Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in Texas
Respond to stress with calm instead of reacting on autopilot.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teaches practical skills for noticing stress as it happens and meeting it with more calm. A licensed Dua Health therapist brings MBSR practices into your individual sessions and helps you build a mindfulness routine that fits your real life. Sessions are available online across Texas and in person in Austin.
Most insured members pay a $25 copay
MBSR-based therapy at Dua Health is covered by most major insurance plans, including Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Oscar. Paying out of pocket? Self-pay sessions are $110. There is no waitlist.
What is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)?
Mindfulness-based stress reduction was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979. It was first taught as an eight-week group program that combines mindfulness meditation, body awareness and gentle movement.
Today, MBSR is one of the most widely studied mindfulness programs. At Dua Health, therapists draw on MBSR practices in one-on-one therapy, so you learn the skills and also get personal support for what is causing your stress.
How mindfulness-based stress reduction works
MBSR builds awareness through regular practice. Your therapist may guide you through:
Body scan
You slowly move your attention through your body, noticing tension and sensations without trying to change them.
Mindful breathing
You use your breath as an anchor to bring your mind back to the present when it starts to race.
Gentle movement
Simple stretches or mindful walking help you connect with your body and release built-up stress.
Noticing stress reactions
You learn to spot your early signs of stress, like a clenched jaw or racing thoughts, and pause before you react.
Practice between sessions
Short daily practices help these skills become habits you can rely on.
What to expect
Many people notice they feel calmer and less reactive after several weeks of steady practice.
What can MBSR help with?
Our therapists use MBSR practices to support people with:
Is mindfulness-based stress reduction right for you?
MBSR may be a good fit if you:
Feel stressed or overwhelmed most days
Want practical tools you can use on your own
Are curious about meditation but unsure where to start
Live with ongoing health or pain-related stress
How MBSR compares to other approaches
| Approach | Main focus | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based stress reduction | Structured mindfulness skills to reduce stress | Short term |
| Mindfulness-based therapy | Present-moment awareness woven into talk therapy | Short to medium term |
| Acceptance and commitment therapy | Making room for hard feelings and acting on your values | Short to medium term |
| Solution-focused brief therapy | Your goals, strengths and next steps | Short term |
Not sure which approach suits you? Our care team will help match you with a therapist whose style fits your needs.
How to start MBSR at Dua Health
Tell us about yourself
Spend about 15 minutes sharing your history and what you would like help with.
Talk with a care expert
A quick 15-minute call helps us understand your goals.
Get matched with a mindfulness-trained therapist
Review your recommended therapists and book your first session within 24 hours.
Start building calm
Meet online from anywhere in Texas or in person at our Austin office.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction FAQs
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Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an approach that uses mindfulness meditation, body awareness and gentle movement to help you manage stress. It was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979.
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Research shows MBSR can reduce stress and anxiety for many people. Your therapist will tailor the practices to what you are dealing with.
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MBSR focuses on reducing stress in general. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) adapts MBSR for depression and adds tools from cognitive therapy to help prevent relapse.
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No. MBSR is designed for beginners. Your therapist will start with simple practices and build from there.
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Traditional MBSR courses run for eight weeks. In individual therapy, you and your therapist set the pace based on your goals.
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Yes. Dua Health offers online MBSR-based therapy anywhere in Texas, as well as in-person sessions in Austin.
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MBSR practices are part of your therapy session, so they are usually covered the same way. Most insured members pay a $25 copay, and self-pay sessions are $110.
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Book a free 15-minute consult. Our care team will match you with a licensed therapist trained in mindfulness, usually within 24 hours.
Find your calm, one breath at a time
Work with a licensed mindfulness-trained therapist online across Texas or in person in Austin.