Since 1951, Austin Child Guidance Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has been dedicated to improving the mental health of children and their families. A multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors provides individual, family, and group therapy; psychiatric and psychological services; parent education; community presentations and consultations; and training to current and future mental health professionals.
Services Offered
Individual and Family Therapy We use a family systems model, which views the child not in isolation, but rather as a part of the family system where each member has a role and influence on every other member. Group Therapy On-site group topics that are usually offered to children include anger management and social skills/friendship.
Psychological Assessments When parents or professionals have questions they cannot answer about a child, including diagnosis and treatment recommendations, an assessment is often recommended. Psychiatric Services Psychiatric evaluations and follow-up medication management are only available to those children who are already participating in individual or family counseling at Austin Child Guidance Center. Parent Workshops ACGC is pleased to offer a series of workshops to the community on a variety of topics at The Center.
Walk-In Clinic Walk-in mental health therapy, for children up to age 17 and their family members, is available Tuesdays 5 p.m to 7 p.m and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fees and Payment
Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) is a not-for-profit organization, subsidized by public and private entities in order to ensure that family access to mental services is affordable.
We accept: Aetna, Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Idealcare, Tricare, United Healthcare, Vista360 Health, Dell Children's Health Plan, Medicaid, Sendero and Superior Health Plan.
The Austin Child Guidance Center strives to serve clients with financial need by offering a sliding fee scale. This metric is used to adjust service fees based on gross household income and family size; regular/standard living expenses are factored into this calculation.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
