Questions?

1. What types of therapy do you offer at Lake Austin Psychotherapy?

At Lake Austin Psychotherapy, we offer a range of trauma-informed therapies, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), physician-administered ketamine-assisted therapy, treatment for alcohol use disorder, somatic-based therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and talk therapy. Each approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.

2. How can EMDR therapy help with trauma, PTSD or anxiety and depression?

EMDR therapy is a powerful, evidence-based, structured treatment designed to help the brain process and heal from trauma. It works by using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements—to reduce the emotional charge of painful memories. EMDR can help support individuals recovering from PTSD, childhood trauma, and other distressing experiences and can be used very effectively in remote therapy.

3. Is ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) effective for trauma, PTSD and anxiety and depression? And how do I know if EMDR or KAP is better for me?

In randomized control trials, ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) has an 80 percent efficacy rate for treatment-resistant anxiety and depression as does EMDR. (In our clinical practice, KAP has a 98 percent efficacy rate with one low-dose infusion while EMDR has a 90 percent efficacy outcome.) The bottom line is, KAP tends to provide relief immediately after one infusion while EMDR can take a few weekly sessions before noticeable improvement. (Another benefit of EMDR is clients can do it remotely.) You can speak to your provider in your free hour session to determine if one or both are best for you.

4. How does Lake Austin Psychotherapy approach ketamine therapy differently?

Unlike the package model, at Lake Austin Psychotherapy, we integrate a single, low-dose ketamine infusion paired with weekly post-psychotherapy. This is different than ketamine clinics that may insist on multiple “package” infusions without ongoing psychotherapeutic support. We are also the only practice that offers complete medical monitoring and a board certified physician at the bedside for the entire course of your infusion. We pair this with ongoing psychotherapy to help clients maximize the window of metaplasticity that ketamine offers. In fact, 98 percent of our clients report relief of symptoms months after one infusion. It is this emphasis on regular post-therapy that gives our clients enduring outcomes. The infusion is performed in a private, luxury setting with only you, any supportive loved ones, our physician and your therapist in our offices in Westlake. (For clients who prefer to come alone, professionally-licensed chauffeur service is also available from all major Texas cities as well as within Austin.)

We view ketamine as a reset, while therapy, tailored to you, is what can permanently rewire. At Lake Austin Psychotherapy, the goal is to offer the safest and most efficient intervention so you can be out enjoying a regulated and balanced life.

5. Do you treat substance abuse and alcohol use disorder?

Yes. If you are suffering from substance use disorder, we help you get to the root of the issue through our trauma-informed lens by using EMDR and general counseling. We don’t offer ketamine for substance use disorder. (For example, actor Matthew Perry was publicly-known to have a history of struggling with substance use issues. Ketamine was the wrong treatment for him given his vulnerability.)

However, for alcohol use disorder, we offer a protocol of combining ketamine therapy, psychotherapy and the drug Naltrexone. We combine a low-dose ketamine infusion, weekly therapy and a shot of Naltrexone that lasts a month. Naltrexone works by blocking the endorphin “hit” from drinking. Clients will find drinking less rewarding and subsequently new neural pathways will form within the metaplastic window of the recent ketamine infusion. Clients who are struggling with alcohol praise this approach due to its discretion and fast-acting results. For those who can’t go away for weeks at a time for in-patient care, or for whom the AA model does not appeal, this can be a private, highly effective alternative while you continue your daily life.

6. What should I expect during my first free hour Zoom therapy session? And how soon can I be seen?

We have immediate availability. Simply call, email or text us. Your first free therapy session is a chance for us to get to know you—your story, your goals, and what brings you to therapy. And it’s an opportunity for you to determine, at no cost, if this feels like the right fit for you. Here you can learn more about our modalities and the process of our specific interventions. You can expect a warm, judgment-free space where we explore your concerns at your pace. Whether you’re seeking EMDR, ketamine therapy, or traditional talk therapy, we’ll work together to create a path forward.

7. How do I know if therapy in general is right for me?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or simply curious about exploring personal growth, therapy may be a helpful next step. Therapy is also an objective, private place to bring concerns about life transitions or personal issues. (Also, therapists are bound by confidentiality while friends and family are not) Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or seeking deeper self-understanding, our highly-trained therapists can help you navigate.

8. Can therapy help with grief, stress, or life transitions?

Absolutely. Therapy provides a supportive space to process grief, manage stress and navigate major life changes. Talk therapy, ketamine therapy and EMDR are particularly useful for rumination that comes with childhood trauma and grief.

9. Is online therapy available at Lake Austin Psychotherapy?

Yes, we offer secure online therapy sessions for individuals throughout Texas. Teletherapy provides flexible access to support, whether you’re at home, at work or trying to conserve commuting time or simply prefer virtual sessions.

10. How do I get started?

You can schedule a therapy appointment by visiting our Contact page and submitting the secure form. Or you can call or text our contact number directly. We offer assistance 7 days a week. A member of our team will follow up to help you find the right fit and answer any questions you may have.