1. Austin Center for CBT
Credentials: Dr. Tamara Bryan, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Over 20 years of experience providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to individuals and couples.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, OCD, stress, panic, depression, trichotillomania, postpartum issues, chronic illness, relationship issues, sexual concerns.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Schema Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, sex therapy. All techniques backed by extensive research with personalized treatment plans.
Populations Served: Adults and couples throughout Texas. Individuals seeking evidence-based, skills-based treatment.
Background: Founded in 2013 by Dr. Bryan. She previously served as Director of Adult Services at the Austin Center for the Treatment of OCD. Maintained private practice since 2002. Provides supervision to other clinicians and CBT resources to the public.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: Teletherapy via phone or live video. Individual therapy typically starts weekly then tapers as skills are mastered.
Location: Austin, TX (teletherapy practice serving Texas)
Contact: https://www.atxcbt.com
Initial Consultation: Contact through website to create personalized treatment plan informed by research findings and patient priorities.
2. Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists
Credentials: Team of licensed psychologists and therapists specializing in anxiety and OCD treatment for children, adolescents, and adults.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, specific phobias, selective mutism, separation anxiety, emetophobia (fear of vomiting). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as first-line treatment for anxiety and OCD. Evidence-based approaches with strong prognosis when properly applied.
Populations Served: Children, adolescents, and adults. Child psychologists provide compassionate individual therapy in Round Rock and Austin.
Background: Practice operates Camp Courage, an adventure-based therapeutic overnight camp designed for children and teens with anxiety and OCD. Comprehensive evaluation services for greater understanding of each child’s functioning.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions in Austin and Round Rock areas. Online teletherapy sessions available.
Location: Austin and Round Rock, TX
Contact: https://www.austinanxiety.com
Initial Consultation: Reach out through website for compassionate support from anxiety and OCD therapists.
3. Austin Center for Anxiety
Credentials: Dr. Ashton, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist with specialization in anxiety disorders. Doctorate from Spalding University (2001). Postdoctoral training in anxiety disorders at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, a nationally-acclaimed treatment center affiliated with St. Louis University.
Specialization: Full spectrum of anxiety disorders from mild to severe including OCD, Panic Disorder with and without Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, specific phobias (fear of flying, needle and medical phobias, paruresis). Depression and Trichotillomania.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure-based therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) for trichotillomania. Evidence-based treatment typically requiring about 8-10 visits for most cases.
Populations Served: Adults throughout Texas and Florida. Occasional exceptions for older teens for consultation.
Background: 11 years as staff psychologist at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute after postdoctoral training. Practice does not prescribe medications. Non-discriminatory practice welcoming all clients.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: Telepsychology services throughout Texas and Florida.
Location: Austin, TX (serving all of Texas and Florida via telehealth)
Contact: https://www.austinanxietycenter.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to begin evidence-based anxiety treatment.
4. Racine Anxiety
Credentials: Dr. Jill Racine, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Published researcher with academic articles on mental health treatment and person-centered care.
Specialization: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), panic, anxiety disorders, agoraphobia, attention difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, depression, hair-pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (excoriation), generalized anxiety, selective mutism, social anxiety, phobias, PANS/PANDAS, performance anxiety.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Evidence-based approaches in supportive, collaborative environment.
Populations Served: Adults, adolescents, children, and families. Provides parenting strategies and family accommodation intervention for anxious children.
Background: Collaborated on mental health research projects with Columbia University, The University of Texas at Austin, and The Pennsylvania State University. Specializes in compassionate treatment creating supportive environment for clients.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth available.
Location: Austin, TX
Contact: https://racineanxiety.com
Initial Consultation: Free phone consultation available through website contact form sent to secure mailbox.
5. Capital OCD and Anxiety Practice
Credentials: Team of licensed psychologists specializing in evidence-based treatment for OCD, anxiety, and related difficulties.
Specialization: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and related conditions in children, adolescents, families, and young adults.
Therapy Approaches: Evidence-based therapies individualized to each patient’s unique needs. Focused, sensitive collaboration approach supporting meaningful, lasting change.
Populations Served: Children, adolescents, young adults, and families in Austin area.
Background: Practice committed to benefiting lives by providing high standard of care. Specializes in evidence-based treatment with comprehensive approach including individual therapy, intensive therapy, and family support.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: Individual therapy and consultation services available.
Location: Austin, TX
Contact: https://www.capitalocd.org
Initial Consultation: Contact through website to get started with specialty treatment.
Mental Health Industry in Texas
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Austin range from $125 to $250 per session depending on the provider’s credentials and experience. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) typically charge $125 to $175 per session. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $175 to $275 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $250 to $400 for sessions including medication management. Couples therapy sessions typically range from $150 to $300. Austin therapy costs are somewhat higher than other Texas cities, reflecting the city’s higher cost of living.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Texas, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an accredited institution. Candidates must accumulate 3,500 hours of supervised professional experience, with 1,750 hours completed before the doctoral degree (internship) and 1,750 hours completed after the doctoral degree (postdoctoral). Two examinations are required: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with a minimum score of 500, and the Texas Jurisprudence Examination with a minimum score of 90%. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists administers licensure. License renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
Telehealth Regulations
Texas permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Texas is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use HIPAA-compliant platforms and obtain informed consent specific to telehealth services.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Texas law requires health insurers to provide coverage for serious mental illness on par with physical health conditions. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) applies to group health plans. Texas requires insurers to cover certain biologically-based mental health conditions.
Professional Organizations
The Texas Psychological Association (TPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The Capital Area Psychological Association serves the Austin area with local networking and professional development.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Austin has a substantial mental health workforce, though rapid population growth has created significant demand. Wait times for new patients typically range from two to six weeks depending on the provider, specialty, and insurance acceptance. Specialized services such as OCD treatment or child psychology may have longer wait times.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In Austin, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders (including performance anxiety common in tech workers), depression, burnout and work-related stress (particularly in the growing tech sector), imposter syndrome, relationship difficulties, adjustment disorders, and concerns related to rapid life changes.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Texas Health and Human Services provides mental health services through Local Mental Health Authorities. Integral Care serves as the Local Mental Health Authority for Travis County (Austin area), providing crisis services and outpatient treatment programs for residents regardless of ability to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas?
In Texas, psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and can perform psychological testing and assessment in addition to therapy. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) hold master’s degrees and provide counseling services. Both can diagnose mental health conditions and provide psychotherapy. Psychologists typically have more extensive training in research methods and psychological assessment.
How long does CBT treatment for anxiety typically take in Austin practices?
According to Austin anxiety specialists, evidence-based CBT treatment for anxiety disorders typically requires about 8-10 sessions for most cases. If someone has been in treatment for more than a month or two without relief, they may not be receiving evidence-based treatment. More complex cases such as severe OCD may require longer treatment duration.
Are there specialized summer camps for children with anxiety and OCD in the Austin area?
Yes, Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists operates Camp Courage, an adventure-based therapeutic overnight camp designed specifically for children and teens with anxiety and OCD. The camp combines evidence-based treatment approaches with outdoor activities to help young people build coping skills.
What credentials should I look for in an anxiety specialist in Austin?
Look for providers trained in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Ideal credentials include specialized postdoctoral training in anxiety disorders, certification from organizations like the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, or membership in the International OCD Foundation. Ask specifically about their training in exposure-based therapies.
Does Texas require psychologists to complete continuing education?
Yes, Texas requires licensed psychologists to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure. This requirement ensures that psychologists stay current with developments in the field and maintain competence in evidence-based practices.