loss)
• First responder & frontline healthcare stress (cumulative exposure to crisis/loss)
• Childhood & developmental trauma (abuse, neglect, household violence)
   

Weekly outpatient therapy may be more appropriate if you prefer a slower pace or ongoing long-term support.

In my practice, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is the core offering. It’s a well-established trauma treatment that supports the brain’s natural healing process through focused, intensive work.

For some clients, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) may be the better clinical fit. CPT offers a structured, evidence-based way to shift unhelpful thoughts and reduce trauma symptoms.

Beyond EMDR and CPT, I also integrate principles from polyvagal theory, brainspotting, biofeedback, and somatic work—approaches in which I hold advanced training. These tools support nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and lasting change.

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess unresolved trauma using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, tones). This reduces the emotional intensity of stuck memories and promotes integration.  EMDR is widely used for trauma, but also effective for anxiety, phobias, and depression linked to stressful life events.

CPT is an evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps identify and shift unhelpful trauma-related beliefs (about safety, trust, control, self-worth). It follows a manualized protocol that provides a structured, step-by-step way to reduce distress and support emotional healing.

Intensive Trauma Therapy (ITT) can provide both immediate and lasting impact, especially for those ready to engage in focused, in-depth work. 

Key benefits include:

✅ Faster relief from acute symptoms—supporting a quicker return to well-being and daily life.
✅ Flexible scheduling (including evenings and weekends)—making therapy easier to fit into busy or demanding schedules.
✅ Fewer total treatment days—ideal for those taking short-term leave from work (such as PTO, vacation, or medical leave).
✅ Deeper, uninterrupted work—avoiding the weekly “stop and start,” allowing space for more meaningful healing.

Intensive Trauma Therapy involves deep, focused work in a condensed period of time. Because of its depth and pace, it may feel more emotionally intense or activating than traditional weekly therapy. While precautions are taken to minimize distress, not all reactions can be anticipated.

To reduce risks and support your process, several safeguards are built into the approach:

✅ Comprehensive Initial Evaluation
Before beginning, a thorough evaluation is conducted—including your trauma history, current symptoms, and any untreated mental health concerns—to ensure readiness and appropriateness for this format.

✅ Emphasis on Stabilization
Stabilization tools and grounding strategies are woven throughout the process to help regulate emotional activation and support nervous system balance.

✅ Identifying External Support
You’ll work with Dr. Rosen to identify support people who can offer emotional connection and safety between sessions when needed.

✅ Required Follow-Up with a Community Provider
Intensive Trauma Therapy is a short-term intervention. Ongoing support is essential. All participants are required to have a follow-up plan with a community therapist, and Dr. Rosen will assist with referrals and care coordination to ensure continuity.

Start by reaching out through the Contact tab on my website or calling me directly at 203-482-9274. We’ll schedule a free 15-minute phone call to talk about what’s bringing you in and whether intensive trauma therapy might be a good fit for your needs.

During this call, I’ll answer any initial questions you have. If it feels appropriate to move forward, we’ll then schedule a full consultation interview—either in person or via telehealth—to take a deeper look at your goals, history, and readiness for intensive work.

The total cost of your treatment will depend on the duration of your therapy. Here's a guide to help estimate the total cost.  

Step 01:  Initial Consultation Interview

• Duration: 50 minutes
• Cost: $250
• Description: During this interview, we will review relevant personal, clinical, and medical factors to determine if intensive trauma therapy is the right fit. Alternative therapy approaches will also be shared to help you make the best decision regarding your mental health care.

• Note: This consultation can be conducted either in-person or remotely. Dr. Rosen is an out-of-network provider for most major health insurance companies (in-network provider for Anthem BCBS and Aetna). Payment for out-of-pocket expenses is due at the time of service, and a detailed receipt will be emailed to you for potential insurance reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. Please call your insurance company before your first visit to understand what your policy covers.

Step 02:  Intensive Trauma Therapy Written Good Faith Estimate

• Timeline: Emailed to you within 48 hours following the Initial Consultation Interview
• Description: You will receive a written 'Good Faith Estimate' outlining the estimated duration and total cost of Intensive Trauma Therapy. This estimate will include the number of anticipated session blocks (ranging from 3 to 6 hours each) and proposed dates for treatment initiation. Full day and half-day session blocks vary in price from $750 to $1800, depending on the length, weekday versus weekend, and daytime versus evening hours of block scheduling.

Step 03:  Comprehensive Assessment and Preparation Session  

• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: $750
• Description: This session includes a thorough history taking, an explanation of how trauma has impacted your brain health, and time permitting, the beginning of the preparation phase with positive resourcing strategies targeting stress reduction and emotional stabilization.

Step 04: Follow-Up Session Blocks

• Description: With a plan in place, follow-up session blocks are scheduled. Sit back with confidence as you realize that you've taken a major step to move forward from your trauma, better.

This structured approach ensures transparency in costs and provides a clear path for your treatment journey.

Intensive Trauma Therapy with Dr. Rosen is considered a specialized service and is typically an out-of-pocket expense. Most insurance plans only recognize standard single-session hours as reimbursable and do not cover extended time blocks used in intensive formats.

However, if you have out-of-network benefits, it’s possible that your insurance will reimburse you for the first “therapy hour” of each treatment block (billed under CPT code 90837). To avoid surprises, it's a good idea to contact your insurance provider in advance.