CBT Therapy in Austin, TX
Practical Tools for Real Change
You may understand that a pattern is getting in your way and still find yourself repeating it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers a practical way to look at what happens between a difficult moment and your next response — and to practice a different one.
4.9★
Average rating in our most recent client survey
15 years
Serving Austin since 2011
4,000+
Clients served
30 therapists
With varied licensure and levels of experience
Meet our CBT therapists
Karla Chamberlain, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Helping others to become stronger using grace, grit and joy.
Craig Lesley, LPC-A
Supervised by
Laurie Stevens‑Beck, LPC‑SI'm happiest with my dogs, open-water swimming, grilling, and yoga.
Sarah Becker, LPC-A
Supervised by
Rosalie Piedra, LPC‑SI'm a big hobbyist — circus arts, rock climbing, and hands-on DIY.
Brynna Miller, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I love yoga, hiking, travel, and getting way too invested in historical dramas.
Kristy Demers, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I recharge by meditating, getting outside, and being with people who lift me up.
Wynden Rogers, LPC-A
Supervised by
Doc Davis, LPC‑SI care for myself by noticing what I need — quiet reflection, time outdoors, rest.
Amy Nikitenko, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
I love camping with family, trekking the wilderness, and crafty DIY projects.
Emma Lapin, LPC-A
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
I’m here to meet you where you are and work alongside you toward meaningful change.
Marla Sanderson, LMFT-S
Clinical Director
I love reading, science fiction/horror, cooking, crafting, video games, and my two rescue dogs.
Brittany Tyrrell, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
A Massachusetts transplant who loves family, reading, baking, traveling, and the outdoors.
Vanessa Alegria, LMFT-A
Supervised by
Kristen Pierce, LMFT‑SI love spending time with family and friends, reading (especially historical fiction), and traveling.
Giselle Otamendi, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I'm bilingual and proudly Latina.
Jadese Jasper, Internship Student
Supervised by
Marla Sanderson, LMFT‑SI love meditation, music-filled dog walks, new recipes, and history rabbit holes.
Laurie Stevens-Beck, LPC-S, EMDR-C, CCTP II, C-DBT
Senior Therapist
I can't start my day without grounding, a little yoga, and morning meditation.
Karla Corro, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I love time with my three dogs and husband — hikes and road trips!
Looking for a therapist? We’ll help you find a perfect match.
Matcha is our matching tool. It’s free, there’s nothing to sign up for, and it takes about a minute.
- Narrow by insurance, availability, and how a therapist works
- Save the ones you want to come back to
- Or just describe what you’re going through, and let it find the fit
What is CBT?
CBT looks at how thoughts, emotions, and actions influence one another. You and your therapist identify patterns that keep a problem going, then practice different responses. That may include examining an interpretation, approaching something you have been avoiding, or trying a manageable change in your routine. The American Psychological Association’s CBT overview describes this collaborative approach and its research base.
You do not have to arrive with a diagnosis or a perfectly organized account of your life. A useful starting point is one ordinary moment you wish had gone differently.
Could CBT Fit What You Are Looking For?
Perhaps a short email leaves you convinced you have disappointed someone. You spend an hour rewriting your reply, then put it off. Or your mood has narrowed your days until the activities that once mattered feel out of reach.
If you are seeking help with anxiety, depression, or the pressures of adult life, you can ask an AMC therapist how CBT might fit your care. These examples are starting points for a conversation, not a checklist that determines your treatment.
What Might a Session Involve?
You might bring in a recent situation, work through what you noticed, and choose something to try before the next appointment. Depending on your goals, CBT can include thought records, problem-solving, or practice changing an avoidance pattern. Exercises should connect to the life you actually live.
It is reasonable to ask your therapist:
- What are we working toward, and how will we know whether this is helping?
- How much structure will there be in sessions?
- What practice, if any, would you suggest between appointments?
- How can we adapt the work when my energy, attention, or circumstances make an exercise difficult?
CBT and Mindfulness at AMC
AMC’s focus on mindfulness gives you another topic to discuss when choosing a clinician. Ask how they combine noticing your experience with practical work on thinking and behavior. Therapists differ in how they use CBT and other approaches; the right fit includes how the work feels to you, not just a method named on a profile.
If you are comparing approaches, our therapy services directory can help you see the options. You do not need to choose the method before requesting an appointment.
Find a Setting That Works for You
Share your preference when requesting care — CBT availability at each office or online depends on the clinician. We see clients at Northwest Hills in North Austin, at Sunset Valley in South Austin, and online anywhere in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About CBT
You do not need to know the terminology before you begin.
Is CBT just positive thinking?
No. CBT explores how your interpretations and actions affect your experience. The aim is to test assumptions and try useful changes, not to replace every difficult thought with a cheerful one or dismiss what you are going through.
Will I have homework between appointments?
CBT often includes practice between sessions, such as noticing a pattern, recording a thought, or trying a different response. Ask your therapist to choose manageable exercises with you and explain how they connect to your goals.
What if worksheets or a structured approach have not helped me before?
Tell your therapist what did and did not work. Ask how they adapt the pace, exercises, and structure to your needs. Your preferences are part of deciding whether this therapist and approach are a good fit.
Can I combine CBT with mindfulness?
Ask the clinician how they use both approaches. You might discuss noticing a thought without immediately acting on it, alongside practical changes in your behavior. AMC therapists differ in how they integrate methods, so confirm the approach with the person you would see.
How long will I need CBT?
There is no single timeline that fits everyone. Discuss your goals, circumstances, and prior therapy experience, and ask how you will review progress together. A webpage cannot tell you how many appointments you will need.
Can I request in-person or online CBT?
Yes. Tell us whether you prefer Northwest Hills, Sunset Valley, or online therapy in Texas. We will need to confirm a clinician whose approach, location, and availability fit your request.
What does CBT cost, and can I use insurance?
See our rates and insurance information. Fees and coverage depend on your therapist and plan. Confirm the details for your proposed appointment before beginning care.
For more about the approach and between-session practice, see What to Expect from CBT from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
Take the next step
Request a therapist through Matcha and mention that you are interested in CBT. You can also browse our therapists or call or text (512) 578-8070 to discuss fit. We will help you explore the options without expecting you to have all the answers first.