The unofficial motto of Austin, TX, is “Keep Austin Weird.” This call to action encourages those who live there to support local businesses and keep the city unique and funky.

It can be challenging for people to embrace the things that make them unique. If you’re struggling to keep your weird or need help managing your mental well being, a therapist Austin TX can help. A therapist can provide support to help you manage everything from relationship difficulties to underlying mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. 

Finding the right therapist can be challenging. If you’re seeking therapy with a qualified professional in the Austin area, BetterHelp can match you with licensed psychologists, professional counselors, clinical social workers, and other therapists. To provide therapy for BetterHelp, therapists must have completed 2,000 hours of clinical supervision and be fully licensed by the state board, so you won’t meet with a graduate student or LPC associate in your sessions. The therapy cost at BetterHelp is more affordable than many other forms of treatment, too. If you want to work with a mental health professional to gain insight into your own life in a supportive environment, check out the Austin-based therapists below.

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Tracy Dowling

Offering therapy in TX
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am Tracy Dowling, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I graduated with a Masters of Science degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas in 2000. Since that time, I have worked with children, teens, families, groups, and individuals with a variety of concerns and needs over the years including depression, stress, anxiety, family issues, relationship issues, parenting concerns, career concerns, workplace issues, addictions, and trauma/abuse. My counseling style is very warm and interactive, and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Specifically, I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral approach (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I will help you gain insight into your current struggles, as well as develop strategies and tools that you can use immediately to see progress and make the positive changes you desire in your life. I am here to support, encourage, and guide you along your path. I will be here to help you set goals, measure progress, and assist you every step of the way along your journey. I look forward to working with you! Have a good day!

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Cindy Crye

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing for more than 20 years and find great satisfaction in watching clients achieve a more personally acceptable quality of life. Though I have worked with a wide variety of populations, for the last 13 years I have been working in a clinical setting with adults experiencing a variety of issues from abandonment, loss of independence, grief and general adjustment to life stressors. I would consider my therapeutic style to be encouraging when necessary but I am also willing to give some firm feedback when necessary. I find that building a therapeutic relationship to be the most reliable tool in ensuring you get the most from your counseling experience. Whether you are dealing with stress, relational issues, debilitating mood problems or simply in need of a sounding board, I believe we can work together to bring you to needed changes or insights. It is my belief that even the bad parts of our lives can be woven together to make a suit of armor that is protective, not necessarily something that drags behind weighing us down. Together, we can make this transition. I look forward to our journey!

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Tina LaPorta

Offering therapy in TX
License: LMFT,LPC,LCDC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Thank you for visiting my profile! I am here to help you. I have many years of counseling experience with adults and adolescents that have depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger issues; relationship, family, career or adjustment concerns; as well as substance abuse issues. I have military counseling experience with active duty troops and combat veterans. I have two Master’s degrees in Psychology, the first in College Teaching and the second in counseling, specializing in marriage and family therapy. I began my career as an Adjunct Professor in Psychology in the San Francisco Bay Area; after 6 years of teaching , I began to work clinically, as a community based mental health clinician, with adults with more severe , chronic symptoms, such as schizophrenia. I also worked in the community, as a licensed clinician with both adults and adolescents, with mental health and substance abuse disorders, in Outpatient, IOP and partial hospitalization treatment programs. After many years in the private sector, I decided to work for the Federal government. I was hired as a Psychologist, at Fort Sam Houston, in Texas. I worked for the Department of Defense, on base at Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bliss. As a Federal GS employee, I transferred to the Department of Veteran Affairs. I worked in their Vet Centers as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am licensed in CT, FL, N.J., AZ, and TX. I prefer a cognitive behavioral (CBT) approach. I like to focus on cognitive and behavioral changes, in working with you to achieve your therapy goals. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please write. Tina LaPorta

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Amy Urbanek

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

As a therapist, I believe counseling is a relationship that we journey through together. Therapy begins with understanding you and your concerns. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited to work with you on your journey to better mental health! I'm Amy Urbanek and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and have been in the mental health field since 2009 and licensed since 2011. My Masters Degree is in Counseling and Psychology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. I provide services focused on helping you get to the root of your difficulties and learn ways to become more self-aware, cope with difficult emotions, improve mood, feel connected to others, and live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. The heart and soul of my approach is to help clients develop self-awareness and self-acceptance. We work together to understand what the problems are and develop new strategies for tackling them. My main therapy approach is using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a counseling treatment proven to be helpful for improving mental health through scientific research. Therefore, this means that CBT is not based only on what people think can work, but what has been shown to work. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. In my practice, I work collaboratively with individuals to help identify and solve problems that get in the way of achieving their goals in life. My goal in therapy is to empower people to live richer and more satisfying lives. I believe that you are worthy and capable of living a life that you love. Let's begin the journey together! ***My main hours are Monday through Saturday. I generally schedule sessions at 11am, 12pm, 4pm, and 5pm and reserve morning appointments (Between 9am to 11am) for live chat sessions ONLY. Saturday session times tend to be more flexible for morning and afternoon times. I do not schedule sessions later than 5pm except every rare occasional need.***

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Theodore Woodard

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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krista rice

Offering therapy in TX
License: M.Ed., MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 27 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationships, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Vinson Gonzales

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Rutanya Simon

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oklahoma. I have provided therapy for a diverse population of clients over the past nine years. I worked within the court system for three years where I was able to aid people in their recovery process while dealing with life changes and any mental health issues. The last five years I have worked with families to provide a better quality of life in spite of mental health or disparaging circumstances. I have experience with depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, addiction and trauma. I pride myself on being judgement free and providing an atmosphere which is open and safe. My therapeutic approach is conversational, solution-focused and holistic. We will focus on behaviors which are counter productive to desired results and I will aid the you in finding prosocial activities which can promote healthier habits leading to a better life. I will allow you to be the expert of your life while providing support and helping to maintain focus on the goals we determine you would like to meet during the therapeutic relationship. I look forward to being a part of your journey to becoming your best self!!!

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Dawn Maria Spradley

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I pride myself in making sure each client has a free and protected space to feel vulnerable and safe to share and process raw emotions, feelings, thoughts, and experiences. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. From an Adlerian Therapy approach, I want to help encourage and empower clients to identify and use their strengths to attain their goals, with the power of learning their own positive psychology. I use the Adlerian interventions of early recollection to explore lifestyle assessments, family traditions, beliefs, and values, to better understand who the client is. Together we will also learn mindfulness skills such as grounding techniques to help you identify soothing emotions and feelings to self regulate depression and anxiety. To add, I can help you to identify and process negative emotions and feelings, that often lead to unhealthy choices and behaviors. Together, we will collaborate a treatment plan that can help you thrive and live a more purposeful and meaningful life. My goodness-CONGRATULATIONS to you! It takes courage to seek help-and I am here to support & empower you in through your journey of healing! So let healing BEGIN, right here! Right now! Unfortunately, *I do not do paperwork for FMLA or any other documentation you may need per BH rules. *I do not prescribe medications.

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Barbara (Barbie) Davis

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC, PHD-ABD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
18 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 16 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD among many other issues. My therapy style is non judgmental, empathetic and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I have advanced training with a myriad of approaches and interventions and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am so happy that you have decided to seek help, it takes a lot of courage to take the first steps towards a more fulfilling and happier life. I look forward to working with you and I will be here to support and empower you!

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How to find counseling in Austin

Finding the best therapist close by in Austin can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Austin. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Austin, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Austin or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Austin area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Austin, elsewhere in Travis, or in the greater state of Texas.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Austin area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Austin therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Austin due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Austin may not take health insurance, some in the state of Texas may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Texas you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Austin, Texas working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Austin above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Austin helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Austin therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Austin therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Austin therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in TX, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 78745 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Austin counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Austin licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Austin, Texas can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Austin has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Austin.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Austin:

73301, 73344, 78617, 78651, 78652, 78701, 78702, 78703, 78704, 78705, 78708, 78709, 78710, 78711, 78712, 78713, 78714, 78715, 78716, 78717, 78718, 78719, 78720, 78721, 78722, 78723, 78724, 78725, 78726, 78727, 78728, 78729, 78730, 78731, 78732, 78733, 78735, 78739, 78741, 78742, 78744, 78745, 78746, 78747, 78748, 78749, 78750, 78751, 78752, 78753, 78754, 78755, 78756, 78757, 78758, 78759, 78760, 78761, 78762, 78763, 78764, 78765, 78766, 78767, 78768, 78769, 78772, 78773, 78774, 78778, 78779, 78783, 78799

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