Equity Framework & Report

At Colors of Austin Counseling, we are committed to fostering equity and inclusion in mental health care. Our Equity Reports highlight our ongoing efforts to address systemic barriers, support diverse communities, and promote healing through culturally responsive practices.

Colors of Austin Counseling Equity Framework

We are a group of clinicians with a shared goal of transforming the mental health care system in this country. We know that trauma, pathologization and denying access to mental health care have historically been used as tools of oppression, and we acknowledge the ways in which our field has caused deep harm to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and other people of color), LGBTQ+ and other communities who have experienced marginalization. We will be part of the movement towards repair, mental health justice and decolonizing the mental health system.

We commit to:

Showing up to therapy spaces as our whole authentic selves
Continuing to do our own anti-racism work, acknowledging that each of us has been racialized and carries biases that must be explored. None of us have escaped this.
Prioritizing people and relationships over profit
Staying in discomfort with our clients and with one another
Owning our mistakes (oh, yes there will be mistakes) and holding ourselves and one another accountable
Working through conflict restoratively

To us, equity in mental healthcare means:

Talking about identity, culture, systemic oppression, and social justice in the therapy room
Honoring the traditional and collective healing practices our clients have used to survive
Providing culturally-grounded care that takes into account a person’s lived experiences
Developing systems that intentionally create space for clinicians to do their internal anti-racism work by challenging themselves and one another
Creating systems that intentionally cultivate diversity in our field by supporting clinician well-being so that therapists with marginalized identities can thrive and be sustained in their work
That all therapists, not just clinicians from marginalized communities, are responsible for transforming the mental health care system and advocating for equal access
Developing creative community-based alternatives to traditional funding streams that both increase access and maintain therapist work-life fulfillment through fair compensation
That all people have a right to high-quality therapeutic services that meets their needs regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and/or socioeconomic status
Working towards social justice outside of the therapy room by advocating for anti-oppressive therapeutic approaches and working to impact public policy
Decentralizing power by using a collective leadership structure that invests in team members’ growth, makes decisions collectively and creates a supportive culture where staff can lean on one another and better show up for our team and our work

Colors of Austin Counseling Impact Report

Welcome to our COAC 2024 Impact Report, a testament to a year marked by resilience, growth and transformative impact. This comprehensive overview encapsulates our achievements, from new community partnerships to the launch of our Intern program, illustrating our commitment to advancing mental health and creating positive change.

Colors of Austin Counseling Access Manifesto

As a group of diverse therapists united by a shared vision, we are committed to revolutionizing the mental health landscape. Our mission is to provide high-quality therapy services to clients in need, ensuring that mental health care is accessible to all. We believe that access to therapy is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. To accomplish this vision, we have formulated a manifesto that embodies our principles and practices.

1. Partnerships with Mission-Aligned Community Organizations:

We believe in the power of collaboration. We actively seek and nurture partnerships with mission-aligned community organizations that share our commitment to improving mental health access. Through these partnerships, we work to cover the cost of therapy services for those who might otherwise be unable to afford it. Together, we strive to bridge the gap and provide essential care to our communities.

2. Credentialing with Insurance Companies:

We acknowledge the role of insurance in making mental health services more accessible to a broader audience. We are committed to credentialing with insurance companies, allowing us to subsidize therapy costs for clients who prefer to utilize their insurance coverage. Our aim is to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder anyone from seeking therapy when needed.

3. Diversified Resources and Education:

We understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. To build-in access, we provide alternative avenues for individuals to access mental health resources and education. These avenues include therapy groups, workshops and speaking engagements, offering a range of tools and strategies for personal growth and emotional well-being.

4. Community Engagement:

We are deeply rooted in our communities and actively engage with them. We regularly participate in community events, offering our expertise and support. By vending at local events, we contribute to the well-being of our communities and provide free mental health resources, emphasizing our commitment to accessibility.

5. Crowdsourced Funding:

We believe in the power of collective action. To further our mission, we harness the generosity of the community through crowdfunding initiatives. The funds raised are used to subsidize the cost of therapy services for those in need, ensuring that everyone can access the care they deserve.

6. Nurturing Future Therapists:

We are dedicated to nurturing future generations of therapists. We partner with universities and counseling programs to serve as a teaching facility. We provide a brave space for clinical internships, allowing aspiring therapists to learn, discover and develop their unique paths in the world of therapy. By mentoring and guiding these emerging professionals, we ensure that the future of mental health care remains accessible and diverse.

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This manifesto represents our unwavering dedication to expanding access to high-quality mental health services. We are committed to breaking down financial, cultural, and social barriers that have historically limited access to therapy. By partnering with mission-aligned organizations, credentialing with insurance companies, offering diverse resources and education, engaging with our communities, harnessing the power of crowdsourced funding and nurturing future therapists, we are transforming mental health care into a universally accessible and equitable service. Together, we will make mental well-being a reality for all.