If you’re looking for a therapist, Austin, TX, is home to a variety of therapists that can help you manage your mental well being. 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.
Suzanne Alley
As a licensed therapist in Texas, I bring over two decades of compassionate, client-centered experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice specializes in addressing diverse challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and LGBTQ+ experiences. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment that honors each person's unique journey. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-love, navigate life transitions, heal from past wounds, and build resilience. I have extensive expertise in working with young adults, women, multicultural populations, and individuals exploring sexuality, identity, and personal growth. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, processing trauma, or seeking deeper understanding of yourself, I offer a non-judgmental space to explore and transform your experiences. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inherent strengths, challenge limiting beliefs, and create meaningful change. Together, we'll work collaboratively to help you move toward greater emotional well-being and authenticity.
Darlene Kelly
I am a family and marriage therapist with over 20 years of experience. I have experience in working with singles, married couples, teens and the elderly. I am here to help you, knowing that reaching out for help is not always easy. I am an open-ended listener who gives you the opportunity to express yourself in a nonjudgmental environment. I have helped many get through their trials and tribulations. My idea of therapy is not to erase what you've been through but, to offer an environment where you can express any and all experiences and voice how you can move forward. My goal is to help you grow in all aspects of life, it's not always easy being vulnerable which is why I offer my support and aid in all experiences that you have and will go through. I hope to meet you soon!
Gregory Rico
I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy/sexual related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Arewa Banjoko
I am licensed in Texas with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, bipolar disorder, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Rachael Hayles
Hello and welcome, I am honored to be a part of your healing journey. It takes courage to ask for help when you have had to be the strong one for so long and I applaud you for taking that step, I am here to go along with your on your journey and empower you to see the best in you. I am a licensed professional counselor and I am here to be an ally as you navigate the path of growth and change. I look forward to collaborating with you during this very important time in your life. I have experience with working with individuals with a wide range of concerns from anxiety, depression, career exploration, Bipolar disorder, relationship and communication concerns. I have also helped people process and navigate life after trauma. I offer later evening sessions via request and I accept insurance via the Grow therapy platform. If you are in need of either of these, please feel free to reach out. My therapy style is warm and inviting and I believe in treating everyone with compassion, respect and dignity. I provide a non-judgmental environment for people to feel heard and valued. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and is dependent on each client, I believe in meeting my client where they are and ensuring they have a tailored treatment that works best for them. I look forward to working with you!
Annette Rios-Barrera
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Annette, and I’m a licensed therapist based in Texas with 23 years of professional experience. My pronouns are she/her. I specialize in trauma-informed care and relational healing, supporting clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, identity exploration, and the complexities of human connection. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, in a polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationship, facing grief or pet loss, or working through family conflict, I hold space for your unique story with compassion and clarity. I know that healing looks different for everyone. That’s why our work together is tailored to your goals and values. We’ll focus on creating emotional safety, rebuilding trust, and cultivating self-awareness so you can feel more aligned and resilient in your life and relationships. As a certified laughter yoga instructor, I also bring in a spark of joy when it feels supportive, because healing doesn’t have to be heavy all the time. Playfulness, mindfulness, and holistic care are all part of the journey we’ll walk together. If you're seeking a therapist who understands nuance, validates your lived experience, and empowers you to move forward, you’ve found a safe place. I’m honored to support your growth and self-discovery.
Shelley Buck
Hi there, I'm Shelley and I am an LPC practicing in the state of Texas. I hold a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I am a member of the ACA (American Counseling Association) and the ACAC (Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling). I work with LGBTQ+, individuals, couples & families, and have extensive experience working with children 10+ and teens. I am also highly skilled in working with neurodivergence (ADHD & autism) in youth & adults, and the associated thoughts and behaviors; I am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). I provide talk therapy (psychotherapy), psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and art therapy as my primary therapeutic modalities. I look forward to walking your journey with you!
Janis Edralin
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward? I’m here to help. I am Janis Edralin based out of San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, a PhD‑level clinician, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, with over 18 years of professional experience supporting individuals through stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, motivation challenges, self‑esteem concerns, and substance use recovery. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, regain clarity, and build a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. My approach is collaborative, empowering, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own story. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way and create a path toward healing and growth. I offer a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment, and I welcome both individuals seeking support. I am committed to the Texas community and have served as a Licensed Professional Counselor mentor, adjunct professor, and graduate counseling student mentor. My background also includes national‑level leadership roles and international collaboration in corporate organization and prior service in the Peace Corps (PC) in Malawi and Mexico. Additionally, my training at leading music conservatories enriches my work with a multicultural and creative perspective. My interests encompass hiking, biking, and fencing, as well as the study of English and American literature and the writing of poetry. I am deeply committed to service, volunteering regularly within my local community and remaining actively engaged in my parish church. During my undergraduate years, I had the distinction of trying out for the 1996 Olympic Games in fencing, an experience that reflects the discipline’s longstanding influence on my life. Years of dedicated training have shaped my values, work ethic, and approach to personal and professional challenges. In addition to these pursuits, I have also worked as a nanny, a role that strengthened my sense of responsibility, adaptability, and care for others. I have further broadened my skills through training with the American Red Cross abroad, an experience that deepened my commitment to service and preparedness. Reaching out for help is a courageous step. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, I’m here to walk alongside you and support you every step of the way
Eric Martinez
When imagining my ideal client, I see individuals from diverse backgrounds—LGBTQ+ youth navigating identity and acceptance, juveniles facing emotional and behavioral challenges during critical developmental years, adults striving for personal growth or healing from past trauma, and men working to overcome stigma around mental health and express vulnerability. Each client brings a unique set of needs: the need to be heard without judgment, to feel safe in their identity, to rebuild trust, and to move toward a more empowered and authentic self. My approach is grounded in existential-phenomenological psychology, which means I focus on understanding each person’s unique lived experience—how they make meaning, face uncertainty, and navigate questions of identity, purpose, and connection. Alongside this foundation, I integrate evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I tailor my approach to meet the needs of each client—whether that’s a teen struggling with identity, an adult working through anxiety or life transitions, someone processing trauma, or a man learning to express emotion in a safe and healthy way.
Dr. Sean Alexander
As a licensed therapist in Texas, I specialize in helping adults navigate complex emotional landscapes with a strong commitment to affirming and supportive care. My practice centers on supporting adults, ages 18 and older, working through anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. I offer a compassionate, client-centered environment where individuals can safely explore self-love, communication patterns, sexuality, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based techniques with empathy and authenticity, helping clients process difficult emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop more fulfilling relationships. Through personalized strategies designed to strengthen emotional resilience and self-understanding, I help clients move toward meaningful transformation and inner stability. Whether you’re seeking balance in your relationships, working through anxiety, or rebuilding confidence, I’ll walk alongside you with insight, care, and professional guidance. Dr. Sean Alexander, DSW, LCSW
Morgan Starr
As a licensed therapist in Texas, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges with compassion and expertise. My practice centers on helping young adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those experiencing stress, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties. I bring a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to addressing self-esteem, communication challenges, and personal growth. My therapeutic work focuses on creating a supportive environment where clients can explore attachment issues, workplace stress, mood disorders, and multicultural concerns. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals dealing with family dynamics, sexuality, and personal identity development. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients work through guilt, shame, and complex emotional experiences. My approach emphasizes self-love, healing from past traumas, and developing meaningful strategies for personal empowerment and resilience.
Brandi Lightsey
As a therapist licensed in TX, TN and VA, I bring over 15 years of experience working in mental health across crisis intervention and inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. Throughout my career, I have provided therapy to individuals navigating acute distress, complex diagnoses, and life-altering transitions. My work has placed me on the front lines of the mental health system, where I’ve seen firsthand both its potential to help and the ways it can overwhelm and fail the people it’s meant to serve. I am a strong advocate for my clients. I believe therapy should be collaborative, transparent, and grounded in respect for each person’s lived experience. Many of my clients come to me feeling confused, unheard, or worn down by the psychiatric system. I help them make sense of that chaos — whether that means understanding diagnoses, navigating treatment options, or reclaiming a sense of agency in their care. Many individuals living with grief find comfort in working with a therapist who brings both professional training and personal understanding to the therapeutic space. I experienced the sudden loss of my brother as a young adult and later supported a close friend throughout a multi-year cancer journey. These experiences shaped my deep respect for the complexity of grief, resilience, and the emotional impact of life-altering transitions. While each person’s path is unique, I strive to offer a grounded, compassionate presence where clients feel supported, understood, and never alone in their healing process.
Lina Navar
Hello, and thank you for checking out my profile! I am fully invested in providing a welcoming environment that promotes and embodies diversity and inclusivity for all. Currently working with Texas residents only. I am LGBTQIA2S+ allied, non-binary ally, BIPOC allied, racial justice allied, neurodiversity allied, disability ally, cancer survivorship ally, and a strong supporter of racial healing, transformative justice, and social change. I am not here to fix you because you are not broken. I am here to empower you to uncover your answers and facilitate your self-healing. Everything that I offer aims at guiding you to the core of who you really are. To support you, I incorporate values of freedom of expression, respect for uniqueness and choice, and I utilize embodiment and energy medicine practices, intuition, and imagination as facilitating instruments to identify and move beyond obstacles. I see the body as a powerful instrument for healing the mind and soul. With a background in somatic counseling psychology (body psychotherapy & dance movement therapy), kundalini yoga, mindfulness, meditation, qi gong, ancestral healing practices, and conscious dance movement, I offer a relational and intuitive style that blends creativity with honest, straightforward guidance. My work is holistic and conscious, soul-centered coaching-informed. To address trauma I enjoy working with Somatic Experiencing (SE), ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), and Imagery Therapy. We would work with trauma on a short-term basis with the intention to gently guide you through a focused healing journey that can help you with challenges such as: • Emotion Regulation • Anxiety and Depression • Accountability/Self-Responsibility/Transitioning from Victim to Victor • PTSD-Trauma/Soul Wound • LGBTQIA2S+ (systemic discrimination, stigma, lack of acceptance, etc.) • Cultural Affirmation & Responsiveness • Racial & Ancestral Identity Healing Race (systemic discrimination, stigma, lack of acceptance due to race, ethnicity, or skin color) • Current political climate (profound emotional, physical, and psychological distress caused by current political events that trigger past personal traumas, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, helplessness, rage, shock, numbness, physical aches, etc.) • Self-Esteem, Self-Compassion & Self-Forgiveness • HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) • Codependency • Coping Skills • Self-Esteem • Emotional Distress Syndrome of ADHD • Life Transitions "Traumatic symptoms are not caused by the triggering event itself. They stem from the frozen residue of energy that has not been resolved and discharged; this residue remains trapped in the nervous system where it can wreak havoc on our bodies and spirits." ~ Peter Levine My ultimate goal is to help you “live on purpose” and to remind you that you have a place here, on earth, and in the universe; that you belong. To get there, to reclaim your wholeness, it is imperative to welcome all of yourself; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Consequently, to call back all of the parts of your soul that ultimately belong to you, takes inner work that integrate body, mind, heart, and spirit. Together we can explore new pathways to wellness and personal growth. I am committed to soulful work that empowers and reconnects you to your inner wisdom. All of my offerings are meant to integrate various holistic healing practices in order to orient you in taking more charge of your personal journey. My passion is to facilitate whole person healing; let me know if you would like me to support yours.
Kaitlyn Russell
Hello, and welcome. I’m glad you’re here. I’m a therapist with six years of experience working with trauma-related concerns across multiple levels of care, including inpatient, acute, and outpatient settings. I support individuals who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional overwhelm, and difficult relationship patterns. Many of the people I work with are highly capable on the outside but feel exhausted, stuck, or disconnected internally. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in both compassion and practical tools. I incorporate somatic and nervous-system–focused work alongside evidence-based approaches such as DBT, CBT, attachment-based therapy, and parts-oriented perspectives. Together, we work to understand patterns, reduce shame, build emotional regulation skills, and help you feel more grounded and connected to yourself. I aim to create a space where you can slow down, be honest about what you’re experiencing, and feel supported as you move toward meaningful change. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start therapy—just a willingness to begin.
Find a Therapist Near You in Austin , Texas
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Texas can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Texas is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Texas, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Texas (TX). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Texas, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Texas with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Texas
When searching for a therapist near me in Texas, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Texas, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Texas.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Texas want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Texas
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Texas without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Texas (TX)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Texas
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Texas, including residents in Austin.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Texas do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.