Gender Affirming Therapy in Texas
“WHEN YOU BECOME THE IMAGE OF YOUR OWN IMAGINATION, IT’S THE MOST POWERFUL THING YOU COULD EVER DO.”
-RU PAUL
Virtual therapy available for Texas residents
This journey can feel so daunting on your own…
While every single experience is different, here are some of the common issues that impact the trans community:
Transphobia and erasure
Feeling ostracized, rejected, or misunderstood by their families and communities
Religious trauma and toxic spirituality
Hate crimes, discrimination, and bullying
Sense of isolation and loneliness
Depression
Anxiety
Self-harm and/or suicidality
Exploring your gender can present some pretty unique challenges - challenges that your friends or family may not get- which really sucks. If you’re feeling alone, lost, and overwhelmed, we’ve got you.
Whether you’re coming to terms with your identity, preparing for gender-affirming surgery, processing internalized transphobia, or struggling with gender dysphoria, a gender-affirming therapist will hold space for all of your feelings. At the same time, holding equal space for the feelings of pure euphoria and love that come with finding and expressing your most authentic self.
Empower also has individual and group support for family members and partners who want to understand your journey and learn how to best love and support you along the way.
You are not alone.
We are here to help you navigate the ups and downs of your emotions and experiences, especially in today’s challenging (and cruel) climate.
When you work with a therapist who specializes in gender-affirmative therapy, you’re teaming up with someone who truly understands the adversities you’re facing—both on a personal level and in the current political land(hell)scape.
We’ll support you in building resilience against societal challenges, embracing self-acceptance, and growing healthy, fulfilling relationships with people who get you.
You don’t have to go through this alone - we are here to walk with you every step of the way.
What “Affirming” Means to Us
We don't pathologize your identity. You are not a diagnosis or a checkbox. Our team includes queer and trans-affirming clinicians who are trauma-informed, culturally attuned, and committed to helping you feel seen, heard, and empowered. Therapy with us is a place where your identity can be a source of power - not something you have to defend.
Whether you're looking for support with:
Gender exploration
Coming out
Hormone therapy readiness letters (upon request)
Navigating relationships, family, or faith
Trauma work
Coping with discrimination or systemic stress
Your Privacy Is a Priority
We take confidentiality seriously, especially in a political climate where safety and privacy matter more than ever. Here's how we protect you:
Discreet Documentation: We only include gender- or transition-related information in your records when it is directly relevant to your care or when you request it.
Protected Notes: Your legal name and gender marker are only used when required by law or insurance. We always ask what name, pronouns, and identifiers feel most aligned.
Secure Communication: All emails, forms, and telehealth sessions are conducted through encrypted, HIPAA-compliant systems.
No unnecessary disclosures: We will never release information about your identity, medical care, or personal history unless you authorize it.
If you're unsure about how therapy records work in Texas or want to talk through your documentation options, we're happy to walk you through it with clarity and care.
meet Sam.
Sam Weiss received his Master of Arts in Clinical Social Work from University of Southern California and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Long Beach, California. Sam is a clinical supervisor, therapist, and group facilitator at Empower Marriage and Family Therapy.
Sam is a trans-man and is also an LGBT-affirmative therapist. Sam uses his experience with his own gender journey to help individuals make stronger connections to their own sense of gender and sexuality.
Sam received his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2015. Sam’s primary approaches to therapy include EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. Sam believes that everyone should feel empowered with the conceptual and contextual knowledge to cultivate self-awareness, as well as practical skills that you can use on the daily. In addition to individual therapy, Sam leads groups for LGBTQIA individuals.
Sam’s fees for therapy are $225 for individual therapy, $250 for couples therapy, and $75 for group therapy.
Sam is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California (#86590) and Texas (#116552).
Permission to feel: Granted
Request a consultation with Sam or share what you’re looking for and we’ll help match you with the right therapist
FAQ
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We offer various price points based on provider and service from $175 - $225 per session.
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We do participate with insurance however we are considered an Out-Of-Network provider. What that means is that if your insurance plan has out of network benefits, then you may be able to use your insurance while working with us.
We are partnered with Mentaya, an innovative platform that automates claim submissions to your insurer for each therapy session. This service allows you to access your out-of-network benefits with minimal effort, potentially reimbursing you for 30–90% of therapy costs once your deductible is met.
If you would like to check whether your insurance plan has Out-Of-Network benefits, then please reach out to us here https://www.empowertherapyandcoaching.com/book-an-appointment .
We're here to guide you through understanding and accessing your out-of-network benefits.
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Such a reasonable question to ask, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this one. Everyone’s journey with personal therapy is unique to them - and the work moves at its own pace. You and your therapist will discuss during your first appointment and determine how long and how often you will meet.
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At Empower Therapy and Coaching, we provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for your healing journey. We will work side by side to understand the root cause of your concerns and heal so that you can move forward with your life.
Our wish is that you feel both free and held in our non-judgmental, safe, inclusive, and accepting space so that you can share and process things that you may have never shared before.
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Book a consultation with us below! On a free, 15-minute consultation call, we will ask you a few questions and fit you with the best therapist to suit your needs. There will also be time for you to ask questions and get more information about therapy.