Aviation Therapy for Pilots
Confidential, FAA-Compatible Mental Health Care
Do I have to report therapy to the FAA?
"Therapy is reportable only in specific circumstances — most pilots never hit them."
This is the number one question pilots ask, and it's the reason many avoid getting help. The short answer is: seeing a therapist does not automatically disqualify you from flying, nor does it always require immediate reporting to your AME.
The FAA cares about conditions that impair safety. Everyday stress, grief, mild adjustment issues, and proactive couples counseling often do not cross the threshold of a reportable mental health condition on Form 8500-8, depending on the specifics of your situation and diagnosis.
However, when you do need to report, the documentation is everything.
The FAA-Compatible Documentation Advantage
"I document every session with the FAA in mind. That is the clinician advantage."
If a traditional therapist diagnoses you with "Major Depressive Disorder" because you're burned out from a bad schedule, that diagnosis goes in your record. If the FAA requests those records, you are now facing a potential Special Issuance or HIMS evaluation.
As an aviation psychologist, I understand the weight of clinical language. I document your symptoms accurately but carefully, ensuring that your records reflect your proactive management of stress, your resilience, and your commitment to safety. I do not over-pathologize.
If the FAA ever needs to see your records, they will see a clinician-authored file that speaks their language and defends your fitness to fly.
What We Treat
Aviation Burnout
The compounding effect of duty days, minimum rest, and operational pressure. We focus on nervous system down-regulation and practical recovery strategies to get your energy back.
Anxiety & Vigilance
Aviation trains you to be hyper-vigilant. When you can't turn that off at home, it becomes anxiety. We work on toggling that switch so you can relax when you aren't flying.
Trauma & Incidents
Processing in-flight emergencies, near-misses, or simulator trauma. Early intervention prevents acute stress from solidifying into PTSD, protecting both you and your medical.
Relationship Stress
The aviation lifestyle is incredibly hard on partners and families. We navigate the unique challenges of absence, reintegration, and maintaining connection across time zones.
What Aviation Therapy is NOT
It is not a threat to your career. Early intervention protects your medical; ignoring problems threatens it.
It is not endless talking. Pilots are problem-solvers. Our work is structured, goal-oriented, and focused on tangible improvements.
It is not an AME exam. I am not an AME. I do not issue or revoke medicals. I am your clinician and your advocate.
Pricing & Private Pay
"Private pay means your treatment record never touches an insurance database."
- Free 15-minute consultation
- 50-minute intake: $195
- 50-minute standard session: $195
- 80-minute extended session: $280
Important Notes:
- Client must be located in Texas at the time of session.
- Does not require a diagnosis if no diagnosis is necessary.
- Dr. Powell will write a letter for an AME and provide all documents when requested no later than two weeks prior to the AME appointment.
We do not accept insurance. When you use insurance, a psychiatric diagnosis must be submitted to a central database (MIB), where it lives permanently.
By choosing private pay, your records remain entirely within my secure, encrypted system. They go nowhere unless you explicitly authorize their release.
What a First Consult Looks Like
- 1Book online. Choose a time that fits your schedule.
- 2The 15-minute call. A free, no-pressure phone or video call to discuss your situation and the FAA implications.
- 3Determine fit. If we're a match, we schedule your first full session. If not, I provide trusted referrals.
- 4Intake session. We map out a clear, actionable plan to get you back to baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the Next Step
Don't let fear of the FAA keep you from getting the support you need.
Book a Free Consult