While some individuals are interested in working on personal goals and mental health in a traditional talk therapy environment, there are additional options for those looking for a different way to work on intrapersonal goals. Here are five options for alternative therapy in the Austin metro area. This list is not comprehensive.

Community Art Therapy

Type of therapies offered: Art therapy, trauma-informed therapy, somatic and expressive arts approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, play-based interventions and art therapy process groups

Description of therapy: The therapy center offers sessions which include art making, sensory engagement, movement and mind-body approaches. Sessions may include using various art materials including paint, clay and mixed media. These additions help support emotional regulations, trauma processing and overall well-being, as stated by the business. This type of therapy can be beneficial for individuals specifically struggling to express themselves solely through words, such as children, teens and people recovering from trauma.

Accepts insurance: Yes. Availability varies by clinician.
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center offers equine-assisted therapy for both adults and children. (Courtesy Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center)
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center offers equine-assisted therapy for both adults and children. (Courtesy Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center)
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center


Type of therapy offered: adaptive horseback riding, horse powered reading, H.A.P.Y. (“Hug A Pony”) mobile program, bringing mini horses to autism, memory care and hospice centers

Description of therapy: The riding center offers equine-assisted activities, learning and adaptive horseback riding programs for people of all ages with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities and mental health struggles. Regular sessions with horses can improve balance, strengthen muscles and improve coordination, as stated by the center. Equine-assisted therapy can also help improve communication, relieve anxiety and increase focus.

Accepts insurance: Personal insurance not accepted, some Medicaid insurance accepted with prior authorization
Gsus Music Therapy Services & Center offers music therapy services in Killeen, Austin, Temple and San Antonio. (Courtesy Gsus Music Therapy Services & Center)
Gsus Music Therapy Services & Center offers music therapy services in Killeen, Austin, Temple and San Antonio. (Courtesy Gsus Music Therapy Services & Center)
Gsus Music Therapy Services & Center

Type of therapy offered: music therapy


Description of therapy: The business offers music therapy for adults, elderly, couples, families, groups, individuals, businesses and organizations. All treatment services are facilitated by board-certified clinicians and are customized to treat the needs of individuals. Community members can find applied music lessons for those wanting to learn or improve music skills and adaptive music lessons for individuals with special needs. The therapy-based ensembles are conducted through the nonprofit branch of the practice, Gsus Harmonies nonprofit, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Accepts insurance: Services are reimbursable through some insurance companies.
Ensemble Therapy offers various therapy options including couples therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic rock climbing, play therapy and family therapy. (Courtesy Ensemble Therapy)
Ensemble Therapy offers various therapy options including couples therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic rock climbing, play therapy and family therapy. (Courtesy Ensemble Therapy)
Ensemble Therapy

Type of therapy offered: play therapy, expressive arts therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic rock climbing, EMDR, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions therapy, parent coaching and social communication groups

Description of therapy: The business offers relationship-based therapy in various forms, including play therapy. For children and adolescents, sessions may include play, art, movement and sensory experiences to help communicate, process emotions and build coping skills.


Accepts insurance: No. Ensemble Therapy can provide superbills for clients who wish to seek out-of-network reimbursement from their insurance provider.
Sound for Stress offers sound healing experiences in the form of sound baths using crystal singing bowls, gongs and more. (Courtesy Sound for Stress)
Sound for Stress offers sound healing experiences in the form of sound baths using crystal singing bowls, gongs and more. (Courtesy Sound for Stress)
Sound for Stress

Type of therapy offered: sound healing experiences

Description of therapy: The business features sound healing experiences that are meant to support an individual's well-being through deep rest and nervous system regulation. The business stated the practice is used as a complementary therapy to be experienced alongside counseling, body-based therapies and more. Individuals can expect sound vibrations from crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes and additional instruments throughout the session.

Accepts insurance: No.