Initial contact with Austin Child Guidance Center is typically done by telephone, and we can be reached at (512) 451-2242. When a caller requests services, an intake worker will determine the child or family’s eligibility for services and method of payment e.g. insurance or sliding fee scale (based on family size and income) so that treatment remains affordable. Following this initial phone call and intake process, we will offer the family an appointment time. If the family can’t make the appointment time (s) offered, we will ask the family to call back at a later date or offer referrals to other providers. Both the parent and the child need to attend the first therapy session.

Beginning in February 2010 the Center will also be offering a sliding fee scale walk in clinic (two days a week) in which no prior appointment time is required.

When the parent and child come to Austin Child Guidance Center for their first appointment, they will complete an assessment of the child’s functioning. They will meet with their therapist and agree on an initial set of goals and objectives on which the child and family would like to work.

Our primary mode of treatment is a brief treatment approach, meaning we aim to have the most effective impact on and for our clients in a relatively short period of time. However, we are also able to serve families that need or desire lengthy treatment or in-depth assessments.