Dr. Philip Townsend, TX Psychologist 21868
Veteran Texas clinical psychologist
- Client-centered care
- CBT and DBT
- Family and relationships
About Dr. Philip Townsend
Dr. Philip Townsend is a clinical psychologist based in Texas with a long career in private practice and a focus on both individual and family psychotherapy. He earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston and brings decades of clinical experience to work with people across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to older adults. His practice has addressed a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, parenting challenges, eating and addiction issues, trauma and abuse, grief, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and intimacy-related problems.
Dr. Townsend's professional background includes early service in the U.S. Army providing psychological services at West Point Military Academy and later work in Vietnam as the officer in charge of a Mental Hygiene Clinic. After military service he helped develop adolescent psychological services for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and later established a long-standing private practice. For more than two decades he also consulted with public school districts to design programs for students with special needs, advising teachers, counselors, and administrators.
His treatment approach emphasizes identifying individual strengths and creating practical action plans to reach personal goals. He draws on client-centered therapy to support empathic understanding, cognitive behavioral therapy to shape thoughts and behaviors, and dialectical behavior therapy to teach coping and emotion-regulation skills, integrating these methods with relationship-focused work. He is a licensed psychologist in Texas - TX Psychologist 21868.
Dr. Townsend's professional background includes early service in the U.S. Army providing psychological services at West Point Military Academy and later work in Vietnam as the officer in charge of a Mental Hygiene Clinic. After military service he helped develop adolescent psychological services for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and later established a long-standing private practice. For more than two decades he also consulted with public school districts to design programs for students with special needs, advising teachers, counselors, and administrators.
His treatment approach emphasizes identifying individual strengths and creating practical action plans to reach personal goals. He draws on client-centered therapy to support empathic understanding, cognitive behavioral therapy to shape thoughts and behaviors, and dialectical behavior therapy to teach coping and emotion-regulation skills, integrating these methods with relationship-focused work. He is a licensed psychologist in Texas - TX Psychologist 21868.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Family problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Philip Townsend have?
Dr. Philip Townsend has 45 years of experience in clinical practice, working with individuals and families across a wide range of concerns.
Is Dr. Philip Townsend a licensed therapist?
Yes. He is a licensed psychologist in Texas, license number TX Psychologist 21868.
In which languages does Dr. Philip Townsend provide therapy?
Dr. Philip Townsend provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. Philip Townsend located?
Dr. Philip Townsend is located in Texas.
How can I work with Dr. Philip Townsend as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. Philip Townsend through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Philip Townsend work with international clients?
Dr. Philip Townsend does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Philip Townsend cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Methods and Accessible Online Care
Dr. Philip Townsend integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in his clinical work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathic listening and support so people can explore their values and goals in a nonjudgmental environment - it is helpful for self-esteem, relationship concerns, and general personal growth. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. DBT teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it useful for intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship conflicts.
Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Dr. Townsend works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they tailor a plan that emphasizes strengths and actionable steps toward improvement.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage with licensed professionals. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction, phone sessions provide convenience for busy schedules, and live chat or text-based messaging can support ongoing communication between sessions. These options make therapy more accessible across different routines and lifestyles while allowing therapists and clients to focus on progress and practical results.
Ready to start therapy with Dr. Philip Townsend?
Take the first step toward a better you.