Emergency medicine demands everything you have — sharp thinking, rapid decisions, and unshakable focus in high-stakes situations. Over time, the relentless pace, repeated exposure to trauma, and high-pressure responsibilities can lead to physician burnout, occupational stress, and anxiety. Research shows emergency physicians experience some of the highest rates of depression, burnout, and work-related stress among all medical specialties.
Many physicians report feeling exhausted, hyper-alert, disconnected from family, or unable to switch off after shifts. For some, this manifests as intrusive memories, sleep disruption, or emotional numbing — signs that chronic occupational stress is affecting their mental health.
Occupational Stress Isn’t Mental Illness
Experiencing stress from the ER does not mean you have a mental illness. Occupational stress is a normal response to repeated high-pressure or traumatic events. Left untreated, it can lead to anxiety, depression, or sleep problems, but it is not a reflection of weakness or personal failure.
Why Many Physicians Avoid Therapy
Many emergency physicians hesitate to seek mental health support due to fears about licensing boards and professional consequences. In 2023, Arizona passed House Bill 2173, which prohibits licensing boards from asking about past mental health diagnoses or treatment — a huge step forward in protecting physicians’ privacy.
Because I provide private-pay EMDR therapy, you do not need a diagnosis, and nothing is shared with third parties. This creates a safe, confidential environment to address burnout, moral injury, and occupational stress without concern for your professional record.
Why EMDR Therapy Works for Physicians
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps your brain reprocess distressing experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity. For emergency physicians, EMDR therapy can help:
- Reduce hypervigilance and fight-or-flight responses
- Process traumatic or high-stress cases
- Improve sleep quality and emotional regulation
- Restore connection and balance outside of work
- Heal moral injury and compassion fatigue
My Perspective
I’m Taana Abbitt, LCSW, a trauma-focused therapist with 24 years of experience. I’m also a former emergency healthcare worker and the daughter of a physician. I understand the unique culture of the ER, the pressures you face, and the way stress accumulates over time. This lived experience informs my approach, allowing me to provide practical, empathetic, and effective support tailored specifically to physicians.
What You Can Expect
Private-pay EMDR therapy offers:
- Full confidentiality — no insurance involvement, no reporting
- Freedom from diagnostic labels unless you choose them
- Flexible session lengths (50–90 minutes)
- A therapist who truly understands emergency physician burnout and occupational stress
Take the First Step
You dedicate your life to caring for others — now it’s time to care for yourself. Addressing occupational stress is not a weakness; it’s a step toward reclaiming balance, clarity, and resilience.
👉 Confidential EMDR therapy for emergency physicians in Tempe, AZ and across Arizona via telehealth.