How to Find a DBT Counselor in Austin
If you’ve been thinking about starting DBT therapy in Austin, first of all, I'm so glad you're considering it. Finding the right kind of support can feel like a huge step (because it is a huge step). And honestly, DBT can be life-changing for the right person.
What Exactly Is DBT, Anyway?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy—DBT for short—is a special kind of therapy that’s all about helping you manage tough emotions, handle stress, build better relationships, and stay grounded when life feels like too much.
It was originally created for folks who really struggled with big emotional swings, especially people who felt everything a little (or a lot) more intensely than others. But over time, it’s helped all kinds of people dealing with things like depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, substance use, or even just feeling chronically overwhelmed by life.
The heart of DBT is this beautiful balance between acceptance and change. It teaches you: "Hey, your feelings make sense and there are also skills you can learn to make life feel easier."
Usually, DBT includes one-on-one therapy, group skills classes (yes, actual classes where you practice tools together), and sometimes even coaching calls between sessions when you really need a boost.
It’s not just talking about problems—it’s getting a whole toolbox to actually live better.
Who Might Really Benefit from DBT?
You might want to look into DBT if you…
Feel like your emotions are a little too big sometimes
Struggle with anger, sadness, or anxiety that feels like it comes out of nowhere
Have a tough time keeping relationships steady
Sometimes cope in ways you’re not proud of (self-harm, impulsive decisions, shutting down)
Feel like no other therapy has really clicked for you yet
Honestly? If you’ve ever thought, "Why can’t I just deal with things the way other people seem to?" — DBT was made with people like you in mind.
How to Know if DBT Is Right for You
DBT isn’t a quick fix. It’s more like enrolling in an emotional bootcamp—but in the best, kindest way possible. It takes commitment. You'll be asked to show up for therapy regularly, join a skills group, and practice new skills in real life.
It’s work, no doubt about it.
But if you’re ready to really change how you live, feel more in control of yourself, and stop riding that exhausting emotional rollercoaster all the time—DBT might be exactly what you're looking for.
Where to Find DBT in Austin
Okay, now let's talk Austin-specific (because there’s a lot of info out there, and it can get overwhelming fast).
There are a few routes you can go:
1. Specialized DBT Centers
There are places in Austin that focus almost entirely on DBT. They're experts at it. If you want the full DBT experience—individual therapy, group classes, the whole shebang—this might be where you want to start.
2. Private Therapists Who Offer DBT-Informed Therapy
Some therapists aren’t “DBT-only” but have a ton of training in DBT skills. They might weave DBT techniques into their work alongside other approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or even trauma therapy. If you’re not sure you want the full program but still want those tools, this could be a really good fit.
3. Low-Cost Clinics and Intern Programs
If cost is a concern (and let's be real, therapy can be expensive), don't worry—Austin has some amazing lower-cost options. Some clinics offer sliding scale fees based on your income, and there are counseling centers with graduate student therapists who are supervised and super passionate about helping. These can sometimes offer DBT skills groups or DBT-informed individual sessions at a much lower price point.
Tips for Picking the Right DBT Counselor
Here’s what I always tell people (and would totally tell you if we were chatting over coffee):
Ask about their training. Not every therapist who says they “use DBT” has actually been trained in full DBT. It’s totally okay (and important) to ask.
Trust your gut. If you don’t feel safe or understood after the first session or two, that matters. The fit with your therapist is even more important than their fancy degrees.
Think about logistics. Like, is their office nearby? Are their session times realistic for your schedule? If virtual sessions feel easier (Austin traffic... enough said), a lot of DBT therapists offer telehealth now, too.
Talk money openly. It’s not weird to ask about cost, sliding scales, or insurance upfront. You deserve to know before you commit.
Common Reasons People Look for DBT Therapy
If you’re thinking about trying DBT, you’re definitely not alone. A lot of people turn to DBT when life starts feeling a little too overwhelming—or when old ways of coping just aren’t cutting it anymore. Here are some of the most common reasons people seek out DBT therapy:
Big, intense emotions that feel hard to manage.
Some days it might feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster—anger, sadness, fear, shame—sometimes all in one afternoon. DBT teaches you how to notice your emotions without getting completely swept away by them.
Feeling stuck in the same painful patterns.
Maybe you keep ending up in the same kinds of arguments, toxic relationships, or self-sabotaging situations. DBT helps you spot those patterns before they run the show again—and gives you real strategies to break free.
Struggles with self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
DBT was originally created for people who were battling thoughts and behaviors that felt life-threatening. It’s especially powerful because it doesn't judge you for struggling—it meets you exactly where you are and builds hope from there.
Trouble with relationships.
If you find yourself feeling either too close or way too distant from the people you care about—or struggling to trust or communicate—DBT can help you build healthier, more balanced connections.
Difficulty bouncing back from stress.
Some people notice that even small stresses completely knock them down for days. DBT teaches resilience skills so you can bend without breaking when life gets hard.
Chronic feelings of emptiness or loneliness.
It’s not just about "fixing" emotions—it’s about building a life that feels meaningful, connected, and worth showing up for, even on the tough days.
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or intense shame.
Many people who live with ongoing mental health struggles find that DBT gives them a structure and a set of tools that other therapies just didn’t quite offer.
What About Low-Cost DBT Therapy?
If therapy costs are stressing you out, seriously—don’t give up.
Austin has some gems when it comes to affordable options. You can find:
Counseling centers that offer DBT groups for less than the cost of weekly individual therapy
Therapy training centers where graduate students provide DBT at a much lower fee
Some nonprofits and community mental health organizations that include DBT-based groups or workshops
You might need to make a few calls or send a couple of emails, but it’s worth it. Don’t be afraid to ask things like:
"Do you offer DBT skills groups?"
"Do you have a sliding scale for therapy?"
"Are there any programs for people without insurance?"
People are often more helpful than you expect when you’re honest about what you need.
A Little Pep Talk Before You Go
Starting therapy—especially something as focused and active as DBT—can feel intimidating. But if you’re here, thinking about it, you’re already showing up for yourself in a huge way.
DBT isn’t about being “broken” or needing “fixing.” It’s about learning tools that should’ve been taught to all of us a long time ago:
How to ride the waves of life without drowning.
How to build relationships that actually feel good.
How to sit with big emotions without getting lost in them.
You deserve that.
You’re worthy of feeling better, of living more peacefully, of building a life that feels solid and good.
If you decide to take the next step and find a DBT counselor in Austin, I hope you know—you’re already on your way. And you’re not doing it alone.
