Austin Child Guidance Center

What Austin Child Guidance Center does

Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit outpatient mental health services organization founded in 1951 and headquartered at 810 W. 45th Street in Austin, Texas. It delivers individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and comprehensive psychological assessments (for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, and mood disorders) to youth up to age 26 and their families across ten Central Texas counties (Travis, Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Williamson). Specialized programs include the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Project (IEC) co-funded by Travis County and the City of Austin, free therapy for crime survivors (funded by Texas Offices of the Governor and Attorney General), free therapy for families in the Rundberg area (City of Austin), and disaster-response therapy for Central Texas flood victims.

ACGC's technology footprint is modest and service-delivery focused: a HIPAA-compliant tele-therapy platform extending reach beyond the physical clinic, a secure client portal for paperwork submission, and a technology-lending program that loans devices to clients without home technology. Clinical services are delivered in English and Spanish, both in-person and remotely, using evidence-based modalities including TF-CBT, PCIT, TBRI, CFTSI, Play Therapy, and CBT. ACGC has held Joint Commission accreditation continuously since 1986 (Gold Seal of Approval) and complies with ACA Section 1557 nondiscrimination requirements.

The revenue model is hybrid and dominated by philanthropy: more than 90% of the annual operating budget comes from grants and fundraising (individual donors, monthly giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, DAF contributions, stock donations, bequests, and in-kind gifts). The remainder is generated through client fees on a sliding scale based on household income, family size, and standard living expenses, plus insurance reimbursement from nine major payers (Aetna, BCBS, WELLPOINT, Magellan/Dell's, Cigna/Evernorth, Superior Health Plan, TMHP/Tricare, TX Children's HP, UnitedHealthcare). Government grant funding flows from Travis County, City of Austin, and State of Texas entities. Marketing and intake channels include a phone-based eligibility assessment, a Request for Service form, self-referrals, school and community referrals, content marketing via blog and social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube), an email newsletter to 4,200+ subscribers, free caregiver workshops, the Pathways to Practice (P2P) university internship pipeline, and annual events including the Visionary Luncheon and 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Name

Austin Child Guidance Center

Legal name

Austin Child Guidance Center

Website

https://austinchildguidance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Austin Child Guidance Center is a nonprofit outpatient mental health organization founded in 1951 that provides individual and family therapy, group therapy, and psychological assessments to youth up to age 26 and families across ten Central Texas counties, delivered in-person and via tele-therapy in English and Spanish.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth and Family Outpatient Mental Health Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Infant/Early Childhood Consultation (0–5) (EDACAFAO), Family Coaching, Parent-Mediated & Home Visiting EI Services (EDACAFAJ)

Keywords

• Youth mental health services
• Outpatient therapy
• Psychological assessments
• Trauma-informed care
• Community mental health

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Austin Child Guidance Center relies on fundraising for more than 90% of its annual budget. Individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government entities contribute. Monthly giving, one-time gifts, corporate sponsorships, stock donations, DAF contributions, bequests, and in-kind donations are accepted.
2. Client Fees and Insurance: Client fees are charged for services, with a sliding fee scale based on household income, family size, and living expenses. Accepted insurance includes Aetna, BCBS, WELLPOINT, Magellan/Dell's, Cigna/Evernorth, Superior Health Plan, TMHP/Tricare, TX Children's HP, and UnitedHealthcare.
3. Government Grants: Funded by Travis County, City of Austin, Texas Offices of the Governor and Attorney General, and other government sources for specific programs including the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Project (IEC) and Crime Survivor Services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Austin Child Guidance Center delivers outpatient mental health services to youth up to age 26 and their families across ten Central Texas counties, including individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, psychological assessments, community workshops, and grant-funded specialized programs such as the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Project and free therapy for crime survivors and flood victims. Services are delivered in person and via HIPAA-compliant tele-therapy in English and Spanish on a sliding fee scale.

Product overview

Austin Child Guidance Center is a nonprofit mental health services organization offering a comprehensive suite of outpatient mental health care for youth up to age 26 and their families across ten Central Texas counties. The core portfolio includes Individual & Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Psychological Assessments, and Community Workshops—all provided in-person and via tele-therapy in English and Spanish. Specialized offerings include the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Project (IEC), which supports early childhood education centers, and Special Programming providing free therapy services for crime survivors, flood victims, and Rundberg community families. ACGC operates as an integrated service provider with Joint Commission accreditation, sliding scale fees, and partnerships with healthcare insurers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Individual & Family Therapy Outpatient mental health therapy services provided to youth up to age 26 and their families, addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, family challenges, and behavioral difficulties. Available in-person and via tele-therapy in English and Spanish.
• Group Therapy Therapy sessions conducted in a supportive group setting where clients connect with others facing similar challenges, guided by skilled facilitators to foster shared experiences, mutual support, and personal growth.
• Psychological Assessments Comprehensive psychological evaluations conducted by licensed psychologists using evidence-based tools to identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues and to assist in diagnosing ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, and mood disorders.
• Community Workshops Educational workshops led by licensed mental health professionals for caregivers, teachers, nonprofit organizations, youth-serving agencies, corporate partners, and community members on various mental health topics. Offered in English and Spanish in person and virtually.
• Special Programming - Free Therapy Services Free mental health services including trauma-informed therapy for survivors of crime and witnesses to crime, families impacted by Central Texas floods, and families in the Rundberg area of Austin. Includes needs assessments and family resource navigation.
• Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Project (IEC) A program funded by Travis County and the City of Austin that provides mental health support to early childhood education centers, including classroom assessment and observation, teacher consultation and coaching, parent and caregiver consultation, and workshops and training for children aged 0-6.
• Tele-Therapy Online mental health therapy sessions conducted via secure HIPAA-compliant tele-therapy platform, available for individual and family therapy, group therapy, and community education programs across the ten-county service area.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,465 therapy sessions provided to 1,465 children and individuals in 2024
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Joint CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACGC maintains voluntary Joint Commission accreditation, first earned in 1986 and continuously held since. The Joint Commission is the nation's leading accrediting body for healthcare organizations, setting high standards of care and evaluating organizations against more than 1,500 standards. This accreditation serves as a quality distinction for ACGC's mental health services.
• City of AustincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Austin provides funding for the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Project (IEC) and for free therapy services for families in the Rundberg area. ACGC also participates in the City of Austin Combined Charities Campaign (code #1024) for employee giving.
• Travis CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTravis County co-funds the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Project (IEC) along with the City of Austin. Travis County also provides funding for Crime Survivor Services through the Offices of the Attorney General and the Governor.
• BlueCross BlueShield of TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlueCross BlueShield of Texas is listed as a supporter of the Access to Care Initiative, which ensures all families have equal access to high-quality mental health care regardless of ability to pay. The fund covers the full cost of delivering services.
• Michael and Susan Dell FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a supporter of the Access to Care Initiative. The foundation has also previously supported ACGC operations and is referenced on the website as a community partner providing funding for accessible mental health care.
• Austin Community FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured as a community partner on ACGC's website. Austin Community Foundation facilitates stock donations to ACGC through its account and is involved in charitable giving infrastructure.
• State Of TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTexas government entities including the Offices of the Governor and Attorney General provide funding for Crime Survivor Services. State employees can give through the State Employee Charitable Campaign (#229011).
• Texas Education Agency / Local ISDsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACGC partners with school districts (ISDs) and individual schools to provide offsite services. Psychological assessments provide plans for ISDs to help youth access services designed to increase school success. Gardner-Betts Juvenile Justice Center is also a partner.
• GivePulseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerACGC partners with GivePulse as a volunteer and community engagement platform, connecting individuals and groups with volunteer opportunities at ACGC.
• BenevityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerACGC is listed on Benevity Causes, enabling employees at partner companies to find volunteer and giving opportunities with ACGC through workplace giving programs.
• YourCause Blackbaud Verified NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerACGC is listed on the YourCause Blackbaud Verified Network, a volunteer and workplace giving platform connecting employees with charitable opportunities.
• Randalls (Good Neighbor Program)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerACGC participates in the Randalls Remarkable Card Good Neighbor Program, where linking the card to ACGC's code #407 results in 1% of purchases being donated to ACGC.
• Austin Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustin Community College is one of four university partners from which ACGC accepts students for the Pathways to Practice (P2P) paid internship program for aspiring mental health professionals.
• St. Edward's UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSt. Edward's University is one of four university partners from which ACGC accepts students for the Pathways to Practice (P2P) paid internship program for aspiring mental health professionals.
• Texas State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTexas State University is one of four university partners from which ACGC accepts students for the Pathways to Practice (P2P) paid internship program for aspiring mental health professionals.
• University of Texas at AustincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Texas at Austin is one of four university partners from which ACGC accepts students for the Pathways to Practice (P2P) paid internship program for aspiring mental health professionals.
• CapMetro (Capital Metro)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACGC offers free CapMetro bus passes on a limited basis to qualifying families through a grant from the Transportation Empowerment Fund, addressing transportation barriers to accessing care.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Integral Care: Travis County's designated behavioral health authority (formerly Austin-Travis County MHMR), providing outpatient mental health and substance use services in the same Central Texas geography. Direct peer of comparable scope serving overlapping youth populations, including the population ACGC's predecessor originally contracted with MHMR to serve.
• Any Baby Can of Austin: Austin-based nonprofit providing counseling, case management, and parent support for children and families facing serious health, developmental, and behavioral challenges. Comparable in nonprofit structure, family-centered service model, and Central Texas geography; ACGC's Executive Director previously served here.
• Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care: Austin-based nonprofit counseling center offering outpatient mental health services on a sliding-fee scale. Closely comparable in nonprofit status, Central Texas geography, sliding-fee access model, and inclusion of tele-therapy delivery.
• Child Mind Institute: Independent nonprofit dedicated to children's mental health, offering clinical care, research, and education. Highly comparable to ACGC in mission, age cohort served, outpatient therapy and assessment model, and reliance on philanthropic funding.

Regional players

• Lifeworks Austin: Austin-based nonprofit serving youth and families through counseling, housing, and education programs. Comparable as a Central Texas nonprofit addressing youth and family mental health and social-emotional needs through sliding-fee and grant-funded services.
• Communities In Schools of Central Texas: Regional nonprofit embedded in Central Texas schools providing student support, mental health referrals, and crisis intervention. Comparable in mission (supporting youth mental and behavioral well-being), geographic reach, and reliance on school and county partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• Dell Children's Medical Center: Austin-area pediatric hospital system operating one of the region's only inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry units and expanding outpatient pediatric behavioral health. Comparable as a pediatric mental health provider in the same Central Texas geography but with broader acute-care portfolio.
• Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford: Major academic children's hospital with a multidisciplinary child and adolescent psychiatry program. Comparable as an institution delivering evidence-based pediatric mental health treatment (including psychological assessment and trauma-focused care) with Joint Commission-level quality standards, though at much larger scale than ACGC.
• Texas Children's Hospital: Houston-headquartered pediatric health system with extensive mental and behavioral health services for youth. Comparable as a large pediatric provider that competes for grant funding and clinical referrals in Texas and has the scale to absorb pediatric mental health demand that exceeds ACGC's clinic capacity.

Emerging players

• Charlie Health: Virtual and residential mental health provider specializing in teens, young adults, and families with intensive outpatient programming. Comparable in adolescent and family therapy focus, with overlap on tele-therapy delivery into Central Texas, though operating at significantly larger and more venture-backed scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/austinchildguidance
• Facebookfacebook.com/austinchildguidancecenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/austin-child-guidance-center
• Instagraminstagram.com/atxchildguide
• Xx.com/ATXChildGuide

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Austin Child Guidance Center