Find an Equine Assisted Therapist Near Me
Looking for an equine assisted therapist near you? Search by city to see real, licensed mental health counselors, then use the questions below to confirm a provider truly works with horses.
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What Equine Assisted Therapy Is
Talk therapy that happens with horses
Equine assisted therapy is talk therapy that happens with horses. You work with a licensed mental health counselor and a trained horse professional, usually at a barn or ranch. You do not need to ride. Most of the work happens on the ground: leading a horse, grooming it, or simply watching how it reacts to you.
Horses are sensitive to mood and body language. They mirror what you bring into the space. When a horse pulls away or relaxes, your therapist helps you notice what that says about you. This is why people also call it equine facilitated therapy, horse assisted therapy, or equestrian assisted therapy. They all point to the same idea: the horse becomes a partner in the work.
How a session works
A session runs 50 to 90 minutes. You might set a small goal, like getting a horse to walk beside you without a rope. Your counselor watches, asks questions, and helps you connect what happens with the horse to what happens in your life. Two models lead the field: Eagala therapy keeps both feet on the ground and never involves riding, while PATH International programs may include therapeutic riding. Both pair a licensed clinician with an equine specialist.
Equine therapy is almost always in person. The horse is the whole point, so there is no real online version.
When Equine Therapy Helps
Trauma, anxiety, and more
Equine therapy for trauma is the most studied use. Many veterans, abuse survivors, and people with PTSD find it easier to open up around a horse than across a desk. Horses don't judge. The animal just responds to what you bring, and that honest dynamic can lower your guard enough to do hard work.
It also helps with anxiety, depression, and grief. For adults who have hit a wall with standard talk therapy, equine work can open things up again. Kids and teens on the autism spectrum often respond to the clear, physical feedback a horse gives. People in addiction recovery use it to rebuild trust and patience.
Who it may not fit
Equine therapy is not a crisis service. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right now. It is free and runs 24 hours a day. Equine work can be part of a longer plan, but it is not where you start during an emergency.
A serious fear of horses, certain allergies, or some physical limits may make it a poor fit, and a good program will screen for those on the first call. What you bring to the work matters far more than riding skill. You do not need any horse experience. Many people who book equine assisted therapy near them have never touched a horse before.
What Equine Therapy Costs Near Me
Real 2026 price ranges
Equine therapy usually costs more than a standard office visit because two professionals and a horse are involved. Plan on $100 to $250 for a single private session paid out of pocket. Many barns also run equine therapy programs in small groups, which brings the price down to roughly $60 to $120 per person.
Some counselors offer a sliding scale of about $40 to $100 if money is tight. Ask. Most are willing to work with you.
Insurance is the hard part. The talk-therapy portion may be billed under your mental health benefit when a licensed counselor leads it, so your copay could be $20 to $60. The horse and facility fees are often not covered. Always call your plan and the practice before you book so there are no surprises.
Ways to lower the cost
- Ask about group equine therapy programs instead of private sessions.
- Look for nonprofits and veteran programs that offer free or low-cost slots.
- Check whether the clinical hour can be billed to insurance on its own.
- Ask about a package rate for a full course of 8 to 16 sessions.
| Situation | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Private session (self-pay) | $100-$250 |
| Group equine therapy program | $60-$120 |
| Sliding scale | $40-$100 |
| Insured copay (talk portion) | $20-$60 |
| Full course (8-16 sessions) | $800-$3,200 |
How to Confirm a Therapist Is Trained in Equine Therapy
Questions to ask on the first call
Our roster lists licensed mental health counselors near you, with details checked against CMS provider data. It cannot filter by "equine therapy" on its own, so you will need to confirm the niche yourself. Here is how.
Questions to ask on the first call
- Are you a licensed mental health counselor, and is your license active in my state?
- What is your training in equine assisted therapy specifically?
- Do you hold an Eagala or PATH International certification?
- Will a separate equine specialist be on site during my sessions?
- How many clients with my concern, like trauma or anxiety, have you treated this way?
Credentials that signal real skill
Certified equine therapy is not one single license. Look for a clinician who holds a real mental health license (LMHC, LPC, LCSW, or psychologist) plus equine-specific training. Eagala certification and PATH International credentialing are the two names you will see most. The clinical license keeps you safe; the equine training shows they know how to use the horse.
Be careful with anyone who only offers riding lessons or calls themselves a coach. That is not therapy. A real equine assisted therapist can explain how a session ties back to a treatment plan and clear goals. Ask to see the barn or a photo, and ask how they keep both you and the horse safe. A good answer is specific. If the person dodges these questions, keep looking. You deserve a provider who can show their training, not just talk about horses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about equine therapists
What is equine assisted therapy?
It is talk therapy done with horses, led by a licensed mental health counselor and a trained horse professional. Most of the work happens on the ground, like leading or grooming a horse, not riding. The horse reacts to your mood and body language, which helps you notice patterns in how you relate to others.
Does equine therapy work for trauma?
Equine therapy for trauma is its most studied use, especially with veterans and abuse survivors. Many people with PTSD find it easier to open up around a horse than in a standard office. It is usually one part of a fuller treatment plan, not a stand-alone fix.
How much does equine therapy near me cost?
A private session paid out of pocket usually runs $100 to $250. Group equine therapy programs are cheaper, around $60 to $120 per person, and some counselors offer a sliding scale of $40 to $100. Ask each practice for its rate and whether the talk-therapy hour can be billed to insurance.
Is equine therapy covered by insurance?
Sometimes, but only in part. When a licensed counselor leads the clinical hour, that portion may be billed under your mental health benefit, leaving a copay of about $20 to $60. The horse and facility fees are often not covered, so call your plan first.
Do I need to know how to ride a horse?
No. Most equine assisted therapy, including all Eagala therapy, keeps both feet on the ground and never rides. You do not need any horse experience. Many clients have never touched a horse before their first session.
Is equine therapy safe if I am in crisis?
Equine therapy is not a crisis service. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right now. It is free and available 24 hours a day. Equine work can be part of a longer plan once you are safe and stable.
Sources
- American Psychological Association: Animal-Assisted Therapy
- VA: Mental Health Treatment and Therapies
- SAMHSA: Finding Mental Health Treatment
- NAMI: Types of Mental Health Professionals
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