Dr. Philip Townsend, TX Psychologist 21868
Experienced Texas psychologist focused on relationships and anxiety
- 45 years experience
- Texas licensed psychologist
- Strengths-based care
About Dr. Philip Townsend
Dr. Philip Townsend is a seasoned clinical psychologist practicing in Texas who brings decades of experience to individual and family psychotherapy. He holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston and a Texas psychologist license (TX Psychologist 21868). Over a long career that began with service in the U.S. Army, Dr. Townsend has worked across a wide range of settings and populations, from adolescents to senior adults, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, academic direction, and personality disorders.
His clinical experience includes early assignments providing psychological services at West Point Military Academy and serving in Viet Nam, where he led the Mental Hygiene Clinic within the stockade at Long Bin. After military service he helped establish adolescent psychological services for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, then built a private practice focused on psychotherapy. For more than twenty years he also consulted with three public school districts, collaborating with teachers, counselors, and administrators to design programs for special needs populations.
Dr. Townsend’s approach emphasizes identifying individual strengths and developing practical tools to help people reach their personal goals. He draws on cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, client-centered therapy, and relationship-focused work to create action plans tailored to each person. He believes effective psychotherapy results from matching theoretical models with a person’s real-world skills and resources.
Known for straightforward, respectful communication, Dr. Townsend aims to foster self-esteem through honest feedback and unconditional positive regard. His long career reflects a commitment to addressing a broad spectrum of emotional and interpersonal issues with clarity and professional experience.
His clinical experience includes early assignments providing psychological services at West Point Military Academy and serving in Viet Nam, where he led the Mental Hygiene Clinic within the stockade at Long Bin. After military service he helped establish adolescent psychological services for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, then built a private practice focused on psychotherapy. For more than twenty years he also consulted with three public school districts, collaborating with teachers, counselors, and administrators to design programs for special needs populations.
Dr. Townsend’s approach emphasizes identifying individual strengths and developing practical tools to help people reach their personal goals. He draws on cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, client-centered therapy, and relationship-focused work to create action plans tailored to each person. He believes effective psychotherapy results from matching theoretical models with a person’s real-world skills and resources.
Known for straightforward, respectful communication, Dr. Townsend aims to foster self-esteem through honest feedback and unconditional positive regard. His long career reflects a commitment to addressing a broad spectrum of emotional and interpersonal issues with clarity and professional experience.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
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 psychology and psychotherapy.
Is Dr. Philip Townsend a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds a Texas psychologist license - TX Psychologist 21868.
In which languages does Dr. Philip Townsend provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Dr. Philip Townsend located?
Dr. 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 by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit?
Many people wonder whether meeting with a therapist remotely can produce meaningful change. For common concerns - such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or adapting to life transitions - online therapy has been found to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person care for many individuals.A major benefit of remote sessions is flexibility. Clients may choose the mode of communication that best fits their needs and routines, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This range of options can make it easier to maintain consistency in treatment and to integrate therapy into a busy schedule.
Licensed professionals provide care through these channels, and clients may request a different therapist if they feel a different fit would be more helpful. For many people, virtual therapy offers an accessible, practical route to address personal concerns and pursue therapeutic goals.
Ready to start therapy with Dr. Philip Townsend?
Take the first step toward a better you.