Therapy for
Pilots - Crew - ATC - Dispatch
And Other Aviation Professionals
What it Aviation-focused therapy & is it for you?
Aviation-focused therapy is mental health support designed specifically for pilots and aviation professionals; people working in high-responsibility, high-performance, safety-critical environments.
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Aviation-focused therapy is not solely for pilots, ATC, and crew who are going through job related stressors. Starting therapy with a psychologist trained in aviation-focused therapy means that there is a support system in place that understands your needs as an aviation professional and how your career may impact different aspects of your life.​
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It recognizes that aviation isn’t just a job.
It shapes your nervous system, identity, decision-making, and stress response.
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Traditional therapy often misses that context. Aviation therapy doesn’t.​
What makes Aviation-focused therapy different?
Aviation-focused therapy:
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Understands aviation culture, schedules, and stressors
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Distinguishes healthy vigilance from anxiety overload
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Supports mental health without threatening career identity
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Focuses on regulation, not just symptom reduction
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Addresses identity, burnout, and transitions, not just stress
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Documentation centered toward the FAA and knowledge about obtaining and renewing medical certificates
Common Reasons Aviation Professionals Seek Therapy:
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Burnout or emotional exhaustion
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Anxiety, overthinking, or constant mental pressure
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Life transitions (new role, parenthood, schedule changes, medical leave, marital separations)
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Difficulty disconnecting from work
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Relationship strain related to aviation life
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Feeling “off” but still high-functioning
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit.
What you get when you start
Aviation-Focused Therapy
When you begin aviation-focused therapy with Dr. Powell, you receive services tailored to your needs from a doctoral-level fully licensed psychologist with a direct approach. In addition, you'll receive education about mental health, its role in aviation, practical tools to apply daily, and information about the FAA's expectations in your care. Dr. Powell personally reviews your history, symptoms, and goals while creating an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Dr. Powell uses evidence-based therapy, like Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mixed with lifestyle and nutrition recommendations to manage your symptoms and optimize your mental health.
My goal is to keep you flying while optimizing your performance, relationships, and mental health!
About Dr. Abigail Powell
Dr. Abigail Powell is a Texas licensed psychologist and certified mental health and nutrition clinical specialist providing virtual therapy to those located in the state of Texas. She has training in aviation psychology and has lived her entire life in the aviation industry.
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Dr. Powell's approach is described as direct and solution-focused, where she skips the bull**** and focuses on making the most of the session time. She aims to optimize mental health by utilizing lifestyle and nutritional changes.
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Dr. Powell grew up with a father, grandfather, and uncle working as airline pilots. Today, she is married to a Navy SEAL turned pilot and is the only child out of her family of six who is not a pilot. She also has three children, two of which already plan to become pilots.
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Dr. Powell understands the stigma that mental health holds in the aviation community and educates each client on the FAA's most up-to-date information about mental health. ​
How to get started:
First, sign up for a no commitment free consult call to see if you are a good fit for Dr. Powell's services.
If you are a good fit, Dr. Powell will send intake paperwork and a virtual intake assessment will be scheduled.
Treatment frequency is scheduled according to need, but typically begins with weekly appointments, then decreasing as time goes on.
Investment:
Consultation Call: FREE
Intake Assessment: $195
Standard Sessions: $195
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Dr. Powell is an out-of-network provider who can provide superbills for insurance reimbursement upon request.
HSA/FSA and credit cards are accepted as forms of payment.
Will you tell the FAA that I am receiving support?
I have no obligation to the FAA to inform them of your services. However, I have knowledge and training on documenting and can provide recommendations when reporting any medical changes to your AME.
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Confidentiality is extremely important in the therapeutic relationship and I strive to provide you with informed consent as well as limits to confidentiality during treatment.
Do I need a diagnosis while in therapy?
Short answer: No.
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Many enter therapy to improve aspects of their lives and do not have a diagnosis.
Can I receive support while on a trip?
Currently, I am a licensed psychologist in Texas. This means I can only ethically provide services to those only located across the state of Texas. We can work together to determine the best meeting days and times to ensure you are in the state and support can be provided in the most ethical manner.
Virtual Across Texas
Call or Text
972-884-0729
Find me on Instagram @theaviationtherapist
