Find an Equine Assisted Therapist Near Me
Want to work with horses as part of your healing? Search by your city above to see real licensed counselors near you, then use this guide to ask the right questions and find a good fit.
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What an Equine Assisted Therapist Does
How working with horses becomes real mental health care
Equine assisted therapy is talk therapy that brings horses into the room, except the room is usually a barn, ring, or open field. A licensed counselor leads the session, and a horse professional often helps keep everyone safe. You might groom a horse, walk it through a course, or simply stand near one and notice what comes up.
The horse is not a pet here. It is a mirror. Horses read your body language and mood as it happens, so they show you things that words can hide. If you walk up tense, the horse may step back. When you settle, it settles too. That instant feedback helps you see your own patterns in a way that a chair and a clock often cannot.
You will hear a few names for this work. Equine assisted therapy, equine facilitated therapy, and horse assisted therapy all point to roughly the same idea: a trained mental health professional using horses as part of treatment. Some programs add riding, which people call horseback therapy. Most of the deepest emotional work happens on the ground, not in the saddle.
When Horse Therapy Helps
The struggles equine work tends to reach
Horse therapy reaches people who feel stuck in regular talk therapy. It works for trauma and post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and the aftermath of addiction. Veterans, teens, and people on the autism spectrum often respond well, because the work is active and the horse asks nothing of you but honesty.
Equine work tends to lower your guard. You are outside, moving, and focused on a large animal instead of staring at a stranger. For someone who shuts down when asked "how do you feel," tending a horse can open a door that words kept shut.
What the research says
Equine assisted therapy is still a growing field, and the evidence is promising rather than settled. Studies point to drops in anxiety and trauma symptoms, but quality varies. Treat it as one strong tool, often paired with standard counseling, not a cure on its own.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, do not wait for a barn appointment. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free and available 24 hours a day, then line up ongoing care from there.
What an Equine Therapist Costs Near Me
Real 2026 prices and how insurance fits in
Most equine therapists charge between $100 and $250 per session when you pay out of pocket. The wide range reflects real costs: the counselor's time, the horse professional, and the upkeep of the animals and the land. Sessions usually run 45 to 90 minutes, longer than a typical office visit.
Insurance is hit or miss. When a licensed counselor bills the session as psychotherapy, some plans will cover part of it. The "equine" piece itself is rarely a covered benefit, so ask before you start. Many farms offer a sliding scale of roughly $40 to $100 for people who qualify, and some run on grants that lower the price further.
A full course often runs 8 to 16 weekly sessions. Ask each program for a written estimate, including any farm or facility fee, so the total does not surprise you.
| Situation | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Self-pay session | $100-$250 |
| Sliding scale (income-based) | $40-$100 |
| Insured copay (billed as counseling) | $20-$60 |
| Full course (8-16 sessions) | $800-$4,000 |
At a Farm or Online: What to Expect
Why most horse therapy happens in person
Horse therapy is mostly an in-person, hands-on experience. You cannot groom or lead a horse through a screen, so the core work happens at a farm, ranch, or therapeutic riding center near you. Wear closed-toe shoes and plan for weather, since much of it is outdoors.
That said, not every session has to happen at the farm. Some therapists hold an intake call or a few talk sessions online, then meet you at the farm for the equine work itself. This blend can cut your drive time and help you and the counselor get to know each other first.
If you live far from a program, ask whether they offer intensives. A weekend or multi-day block lets you travel once and do focused work, rather than driving out every week. Many metro areas like Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix have several centers within an hour, while rural riders may need to plan around distance.
How to Confirm a Therapist Is Trained in Equine Work
First-call questions and the credentials that matter
Anyone can stand a person next to a horse and call it therapy. Your job is to confirm that the person leading your care is a licensed mental health professional first and a horse expert second. Our search results show licensed counselors near you, but no roster can promise a given counselor runs equine sessions, so you have to ask.
Start with these first-call questions:
- Are you licensed? Look for LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or a psychologist license you can verify with your state board.
- What is your equine therapist schooling and certification? Strong answers name training through a recognized equine therapy model and ongoing supervision, not just a love of horses.
- Who handles the horses during my session? A separate trained equine specialist is a good sign that safety is taken seriously.
- What happens in a typical session, and how do you measure progress? You want clear goals, not just barn time.
Green flags and red flags
Green flags: a current clinical license, real certification in equine assisted therapy, liability coverage, and calm, well-handled horses. Red flags: vague credentials, pressure to prepay for many sessions, or anyone who promises a fast cure.
If anything feels unsafe, whether with the horses or the people involved, you can leave. And if you reach a crisis between sessions, call or text 988 right away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about equine assisted therapists
What does an equine assisted therapist do?
A licensed counselor uses horses as part of talk therapy, often at a farm or ranch. You might groom, lead, or stand with a horse while the therapist helps you work through what comes up. The horse gives honest, instant feedback that helps you see your own patterns.
How much does horse therapy cost near me?
Most self-pay sessions run $100 to $250 and last 45 to 90 minutes. Many programs offer a sliding scale of about $40 to $100 for people who qualify. Some insurance plans cover part of the cost when the session is billed as psychotherapy, so ask first.
Does insurance cover equine assisted therapy?
Sometimes. When a licensed counselor bills the visit as standard psychotherapy, certain plans pay a share. The equine piece itself is rarely a covered benefit. Call your insurer and the program ahead of time to confirm what applies.
What schooling does an equine therapist need?
The therapist should hold a clinical mental health license such as LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or a psychologist license. On top of that, look for equine therapist schooling or certification through a recognized equine therapy model, plus a separate trained horse handler in the session.
Is equine assisted therapy proven to work?
The research is promising but still growing. Studies link it to lower anxiety and trauma symptoms, though study quality varies. Many people use it alongside standard counseling rather than as a stand-alone cure.
Can I do horse therapy online?
The hands-on part has to happen in person at a farm or center, since you work directly with the horse. Some therapists do an intake or a few talk sessions online first, then meet you at the barn for the equine work.
What if I'm in a mental health crisis?
Do not wait for an appointment. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time, day or night, for free and confidential help. Once you are safe, a licensed therapist can help you set up ongoing care.
Sources
- VA: Equine and Animal-Assisted Therapy for Veterans
- American Psychological Association: Psychotherapy
- SAMHSA: Finding Behavioral Health Treatment
- MedlinePlus: Mental Health and Therapy
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards