Ways to get care
Therapy isn’t one thing. Here are the main ways people get mental health care — what each one is good for, and how to find it in Austin.
In-person therapy & psychiatry
The classic: you go to an office, sit down with a clinician, talk. Many people prefer a dedicated space away from home — and some kinds of work (EMDR, play therapy for kids) work best face-to-face.
Good for: anyone who wants a separate therapeutic space, kids and teens, trauma work.
Find in-person providers →Video & phone visits (telehealth)
Meet your therapist or psychiatrist over secure video — or plain phone call. Research finds telehealth can be as effective as in-person care for most conditions, and it removes commutes, parking, and scheduling gymnastics.
Good for: busy schedules, rural areas, anyone who opens up more easily from home. Note: some controlled-substance prescriptions still require in-person visits under federal rules.
Find video providers →Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Structured programs meeting several hours a day, several days a week — a step between weekly therapy and hospitalization. Common for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use.
Good for: when weekly therapy isn’t enough but you don’t need inpatient care. Usually requires a referral or assessment first.
Low-cost & community options →Support groups
Peer-led or professionally facilitated groups — grief, addiction recovery (AA, SMART Recovery), postpartum, and more. Often free or very low cost, and the “people who get it” factor is real.
Good for: ongoing support alongside therapy, tight budgets, specific life situations.
Crisis care
If you or someone you love is in crisis now: call or text 988 any time. In Austin, Integral Care’s crisis helpline runs 24/7 at 512-472-4357. Emergency? Call 911.
All crisis resources →Not sure where to start?
Take a 3-minute self-check, or just search providers and filter by what matters to you.
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