Our Whole Child. Whole City. Initiative

Our therapeutic philosophy is based on the foundational belief that all children deserve equal access to mental health resources. As we practice acceptance and inclusion and honor diverse identities the healing benefits ripple through the family system and the community at large. Healthy children grow up to be healthy adults. Healthy children and adults form healthy, whole communities. 

TheWhole Child. Whole City. Mission.

We recognize that families on the margins of society often experience significant barriers to quality mental health. In efforts to offer equal access to mental health to more children and families on the margins in Austin, we would like to invite you to support our Whole Child. Whole City. initiative. 

All donations will enable us to offer free counseling sessions to families in Austin who otherwise would not have the financial resources to do so. These funds will also ensure that our experienced counselors maintain a sustainable income, thus preventing burnout and compensating them for their time and expertise.

And for context, it takes an average of 20 sessions for most children to COMPLETE their therapeutic goals.

Your direct support helps us immensely.

Why East Austin?

Ensemble Therapy opened its doors in 2015 with the mission to bring high-quality therapeutic services to children, teens, and their families in Central Austin. We expanded our practice and opened our second office in East Austin in an effort to offer quality mental health services to the families neighboring our practice.

Despite its progressive reputation, Austin has historically been a very segregated city. On the east side of Austin, over 50% of families have a household income that is 200% below the federal poverty level. Over 50% of the families in East Austin also identify as families of color. We know from research that childhood trauma is highly correlated with low socioeconomic status. This trauma is amplified when low socioeconomic status intersects with systemic oppression experienced by families of color. 

Although there are many challenges, there is also hope.

Our clinicians provide opportunities for children to…

  • Build healthy, secure relationships with other children and adults

  • Develop a sense of connectedness

  • Learn healthy coping skills and self-reflection

Our clinicians help families…

  • Create safer and more stable environments

  • Connect and communicate in positive ways

  • Navigate school systems and programs so they can access learning and opportunities for growth

Therapy and family support can heal a child’s brain so they can live, learn, play and THRIVE!

What exactly do we mean when we say “high-quality therapeutic services?”

Locally we have a shortage of providers that specialize in developmentally appropriate treatment for children under the age of 10 years old, one of the many barriers that our community faces to access mental health support.

At Ensemble Therapy we prioritize clinicians who are Registered Play Therapists™ or in supervision to become a Registered Play Therapist™. In addition to being active members of our local play therapy chapter, many of our staff are also current or past board members of this important organization that seeks to advance the discipline of play therapy; conduct and foster programs of education in the field of play therapy; promote sound play therapy practices in the interest of society and the individual; advance high standards of professional conduct by conducting educational and professional meetings and conferences; inform and educate the general public and the mental health community about the play therapy profession; establish contacts with various organizations for support and educational pursuits; and advocate for the rights of children, their families, and significant others.

Our clinical director, Jaclyn Sepp, was awarded the Tom Hoeffner Award in 2020 for outstanding education, training, and professional services to the community that significantly develop, promote, or advance the value of play therapy and credentialed play therapists.

  • In 2020 we had 3,608 appointments and supported 258 families

  • In 2021 we had 7,008 appointments and supported 497 families

  • In 2022, we had 12,228 appointments and supported 586 families

  • In 2023, we had 12,342 appointments and supported 665 families

  • Our team has specialized training in the following evidence-based practices:

Your direct support helps us immensely.

As part of our appreciation, you'll receive our free Park Adventure Challenge booklet to explore nature and play with your family in Austin parks or wherever you live. Learn more here.

Donate here

Thank you to our donors who are making our vision of mental health resources for ALL a reality.

NORMA LEBEN

KATIE BELL-MOORE AND GRAHAM MOORE

KKR SMALL BUSINESS BUILDERS

CABO BOB’S

LITTLE NOTE

(Please note that we update this list monthly.)