The Professional Officer Wellness Reset (POWR) Program is being offered through the Samaritan Center for Counseling (SCC).
The program provides 10 free and anonymous reset sessions such as individual therapy (including EMDR), acupuncture or group therapy per budget year (October 1 - September 30) for all TCSO employees.
POWR makes it easy for TCSO employees to get support in processing and overcoming traumatic events and chronic stress stemming from work and life challenges.
POWR also equips employees by offering POWR Points. These sessions, offered by counseling professionals, provide tips and education on topics TCSO employees have expressly asked for via survey responses.
POWR is not a crisis intervention. If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis, please call 988.
How The Program Works
Ready to get started?
- Complete an online questionnaire to request services. The questionnaire requires information needed for SCC’s internal recordkeeping. This information is kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with TCSO. SCC staff will provide a de-identified invoice to TCSO to ensure anonymity.
- Or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a call from an intake specialist. - Or call 512-451-7337 during office hours.
How does it work?
Through the POWR Program, every TCSO employee can contact SCC online or by email or phone to schedule an initial session. Intake forms are required, but insurance information is not necessary (unless participants choose to access more than 10 sessions and want to use their insurance). SCC staff will schedule an initial intake and up to nine additional reset sessions (if needed) at no cost. SCC staff will provide a de-identified invoice for services to TCSO to ensure anonymity.
How do I prove I’m a TCSO employee?
When completing the online questionnaire, click the “Travis County Sheriff’s Office POWR Program” button under the “How will you pay for services?” section. Employees can also show their badge or pay stub as proof of TCSO employment. No information will be retained from the badge or pay stub.
What if I need more than 10 reset sessions?
SCC is a provider under TCSO’s UnitedHealthcare insurance plan. The co-pay for individual and family therapy or group sessions are as low as $10 through the UnitedHealthCare plan. Acupuncture sessions are $40 each.
SCC also offers a sliding scale (self-pay based on income) option for all of their services.
What is a “reset?”
The dictionary defines a reset of a person as an opportunity “to start again after a period of rest or change, so you feel better able to deal with your life or with a situation.” Resets in the POWR Program are the individual (or group) therapy and acupuncture sessions offered by the SCC.
How is my identity protected?
SCC de-identify their invoices using a program that assigns random numbers to each person’s billing. This ensures every client’s identity remains completely anonymous. TCSO will not have access to the employee’s name, badge number or any other identifiable information.
Who pays for the sessions?
Funding for the POWR Program was allocated to officer wellness by the Travis County Commissioners Court.
Can my family member use THE POWR pROGRAM?
No. The POWR Program is limited to TCSO employees. However, your family member may access services with the Samaritan Center using insurance or sliding scale (self-pay based on income).
Do reserve officers have access to the program?
Yes, reserve officers may participate in the POWR Program.
If I only use Five sessions in a budget year, can I roll over the rest?
No, sessions do not roll over.
About the Samaritan Center
Does the Samaritan Center have therapists who have worked with officers?
Yes. SCC successfully provided similar free and anonymous services in 2021 for a grant funded law enforcement program. They also have more than 50 years of experience, supporting military families since 2007 through their Hopes for Heroes Program. Many of their employees, including therapists, are veterans or family members of veterans. They understand the unique stressors of working in military and paramilitary (LE and Corrections) settings.
Where is the Samaritan Center for Counseling located?
SCC is located at 8956 Research Blvd. on the southbound frontage road of 183. Satellite offices are in Georgetown, Dripping Springs and Wimberley. Acupuncture is not available in satellite offices.
Does SCC offer telehealth?
Yes. If you need or are interested in telehealth, please let their staff know when requesting services.
Does SCC offer any evening or weekend sessions?
Appointment start times from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM are available, with some limited 6:00 pm and Saturday appointments.
Main office hours with telephone assistance:
Monday/Tuesday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday Noon – 4:30 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Why is the POWR Program limited to the Samaritan Center for Counseling?
In 2021, SCC successfully provided free and anonymous services for the Austin Police Department through its grant-funded program. This experience makes them an ideal partner for TCSO to start with as it expands and develops the POWR program.
For more information, please contact the Samaritan Center for Counseling (SCC) | 512-451-7337.