Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions ♡

FAQ | Ensemble Therapy Austin

About Play Therapy

  • Play therapy is a research-supported approach to counseling where children communicate and process their experiences through play in addition to words. Because children's brains aren't yet developed for traditional talk therapy, the playroom and toys inside becomes their language. A trained play therapist follows the child's lead, creating space for them to explore emotions, build resilience, and work through difficult experiences in a way that feels natural and safe. At Ensemble Therapy in Austin, all of our Registered Play Therapists have specialized training in child-centered and evidence-based play therapy approaches. Check out more about play therapy here.

  • Talk therapy relies on verbal conversation to explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns, and it works well for older adolescents and adults. Play therapy uses toys, art, movement, and imaginative play as the primary medium, making it especially effective for children ages 2.5 to 12. Both approaches are grounded in the therapeutic relationship, but play therapy meets kids where they are developmentally. Our therapists use both approaches depending on a child's age, needs, and how they best express themselves. You can learn more about how we adapt our approach for each client here.

  • There are times when the challenges a child or family faces feel bigger than what everyday support can hold. Therapy offers a consistent, safe relationship where children and caregivers can slow down, make sense of hard experiences, and find new ways forward. Our therapists believe that our clients are the experts on themselves. Our role is to help them access what they already carry inside, whether that's resilience, self-awareness, or the capacity to connect. The therapeutic relationship itself becomes a powerful tool for growth and change.

  • Yes. Play therapy is at the heart of what we do at Ensemble Therapy, and it's something our team has trained in deeply. All of our licensed therapists are either Registered Play Therapists (RPT) or working toward that credential, and our founder is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S). We see children at both of our Austin locations: Central Austin near Mueller, and Northwest Austin near Spicewood Springs. Play therapy is available for children starting at age 3 years.

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Fees & Policies

  • We do not accept insurance directly, but sessions can be paid for with credit card or an HSA/FSA card. Session fees at Ensemble Therapy range from $100 to $280 depending on the clinician's experience and specialized training.

    If you'd like to use your out-of-network benefits, we can provide a Superbill for reimbursement, though that does require a formal diagnosis. We're transparent about the ethical considerations involved in diagnosing minors, and we're happy to talk through what makes sense for your family.

    We believe cost should never be a barrier to care. Sliding scale fees are available based on family size and income. Our Graduate Interns offer free counseling to families who can not afford to pay for weekly sessions. You can also learn more about our Whole Child. Whole City. initiative or reach out to our Intake Coordinator at hello@ensembletherapy.com. We'll do our best to help make therapy possible for your family.

  • Session fees at Ensemble Therapy range from $100 to $280 depending on the clinician's experience and specialized training. Each clinician's session rates can be found on their profile on Our Team page. We accept all major credit cards and HSA/FSA. We don't bill insurance directly, but we can provide a Superbill you can submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Sliding scale fees are available, and we are committed to serving families regardless of financial circumstance.

    We believe cost should never be a barrier to care. Our Graduate Interns offer free counseling to families who can not afford to pay for weekly sessions. You can also learn more about our Whole Child. Whole City. Initiative or reach out to our Intake Coordinator at hello@ensembletherapy.com. We'll do our best to help make therapy possible for your family.

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify your therapist at least 24 hours in advance by sending them a secure message through your SimplePractice portal. Sessions cancelled without 24 hours notice are charged the full session fee. We understand that life is unpredictable and are always happy to talk through any concerns. Please reach out to us at hello@ensembletherapy.com

  • Confidentiality is foundational to the therapeutic relationship. What you share in sessions stays between you and your therapist. That said, there are specific legal and ethical circumstances under which confidentiality has limits, including situations involving safety concerns. Your therapist will walk you through those boundaries clearly in your Informed Consent and HIPAA documentation at the start of your work together.

  • Ensemble Therapy does not provide 24-hour crisis or emergency services. If you need to reach your therapist after hours, you can leave a confidential message for them in your SimplePractice portal and they'll make every effort to respond promptly, with the exception of weekends and holidays.

    If you're in a mental health emergency or your situation is life-threatening, please contact your physician, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. We also have a Crisis Support Resources document with local Austin-area options.

  • You have the right to request a copy of your mental health records. To request your records, please submit a written request to hello@ensembletherapy.com. Records will be provided in accordance with Texas law and applicable privacy regulations. If you have questions about accessing your records, please contact our office for assistance.

  • If something isn't working, we always encourage you to bring it up directly with your therapist first. That kind of honest conversation is often where the most meaningful growth happens, and we welcome it. If you and your therapist aren't able to resolve a concern together, you're welcome to contact our practice leadership.

    The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) regulates licensed mental health professionals in Texas. If you have questions about licensure or professional standards, you may contact BHEC directly.

    The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology.

    Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint.

    As licensed professionals, we conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the professional and ethical standards of our professional boards. If you are dissatisfied with something your therapist is doing, please discuss your concerns with them immediately. If for any reason you and your therapist cannot resolve your concerns, you may contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council at 1-800-821-3205 or https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/

    Texas Office of the Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division:

    File a complaint online at: https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint

    Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-621-0508

    Mailing Address: PO Box 12548, Austin, Texas 78711-2548

Getting Started

  • Your first session is really a conversation. Your therapist will review the forms you completed, answer any questions you have, and take time to get to know you and your family. You'll talk about what brought you to therapy and what you're hoping for. This is a chance to begin building the foundation of trust that makes the therapeutic work possible. There's no pressure to have everything figured out before you come in.

  • When you arrive, you'll find a seat in our waiting room, which is a designated screen-free zone. We love when families use this time to connect. There are TableTopics conversation cards, books, and a cozy space to settle in together. Please keep phone calls outside the office to respect clients in session. Your therapist will come out to greet you at your appointment start time, and we're grateful for your promptness since it helps us make the most of your time together.

    If you're staying while your child is in session, you're welcome to relax in the waiting room and browse our book shelves & resources. If you have another child waiting with you, please bring something quiet to entertain them.

    If you are stepping out while your child is in session, there are many nearby places you can easily walk to & give yourself some self-care or free playtime to your waiting siblings. Epoch (for coffee) and Loewy Family Playground are just a short drive from our Spicewood Springs office. Hanks (for coffee) and Bartholomew Park (for playground) are just a short walk from our Berkman office.

    Sessions are 45 minutes, and we appreciate you returning at least 15 minutes before the end of your child’s appointment.

  • This is something we figure out together based on your family's needs. Most children and adolescents start with weekly sessions, which gives the therapeutic relationship time to take root and allows consistent progress. As counseling develops, we'll talk about moving to every other week, monthly, or as-needed sessions. Research through the Association for Play Therapy suggests an average of 20 sessions for children to complete their therapeutic goals, though every child's journey looks a little different.

  • Play therapy sessions for children are 45 minutes, and sessions for teens and adults are 50 minutes. Other services, including occupational therapy, parent coaching, and couples therapy, typically range from 45 to 60 minutes depending on the service and clinician. Our Intake Coordinators can give you more specific details during our matching process.

Getting to Know Us

  • Our therapists work with children starting at age 1, through adolescence, and into adulthood. Our deepest expertise is in counseling children and teens ages 2.5 to 18 and supporting their caregivers along the way. We also offer adult therapy, couples therapy, caregiver support, and parent coaching. If you're unsure whether we're the right fit for your family's needs, we're happy to talk it through before you schedule.

  • We have two Austin locations. Our Central Austin office is at 5802 Berkman Drive, Austin, TX 78723. Our Northwest Austin office is at 4210 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 203, Austin, TX 78759. Both locations offer in-person sessions Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday from 8am to 6pm. Virtual therapy is also available for clients throughout Texas.

  • Yes. We offer telehealth therapy for children, teens, adults, and couples throughout the state of Texas. Virtual sessions are a great fit for families who prefer the flexibility of meeting from home, or for clients who don't live near our Austin locations.

    Whether in-person or virtual, your therapist will work with you to find the format that supports your child and family best.