OUR program
At Flatwater we believe that mental health support is paramount to helping cancer survivors and their loved ones find the strength to navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Our program covers the cost of mental health therapy for those who don’t have the means to pay for it.
the importance of mental health
Mental health therapy is crucial for families navigating a cancer diagnosis
Emotional Support: 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.
Coping Strategies: Mental health professionals can support 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.
Communication Enhancement: 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.
Role Adjustment: 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.
Grief and Loss: 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.
Educational Support: Therapists can provide information about the psychological impacts of cancer, helping families understand what to expect emotionally and psychologically throughout the journey.
Normalization of Feelings: 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.
Fostering Resilience: With support from mental health professionals, families can build resilience, enhancing their ability to cope with the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.
Integration of Resources: Therapists can assist families in connecting with additional resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and community services, providing a holistic approach to care.
We break down financial barrierS to mental health support by covering the cost of therapy for those who are unable to afford it.
Learn more about how to qualify and receive Flatwater care.
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
Getting care
The first step in prioritizing your mental health is reaching out to Flatwater.
STEP 1
Complete the Intake Form on the Get Care page of our website.
STEP 2
If you qualify, we will provide you with profiles of therapists who are well-suited to your needs and currently accepting referrals.
STEP 3
You choose which therapist you'd like to move forward with.
STEP 4
After scheduling your first appointment, the therapist will notify us within three business days, and we’ll log the match in our system.
STEP 5
Participants receive a maximum of 40 sessions covered by Flatwater throughout their lifetime. You’re not required to use all sessions at once.
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.
STEP 6
Thanks to our amazing donors, 100% of the cost of this care is covered.
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 network providers 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.
