About Waterloo
Waterloo Counseling Center is a leading provider of affordable high-quality counseling services for Austin and the surrounding area since 1983
Purpose
Waterloo Counseling Center offers high-quality, affordable outpatient mental health counseling to the entire community, with specialized expertise in serving the LGBTQIA+ community; people living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones; and individuals experiencing trauma, depression, or anxiety. Fees are based on a sliding scale for uninsured clients. Waterloo accepts many major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Services Provided
Individual Counseling (ages 15+)
Couples Counseling
Family Counseling
Group Counseling
HRT, Gender Marker Change, and Name Change Support Letters
Counseling services are provided to clients age 15 and older. Children under age 15 may be present during family therapy sessions but are not considered patients and do not receive clinical services.
Program Goals
Increase access to affirming mental health services for the LGBTQIA+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones
Provide affordable, high-quality outpatient mental health care
Coordinate care and referrals with Texas Health Action programs, including Kind Clinic
Treat all clients with compassion and respect, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, or HIV status
Level of Care
Waterloo provides outpatient, non-crisis mental health counseling services only
Waterloo does not provide emergency services, inpatient psychiatric care, or higher levels of behavioral health care
Clients requiring crisis intervention or higher levels of care are referred to appropriate external providers, crisis services, or emergency resources
Waterloo Counseling Center does not provide 24/7 crisis response services
Population Served
Individuals age 15 and older
Individuals seeking outpatient mental health counseling for a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, or life-related concerns, including but not limited to trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. Waterloo Counseling Center has specialized expertise in serving the LGBTQIA+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones.
Service Delivery Modalities
In-person counseling services are provided in Austin and San Antonio
Telemedicine counseling services are available statewide across Texas
Clients receiving telemedicine services must be physically located within the state of Texas at the time of service
Telemedicine services are delivered in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including Medicaid and Medicare requirements related to consent, technology platforms, privacy, and documentation
Clinical Services & Medical Necessity
Counseling services include assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention for behavioral health conditions within the scope of practice of the treating clinician
Services are provided based on medical necessity and are supported by individualized treatment plans developed in collaboration with the client
Treatment plans are reviewed and updated periodically in accordance with clinical standards and payer requirements
Family Therapy
Family therapy sessions may have children under age 15 present for supervision or practical needs, but the session is not conducted with them.
Children under age 15 are not considered patients and do not receive individual clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment
Clinical Staffing & Supervision
Services are provided by licensed mental health professionals and/or clinicians practicing under appropriate supervision
Supervision is conducted in accordance with Texas licensure regulations and applicable Medicaid and Medicare supervision requirements
Documentation, Billing & Referrals
Clinical documentation is completed in accordance with Medicaid and Medicare requirements, including timely progress notes, treatment plans, and record retention standards
Only covered, clinically appropriate therapy services are billed to Medicaid or Medicare. Waterloo Counseling Center does not bill insurance or clients for non-clinical or administrative activities.
When applicable, services may be supported through Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funding. All documentation, eligibility determination, and reporting requirements associated with Ryan White funding are completed in accordance with program guidelines. Ryan White funds are used as the payer of last resort and are not billed in place of other available coverage.
Clients are assessed for appropriate level of care, and referrals are made to outside providers or agencies when clinically indicated
Therapy hours may vary and may include evenings or other non-traditional hours based on client and program needs
Mission Alignment
All services are delivered in alignment with Waterloo’s mission to provide affordable, culturally responsive, and affirming mental health care, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, or HIV status
Program Planning & Evaluation
Outpatient therapy program with growth potential through Kind Clinic integration, including acute and bridge therapy services and expanded group therapy offerings
Ongoing staff education and training in therapeutic best practices, patient-centered care, and gender-affirming approaches
Regular collection and review of client and staff satisfaction feedback and surveys
Participation in Texas Health Action’s Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) processes, including quarterly Quality Assurance reviews
Waterloo Counseling Center History
Waterloo Counseling Center was founded by Paul Clover in 1983 to provide mental health services to those dying from AIDS. Over the years, the programs offered have varied, grown and adjusted to meet the needs of the community.
Recognized high quality mental health care
for the LGBTQIA+ and HIV+ communities
Honored in 1994 by the then Texas Governor Ann W. Richards, for the important work done for the gay and lesbian community.
Presented with the Saints Alive Award in 1997 by the Metropolitan Community Church of Austin for providing mental health and recovery services to the sexual minorities of Austin.
Recognized on its 25th Anniversary by The Senate of The State of Texas for its commitment to honoring cultural and human diversity and making a positive impact in the Austin community by offering a safe, accepting and supportive environment.
Named a Samaritan Center’s Ethics in Business Award Candidate in 2007 for exemplary standards and practices of ethical behavior in the Central Texas community.
