Mary Tonsager, PhD is a Psychologist practicing clinical psychology at a local Austin, TX clinic. She is a registered provider with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, practicing in accordance with the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Dr. Tonsager is dedicated to providing comprehensive care, working collaboratively with primary care physicians when appropriate, and focusing on evidence-based treatments for a range of mental health concerns.
Clinical Psychologists at KellySearch.com are doctoral-level mental health professionals providing psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and diagnoses for a wide range of conditions like depression and anxiety. Dr. Tonsager serves all ages and is committed to creating a supportive and collaborative environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She strives to understand the unique needs of each individual and provides tailored treatment plans to promote well-being and resilience.
Dr. Mary Tonsager, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Austin, TX, dedicated to compassionate and effective care. Prospective patients should call (512) 328-1465 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Tonsager provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Tonsager is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Tonsager provides comprehensive clinical psychology care, focusing on a collaborative approach to mental well-being. She utilizes evidence-based therapies and personalized treatment plans to address a wide range of conditions, including depression and anxiety. Her commitment to clear communication and thorough assessments ensures patients receive the most effective and tailored support possible.
By working together, you and Dr. Tonsager can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Signature Administrators PPO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Tonsager offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: If you're a woman struggling with consistently achieving sexual arousal, you may have female sexual arousal disorder; a clinical psychologist can provide therapy to address underlying emotional or psychological factors.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Psychological components): A clinical psychologist can help people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by addressing the mental health challenges often associated with the condition, such as depression and anxiety, improving coping mechanisms.
- Bipolar I Disorder: If you have intense mood swings, possibly including periods of mania and severe depression, you might have Bipolar I disorder; a clinical psychologist uses therapy and assessments to help you navigate these challenges and improve your quality of life.
- Sleep-Walking: Experiencing sleepwalking? A clinical psychologist can evaluate potential psychological triggers and teach techniques to improve sleep hygiene and reduce the frequency of episodes.
- Physical Abuse of Adolescent: Physical abuse of an adolescent involves harmful physical contact inflicted on a teenager, and a clinical psychologist can help the teen process the trauma through therapy and develop coping mechanisms.
- School Refusal: School refusal is when a child or teen avoids going to school, often due to anxiety, fear, or other underlying emotional issues, and a clinical psychologist can help identify and address these concerns through therapy.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-worth and a need for admiration, Narcissistic Personality Disorder impacts a person's relationships and overall well-being; therapy with a clinical psychologist can help improve these areas.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Tonsager offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Habit Control: Habit control therapy helps you understand and change unhealthy habits affecting your mental well-being.
- Independent Educational Evaluation: Seeking an IEE can provide clarity regarding your child's learning challenges and lead to a more effective individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan.
- Twelve Step Faciliation: This therapy uses the 12-step model to help individuals cope with substance abuse, process-addictions, or other life-controlling behaviors in a structured group setting.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This assessment helps determine if you have the necessary mental and emotional strength to commit to the long-term changes required after bariatric surgery.
- Mindfulness Technique Therapy: Mindfulness-based techniques are used to treat anxiety, depression, and other conditions by increasing self-awareness and acceptance.
- Couples Therapy: Couples therapy helps partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationship.
- Exposure Therapy: If you struggle with intense fear or anxiety related to specific situations or triggers, exposure therapy can help you reduce these feelings through a process of repeated, safe exposure.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Tonsager is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving personalized therapy, a patient learned coping mechanisms to manage her female sexual arousal disorder and reclaimed her sexual well-being. She now feels more confident and empowered in her intimate relationships.
- By working with a clinical psychologist, a patient learned coping mechanisms to manage the psychological aspects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, leading to improved quality of life and reduced symptoms.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their Bipolar I Disorder symptoms, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life. The patient felt empowered to navigate their condition effectively and reclaim control over their well-being.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3660 Stoneridge Rd Ste D102, Austin, TX, 78746
Phone: (512) 328-1465
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Clinical Psychology care with Dr. Tonsager:
- What is the main difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- A psychologist, with a PhD or PsyD, specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. A psychiatrist, with an MD or DO, is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. They often work together, with the psychologist providing therapy and the psychiatrist managing medication.
- What happens in a first therapy session?
- The first session is an intake, allowing Dr. Tonsager to understand your concerns and goals. It's a chance to connect and see if you feel comfortable working together. This meeting is also an opportunity for you to determine if Dr. Tonsager is the right fit for you. It's a two-way conversation, not an interrogation.
- Do I have to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?
- No. While psychologists treat mental illnesses, they also help people with everyday challenges like stress management, grief, relationship issues, and major life transitions.
- My primary doctor suggested I might have anxiety. Can a psychologist confirm this?
- Yes. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is a core expertise of a clinical psychologist. Dr. Tonsager will use interviews and potentially questionnaires to accurately diagnose an anxiety disorder and develop a non-medication treatment plan focused on therapy and coping skills.
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's a goal-oriented approach where patients learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and problems, often used for anxiety and depression.
- What is EMDR therapy?
- EMDR is a specialized therapy that helps people heal from trauma and difficult experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation, like eye movements or tapping, to help the brain process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.
- What is psychological testing used for?
- Psychological testing uses a series of standardized tests and interviews to gain a deeper understanding of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This can help clarify complex diagnoses, identify potential conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder, and inform treatment planning.
- Do you offer couples or family therapy?
- Yes, Dr. Tonsager offers couples and family therapy. These therapies focus on improving communication and resolving conflicts within relationships. Dr. Tonsager helps all parties understand each other better and develop healthier ways of interacting to strengthen their family or partnership.
3660 Stoneridge Rd Ste D102
Austin TX 78746
Phone: (512) 328-1465
Mary Tonsager, PHD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1598973836
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Mary Tonsager are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.