OUR program
A cancer diagnosis creates waves and ripples that reach far beyond a single person - into families, finances, and the everyday moments of life.
Flatwater covers the full cost of 40 mental health therapy sessions, so financial stress is never what stands between someone and the support they need to heal.
finding your flatwater
Our Program
We believe mental health support is essential for anyone affected by cancer at any stage of the journey. From diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or end of life, we recognize the ripple effect a cancer diagnosis has on individuals, couples, and families.
No matter where someone is in that journey, financial toxicity follows close behind - the loss of financial security or stability that so often accompanies a cancer diagnosis, and the strain or fear that can come with it. Flatwater removes that barrier, covering the cost of therapy so those navigating the emotional and financial challenges of cancer can access the support they need.
why mental health support matters
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A cancer diagnosis can evoke a wide range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, anger, and sadness. Therapy provides a safe space for family members to express their feelings and process complex emotions associated with the diagnosis.
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Mental health professionals can support individuals and families in building effective coping strategies to manage stress and emotional turmoil. These strategies can help family members navigate their feelings and support each other better.
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A cancer diagnosis can strain family dynamics. Therapy encourages open communication, helping family members express their concerns and listen to each other. This can strengthen family bonds during challenging times.
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Grief is a natural response to the experience of loss. There are many losses that can be felt throughout the cancer journey. Because the grief experience is uniquely individual and has no timeline, having the space to explore feelings when they arise can be helpful.
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Therapists can provide information about the psychological impacts of cancer, helping families understand what to expect emotionally and psychologically throughout the journey.
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Therapy helps families understand that their feelings are a natural response to a distressing situation. This validation can be incredibly comforting and reduce feelings of isolation.
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With support from mental health professionals, families can build resilience, enhancing their ability to cope with the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.n
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Therapists can assist individuals and families in connecting with additional resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and community services, providing a holistic approach to care.
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Family roles may shift when a member is diagnosed with cancer. Therapists can help families navigate these changes, ensuring that responsibilities and expectations are understood and accepted.
We break down financial barrierS to mental health support by covering the cost of therapy.
How it works
People find Flatwater through a variety of channels. Some are referred by our formal program partners, such as Texas Oncology or Wonders & Worries, while others learn about us through community connections.
To qualify for our program, the following criteria must be met:
You must be seeking mental health services for cancer-related needs.
You must not have access to or the means to pay for these services.
You must reside within Central Texas.
Areas we serve
Program participants must reside in one of the following Central Texas counties:
Bastrop
Bell
Blanco
Burnet
Caldwell
Hays
Lee
Milam
Travis
Williamson
Our Process
Participants receive a maximum of 40 sessions paid for by Flatwater throughout their lifetime. You’re not required to use all sessions at once.
Thanks to our amazing donors, 100% of the cost of therapy is covered.
If you qualify, we will provide you with profiles of therapists who are well-suited to your needs and accepting referrals.
Complete the Interest Form on the Get Care page of our website.
After scheduling your first appointment, the therapist will notify us within three business days, and we’ll log the match in our system.
You choose which therapist you'd like to move forward with.
we can only support a limited number of program participants at any given time. When we reach our funding capacity, we maintain a waiting list for those interested in our program.
Learn more about how to qualify for Flatwater’s program
We have created a network of licensed psychotherapists that specialize in trauma and cancer-related issues and that meet Flatwater standards.
Who are the Flatwater network providers?
Flatwater is not a mental health practice and does not directly provide therapy services, but we do connect people directly or indirectly impacted by cancer with mental health therapists in our community and fund those services. Flatwater network therapists are not volunteers or Flatwater employees, they are licensed psychotherapists (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PhD, and others) whom we have a formal agreement in place with to provide service(s). We pay each provider a standardized rate to ensure proper attention is given to each and every program participant.
If you are a licensed therapist interested in learning more about our provider network, please view our Provider page.
Please note: we are only able to pay providers who are in the Flatwater Provider network.
Services Offered
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Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) refers to a variety of approaches that aim to help a person identify and navigate troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Most psychotherapy takes place one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional or with other individuals in a group setting.
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Equine Assisted Counseling
Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC), also called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), is a form of counseling that incorporates horses within a therapeutic environment supporting emotional growth and healing.
