Online Therapy for All Texas Residents

It’s natural to wonder whether something gets lost through a screen. For many people and many concerns, the research is reassuring: studies comparing video and in-person therapy have found similar results for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. What matters most is your relationship with your therapist, and that can grow over video. Sometimes being in the room helps, as with some play therapy for young children, and your therapist will tell you if that applies to you.

If you’re in Texas, from Austin to Amarillo, we can likely see you online. Our therapists are licensed in Texas, and the licensing rules generally follow where you are physically located during a session, so you’ll usually need to be in Texas when you meet. If you live in another state, we’d gently suggest a therapist licensed there. Unsure about your situation? Call or text (512) 578-8070 and we’ll help you sort it out.

Life doesn’t pause for therapy, so this comes up often. Because our therapists are licensed in Texas, the general rule is that you need to be physically in Texas during a session. Other states and countries have their own laws, and many don’t allow a therapist licensed elsewhere to treat you there. Tell your therapist about trips ahead of time, and if you’re moving, say so early so they can help you find care where you’ll live.

Sharing personal things over the internet can feel exposing, and it’s wise to ask. Our sessions run on secure, HIPAA-compliant video, they aren’t recorded, and the same confidentiality rules apply as in our offices. The other half of privacy is your own space: a room with a closed door, headphones or a parked car can help you speak freely. Please keep your session link to yourself. Our Notice of Privacy Practices has the details.

You may be picturing complicated software, but the setup is simple: a phone, tablet or laptop with a camera, a steady internet connection, and a quiet, private spot. About five minutes before your appointment, check your client portal messages and email for the session link and join from there. There’s nothing to download. If the connection drops, try the link again. Curious what the hour itself is like? Read What Actually Happens in a First Session.

Worrying that you won’t feel close to someone on a screen is very common, especially if you’ve never tried it. Many people are surprised how quickly it feels like a real conversation, and some find it easier to open up from home. Our online therapists are the same clinicians who see clients in our offices. If it doesn’t feel right after a few sessions, say so; you can ask about another therapist or try in person. Meet our therapists anytime.

Families and couples have a lot to coordinate, and video can make it easier for everyone to show up. We offer couples, teen and child counseling online. Teens often feel at ease on video, though a private spot at home matters. For younger children, some play therapy works better in person, and your therapist will talk with you about what fits. Insurance isn’t accepted for couples or family counseling, so self-pay rates apply.

You don’t have to choose one forever. Many of our clients meet online most weeks and come in when it feels important, or start in person and move online when life gets busy. Our offices are in North Austin (Northwest Hills) and South Austin (Sunset Valley), and your therapist can tell you which days they’re in the office. A few services, like Microcurrent Neurofeedback, are offered in person only.

Many plans cover therapy by video, though coverage varies, so it’s worth checking yours. We accept several plans for individual counseling, including Aetna, BCBS-TX, Cigna and Optum (Oscar, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare); see every plan we take. Medicaid and Medicare aren’t accepted, and insurance doesn’t cover couples or family sessions. Self-pay rates run $75 to $200 a session. Call or text (512) 578-8070, or find your fit in about a minute with our therapist finder.

Taking the first step can feel like the hardest part, so we try to keep it small. You can reach out online and we’ll reply within one to two business days, or call or text us weekdays 9am–5pm. If you’d like to look around first, our therapist finder lets you filter by insurance, availability and approach, or simply describe what you’re going through. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.