April TurnerFinding the right mental health professional is a lot like dating. You need chemistry, shared goals, and more importantly, a sense of safety. Only now, you have to factor in insurance networks and clinical credentials, too.
You need a partner to help you navigate the chaos, not just a listener.
Parents worried about teens, couples hitting rough patches, and individuals unpacking years of baggage all rely on the right fit to see real progress.
I’ve dug into the local scene to find the top spots that balance expertise with genuine care. Here’s our list of recommended psychologists in San Antonio so you can find one that’s right for you.
How much does a psychologist cost in San Antonio?
Investing in therapy is an investment in yourself, but it’s helpful to know what that looks like financially before you dive in. In San Antonio, you can generally expect to pay between $150 and $250 for a standard session with a PhD or PsyD level psychologist.
Think of it as roughly the price of a nice dinner out for two, but with lasting benefits for your peace of mind. The very first visit, usually called an intake or initial consultation, tends to run a bit higher, often falling in the $175 to $275 range.
While these numbers are the average, many clinics accept insurance, which can significantly drop your out-of-pocket expenses.
1. Alliance Psychology and Alliance Psychiatry
Website: https://www.alliancepsychologytx.com/
Address: 23119 W Interstate 10 Frontage Rd Unit 10
Contact: +1 210-926-5777
Hours:
- Mon – Thu: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Fri: 8 AM – 12 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Alliance looks at the big picture using a “Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual” model. This approach treats the human being rather than a checklist of issues.
They use a “Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual” model, meaning they treat the whole human being rather than just a checklist of issues. That holistic vibe is super refreshing.
Another massive advantage is that they have medical psychiatry working right alongside traditional talk therapy. Psychiatrists and psychologists collaborate under one roof here, providing integrated support for complex cases.
They even handle niche stuff like security guard evaluations, which proves their testing capabilities run deep.
The only real headache is navigating their admin side. The psychology and psychiatry departments operate on separate lines, so booking appointments isn’t always seamless.
But if you can handle a little logistical friction, patients find the comprehensive care effective and thorough.
I always recommend Dr. O’Brien
Dr. Karen O’Brien is the most kind and down-to-earth mental health professional I’ve ever met. She uses light-hearted humor to make you feel comfortable and at ease, even while talking about the most difficult topics. She sees people as people, not diagnoses or labels. Instead of focusing on problems and negativity, she helps you figure out what you truly value, so that you can work to become your best self. I always recommend Dr. O’Brien to anyone who is looking for a therapist in Texas.
– Amanda Wetegrove-Romine, Google Review
Dr. Karen O’Brien is an exemplary mental health professional.
Dr. Karen O’Brien is an exemplary mental health professional. She is kind, compassionate, and highly skilled in providing therapy that allows clients to feel seen, fully accepted, and empowered towards growth. I have had the opportunity to observe her work first-hand and would recommend her to anyone seeking a therapist who will be authentic, caring, and non-judgmental.
– Whitney Stubbs, Google Review
2. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists
Website: https://lifestance.com/location/san-antonio-tx-4242-medical-dr/
Address: 4242 Medical Dr # 6300
Contact: +1 210-614-8400
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
LifeStance is a heavyweight when it comes to convenience and insurance acceptance.
Their biggest draw is the hybrid care model, letting you switch between in-person visits at the Medical Center and virtual appointments from your couch.
This flexibility is a lifesaver if you have a chaotic schedule. I also love that they accept a huge variety of insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare, which makes quality care accessible to more people.
Families find comprehensive care here, with specialists available for children, adults, and seniors alike.
The downside is that they run on a strict Monday through Friday schedule, so if you work a 9-to-5, finding a slot might be tricky without taking time off.
My experience there since I started has been great.
Im a new patient to life Stance. My experience there since I started has been great. My psychiatrist is a great listener and shows great concern about me as a patient, from certain issues that i’m going through in my life to what can be triggering my anxiety. She has helped me with medications as well by diminishing or changing my medication of which I’ve shown significant improvement. I’m very satisfied with all the help she’s giving me.
– Sandra Flores, Google Review
Hannah embodies kindness and compassion as a therapist.
Hannah embodies kindness and compassion as a therapist. Her caring nature, combined with thoughtful and intelligent advice, creates a powerful impact. She approaches every situation objectively and intentionally, making her an invaluable resource in times of need. With her welcoming presence, she brings a sense of comfort and ease to all who seek her support. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone! If you are on a journey to find help, beginning with her is a wise choice. She has been very crucial to me during my time of healing and working to become a more productive individual.
– Connie Bosquez, Google Review
3. Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry
Website: https://thriveworks.com/san-antonio-counseling/
Address: 7979 Broadway #100
Contact: +1 210-985-8078
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 9:30 PM
Thriveworks breaks down the barriers to entry that plague the mental health industry.
I find their most impressive feature is the promise of rapid access, with most new clients getting into a session within just 7 days.
I actually tested their scheduling process myself to see if that claim held up, and I was genuinely surprised by how fast and smooth the intake was compared to other clinics.
It also helps that they don’t charge those annoying membership fees that so many modern platforms tack on. Plus, the fact that it was founded by clinicians rather than “business suits” really shows in their client-focused vibe.
The only thing to watch out for is insurance. While they take many plans, coverage varies by office location. This can create a bit of uncertainty, so you’ll definitely want to double-check your specific benefits before committing.
Dr. Hooks is an extraordinary person.
Dr. Hooks is an extraordinary person. She genuinely shows she cares for her patients. Her commitment to overall wellness of the mind and body is the dedication we need from our doctors.
– Chris Skywalker, Google Review
Absolutely amazing experience.
Absolutely amazing experience. We were literally going to end things that day. First couples therapy appointment and we actually communicated for the first time in a long time where we both listened.
– Shay Smith, Google Review
4. Embark Psychological Services
Website: https://embarkpsychology.com/
Address: 3510 N St Mary’s St Suite 210
Contact: +1 210-239-7715
Hours:
- Mon – Thu: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 8 AM – 2 PM
Embark takes a refreshing “Guide” approach to therapy. Instead of acting like silent listeners or authoritative commanders, they position themselves as true partners. This philosophy creates a collaborative vibe that feels empowering rather than cold and clinical.
It’s not just about the vibe, though. There is real substance here.
Their leadership boasts top-tier pedigree from places like Harvard, and clinicians use evidence-based tools like Cognitive Processing Therapy.
A huge bonus is their Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) authorization, which allows them to see you virtually in 38 other states. This is a game-changer if you travel often and still need the support.
The only real limitation is that their reach isn’t 100% available for everyone. While broad, their teletherapy doesn’t cover every single state, so you’ll need to double-check the list if you travel to specific places like California or New York
Kind, empathetic and knowledgeable practitioner
Taylor Crow is a highly-skilled, compassionate and competent mental health professional. She has a strong foundation in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and experience working with a wide range of populations and presenting concerns.Taylor is well-versed in other forms of evidence- based practice in addition to CBT and is committed to helping her clients reach their goals. She is a kind, empathetic and knowledgeable practitioner – I would highly recommend her services!
– Anoushka Dani, Google Review
Taylor Crow is a skilled and supportive clinician.
Taylor Crow is a skilled and supportive clinician. She prioritizes the use of evidence based practice and goes above and beyond to make sure she provides the best care possible to all of her clients. Her ability to connect with a wide range of people is a testament to her genuine curiosity and compassion. I’m grateful to have had the privilege of working with Taylor and would highly recommend her services.
– Meghan Guittar, Google Review
5. Balanced Counseling of San Antonio
Website: https://www.balancedcounselingsa.com/
Address: 7272 Wurzbach Rd Ste 203
Contact: +1 210-980-6002
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Sat: 8 AM – 5 PM
Balanced Counseling fits its name by focusing on a holistic approach that balances all areas of your life. Their standout feature is the hyper-personalized care.
Here, they explicitly reject cookie-cutter treatment plans in favor of tailoring every session to the individual.
They offer specialized trauma support, with staff trained in EMDR, which is a huge resource.
On the tech side, their hybrid options are excellent, using a HIPAA-compliant video platform that is super easy to navigate.
However, since it’s a privately owned practice with over 15 years of experience, the vibe feels much more intimate and less “corporate” than the big chains.
You might also want to look out for their scheduling process. While they do have flexible hours, telehealth appointments outside of standard business hours aren’t guaranteed. You have to request them specifically.
But for personalized, experienced care, Balanced Counseling of San Antonio is definitely a solid choice.
I can’t say enough good things about my experience
I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Elizabeth!!!! From our first session i genuinely felt heard and understood. She has this great way of helping me explore and process my thoughts and I deeply appreciate the convenience of telehealth. I highly highly recommend.
– Amanda Bradley, Google Review
Dr. Clancey is the best therapist I have ever been to.
I have been a patient of Dr. Clancey for over a year now and he is the best therapist I have ever been to. He is an amazing listener and always makes me feel safe and comfortable. Aside from that, Nayla at the front desk is extremely helpful and friendly! I highly recommend this office to anybody who is looking for a therapist.
– brooke compian, Google Review
