DRC of Austin and Central Texas

Resolving Conflicts with Care

Welcome to the DRC, a nonprofit organization since 1983, where we offer affordable, high quality mediation services and training programs to help individuals, businesses, and communities effectively resolve conflicts.

Woman: He didn’t do the project the way I wanted it.
Man: She changed the project three times.
Conflict Resolution with Expert Mediators

An Introduction to Dispute Resolution

Our mediators help provide a peaceful and effective way to resolve conflicts. We help individuals, businesses, and communities find mutually beneficial solutions.

Who We Are

We are experienced volunteer mediators dedicated to helping participants reach fair and lasting resolutions.

How We Help

We foster open communication, active listening, and creative problem-solving to achieve positive outcomes.

Conflict Resolution with Mediators

Mediation Services for Conflict Resolution

Mediation

Civil Litigation

Facilitation Services

To access our Mediation or Training Services:

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Contact Us

Call us or send an email to initiate the process and our staff will contact you.

For English call: 512-371-0033.

Email: contact@austindrc.org.

Se Habla Espanol, llame David Huang: 512-279-1905.

Talk to a mediation Case Manager

Our case managers will tell you what to expect, answer any questions and schedule your mediation.

“For nearly 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the DRC as a trainee, volunteer mediator, board chair, and board member. My long-term involvement speaks to my deep appreciation for the DRC’s impact on our community. The DRC makes high-quality mediation services affordable and accessible to a broad audience while easing the burden on our court system.”

Karl Spock
Director, At-Large Representative

Frequently Asked Questions

The DRC provides a safe, neutral setting for people to meet and resolve conflicts outside the court system. While we can assist in resolving any disagreement, common topics are divorce, conflict between neighbors, child support negotiations, disagreements between landlords and tenants and conflict among staff members.
Our mediators are entirely volunteers; individuals in the community who work to support people and organizations experiencing conflict. Mediators come from many different backgrounds including law, social service, business and more. All mediators have completed an intensive 40-hour training in mediation techniques. Many go on to obtain additional training in domestic mediation.
In arbitration, the arbitrator makes a binding decision based on the facts of the case. In mediation, the parties themselves determine the outcome.
It’s frustrating to find yourself in a conflict that you worry cannot be resolved. Heightened emotions can make it difficult for both parties to feel heard and understood, keeping the disagreement from being addressed. Our mediators are trained to facilitate communication so that each party gains a clear understanding of the issues and what it will take to resolve the dispute in a way that satisfies both.
Only a judge can decide if the agreement is legally binding. The agreement we provide is a contract stating that the involved parties have reached a resolution. They then sign that document. It is written in the participants’ own words and not in legal language. To ensure that it is legally enforceable, you will need to involve an attorney.
Agreement rates are approximately 75% with an overall client satisfaction rate of 95%. Even if the parties don’t reach an agreement, the majority of our clients say that mediation benefited them. They gain a better understanding of the conflict and the options that they have.

Our fees range from $50 – $250 per session depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for more information.

The conflict may remain unresolved or even escalate. Parties could go to arbitration or court, incurring higher costs and spending more time in a formal legal process. Even if the mediation is unsuccessful, issues may be clarified, providing insight into the other person’s position, opening the door for further negotiations.

MEDIATION TRAINING

Become a Mediator and Make a Difference!

 Learn from experienced professionals and gain the skills needed to assist in resolving conflicts effectively.

Associations We're Affiliated With:

Austin Mediators Association (AMA).