1. CBI of El Paso (Cognitive Behavioral Institute)
Credentials: Dr. Villalobos, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and LCSW Supervisor. PhD from Fielding University (2019), Doctoral degree in Social Work Research from UT El Paso (2009). Pre-doctoral internship at El Paso VA Healthcare System. Patricia Nevarez, counselor trained in evidence-based practices. Ella Gwen Orcutt, LPC licensed in Texas and South Carolina.
Specialization: ADHD, autism, neurofeedback, PTSD, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety disorders, trauma.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression, CBT for Chronic Pain, CBT for Insomnia, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, ACT, mindfulness therapies.
Populations Served: Adults, adolescents, teens, LGBTQ+ individuals, Latinx community, military veterans.
Background: Dr. Villalobos has 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups. Trained extensively at El Paso VA Healthcare System on evidence-based practices. Team includes culturally responsive therapists with experience serving El Paso’s diverse multicultural community.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at El Paso office. Telehealth available.
Location: El Paso, TX
Contact: https://www.cbiofelpaso.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule appointment.
2. Sawyer Behavioral Health
Credentials: Shannon Sawyer, LPC-S, Clinical Director and Owner. Master’s Degree with High Distinction in Professional Counseling from Liberty University (2010). LPC-Supervisor in good standing with Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Team of seven fully licensed counselors plus LPC-Associates and student interns.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions.
Therapy Approaches: Evidence-based treatments including CBT, solution-focused therapy, and other therapeutic modalities tailored to client needs.
Populations Served: Individuals of all ages seeking behavioral health support in the El Paso community.
Background: Mrs. Sawyer opened private practice in 2015 after gaining experience at a local behavioral health hospital (inpatient and outpatient) and a longstanding counseling center. Practice has seen exponential growth. All LPCs and LPC-Associates have passed national boards and hold active Texas licenses. Student interns are graduate students obtaining practicum/internship hours.
Insurance Accepted: Most insurances accepted (Commercial and Medicaid).
Session Format: In-person sessions at El Paso office. Initial appointments typically scheduled 1-2 weeks out. Same-day appointments available in some cases.
Location: El Paso, TX
Contact: (915) 533-8696 | https://sbhelpaso.com
Initial Consultation: Call office to collect contact information, insurance information, and treatment goals. Insurance verified before scheduling.
3. Mind Forward Health Center
Credentials: Dr. Viridiana Ortiz, PhD, LCSW-S (Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor), Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP). Master’s degree in Social Work from UT El Paso (2015) with clinical and medical social work concentration. Vanessa Caraveo, LCSW, master’s degree from UT Arlington (2022).
Specialization: Depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma-Focused CBT, client-centered therapy, anger management, mindfulness.
Populations Served: Clients of all ages seeking psychotherapy and psychiatric services.
Background: Dr. Viridiana has been providing psychotherapy services to clients of all ages. Completed intensive training in Trauma-Focused CBT with the Indian Country Child Trauma Center at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Practice offers comprehensive care including psychiatric therapy and medication management.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at El Paso office. Telehealth available.
Location: El Paso, TX
Contact: https://www.mindforwardhealthcenter.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation.
4. Thriveworks El Paso
Credentials: Team of licensed therapists and counselors with experience in evidence-based treatments. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) on staff.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, life transitions, addiction, relationship difficulties.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Christian counseling, solution-focused brief therapy.
Populations Served: Adults, veterans, LGBTQ+ clients, children, families.
Background: Part of national Thriveworks network with over 340 locations. Courtney, one of the therapists, dedicated first 8 years of career to youth and families in community-based behavioral health agency in Oklahoma City, then worked with veterans struggling with trauma and mental illness. Becky Stanford, LCSW, has over 25 years of experience.
Insurance Accepted: Accepts most major insurances (585+ insurance plans). Self-pay options available. Self-pay rates: $160-$240 intake, $135-$195 follow-up.
Session Format: In-person sessions at El Paso office. Online video sessions available.
Location: El Paso, TX
Contact: https://thriveworks.com/el-paso-counseling/
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule appointment.
5. Oliphant Counseling
Credentials: Licensed therapist specializing in women’s mental health.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, women’s mental health concerns.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as primary treatment modality. Short-term, problem-focused behavioral treatment helping clients see difference between beliefs, thoughts, and feelings.
Populations Served: Women struggling with anxiety, depression, and related concerns.
Background: Practice focused on CBT as structured approach ensuring therapist and client focus on different goals of each session for productive treatment. CBT grounded in belief that person’s perception of events determines how they feel and act in response. Cognitive restructuring techniques used to adjust thoughts influencing emotions and behavior.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Oklahoma City office.
Location: Oklahoma City, OK 73103 (Note: Serves clients remotely in Texas)
Contact: https://oliphantcounseling.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation.
Mental Health Industry in Texas
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in El Paso range from $80 to $150 per session, lower than many Texas metropolitan areas. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) typically charge $80 to $125 per session. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) charge similar rates. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $125 to $200 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $175 to $300 for sessions including medication management. El Paso therapy costs are moderate due to lower cost of living compared to other Texas cities.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Texas, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate 3,500 hours of supervised professional experience (1,750 pre-doctoral, 1,750 post-doctoral). Two examinations are required: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with minimum score of 500, and Texas Jurisprudence Examination with 90% passing score. 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 follow Texas telehealth regulations.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Texas law requires health insurers to provide coverage for serious mental illness. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) applies to group health plans. Texas defines serious mental illness to include specific diagnoses with coverage mandates.
Professional Organizations
The Texas Psychological Association (TPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The Texas Counseling Association serves licensed professional counselors. El Paso area practitioners connect through regional professional networks.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
El Paso has a growing mental health workforce with programs at University of Texas at El Paso. Wait times for new patients typically range from one to three weeks depending on provider. Bilingual (English/Spanish) therapists are more readily available in El Paso than many other regions, reflecting the community’s needs.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In El Paso, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma/PTSD, relationship difficulties, and adjustment concerns. The border community setting creates unique stressors related to immigration, family separation, and cultural adjustment. Military families from Fort Bliss also contribute to demand for trauma and PTSD treatment.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Texas Health and Human Services Commission oversees community mental health programs. Emergence Health Network serves as the Local Mental Health Authority for El Paso County, providing crisis services and community mental health treatment. Texas 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bilingual therapists available in El Paso?
Yes, El Paso has strong availability of bilingual (English/Spanish) therapists reflecting the community’s demographics. Many practitioners at CBI of El Paso, Mind Forward Health Center, and other practices offer bilingual services. When contacting practices, asking about Spanish-speaking therapists is recommended.
What mental health resources are available for military families at Fort Bliss?
El Paso serves a large military community from Fort Bliss. Many local therapists have experience with military families and veterans. Dr. Villalobos at CBI of El Paso completed internship at El Paso VA Healthcare System. Thriveworks therapists have experience with veterans and military trauma. Military OneSource and Tricare also provide referrals to approved providers.
How does the LPC-Associate credential work in Texas?
LPC-Associate is a provisional license for counselors who have completed their master’s degree and passed the National Counselor Examination but are still completing supervised clinical hours. LPC-Associates must work under supervision of an LPC-Supervisor. At Sawyer Behavioral Health, all LPC-Associates are supervised by Shannon Sawyer, LPC-S.
What trauma-focused treatments are available in El Paso?
Several El Paso practices offer specialized trauma treatment. CBI of El Paso provides Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Mind Forward Health Center offers EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT. Dr. Viridiana completed intensive TF-CBT training with the Indian Country Child Trauma Center at University of Oklahoma.
What should I expect to pay for therapy in El Paso without insurance?
Self-pay rates in El Paso typically range from $80-$150 per session for licensed therapists. Thriveworks lists self-pay rates of $160-$240 for intake sessions and $135-$195 for follow-up sessions. Many practices offer sliding scale fees based on income. Sawyer Behavioral Health accepts Medicaid, which may be an option for qualifying individuals.