Texas HHS oversees a statewide network of Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) providing publicly funded mental health services in every county. Use their locator or call 211 to find your nearest LMHA. Services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, crisis intervention, and case management. Sliding fee scale — many services are free or low-cost for uninsured residents. No one is turned away due to inability to pay for emergency mental health services.
Mental health services in the US range from free crisis lines and public community mental health centers to private therapy and inpatient care. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline operates 24/7 nationwide and is free and confidential. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) connects callers with local treatment resources for mental health and substance use. Community Mental Health Centers exist in every state and serve people regardless of ability to pay, usually on sliding-scale fees. Medicaid covers mental health care in all states, and the ACA requires insurance plans to cover mental health at parity with medical care. Fathers are particularly at risk for undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and substance issues around separation and custody disputes — this directory surfaces crisis lines, low-cost therapy, support groups specifically for men, and state mental health authorities.
Mental Health in Texas
Texas district courts hear family matters across its 254 counties, with many urban counties operating dedicated family courts. The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division runs enforcement statewide. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth are the largest metros. Texas Legal Services Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid cover the state.
More Mental Health in Texas
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 anytime to reach a trained crisis counselor — free, confidential, 24/7/365. Live chat also available at 988lifeline.org. Co
SAMHSA National Helpline — Free, confidential helpline providing information and referrals for mental health and substance use disorders in English and Spanish. Text y
Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then press 1 for free, confidential support for veterans, service members, and families 24/7. Text 838255 or chat at VeteransCrisis
2-1-1 Texas — Mental Health Referrals — Dial 2-1-1 (or 877-541-7905) for a certified specialist who can connect you with local mental health services anywhere in Texas. Free, confi
NAMI Texas — Statewide affiliate of NAMI offering advocacy, education, and support programs. Free peer support groups, family education courses, and stat
NAMI Greater Houston — Serves Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties with free mental health education, peer support groups, and advocacy. S.E.A. Center open M
Mental Health — Common Questions
I'm in crisis right now — who do I call?
Dial or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7 nationwide. Veterans press 1. For non-crisis mental health support, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
How do I find a therapist I can afford?
Community Mental Health Centers (every state has them) charge on sliding-scale based on income. Medicaid covers therapy in all states. Private insurance must cover mental health at parity with medical care. Psychology Today's therapist finder lets you filter by insurance. Open Path Collective offers
0–$80 sessions.
Can therapy hurt my custody case?
Almost always no — judges view voluntarily-sought mental health treatment as responsible parenting. Therapists must keep sessions confidential (with narrow exceptions: child abuse disclosure, imminent self-harm). Court-ordered evaluations are different from voluntary therapy.
Is there support specifically for men?
Yes. Face It Foundation, HeadsUpGuys, Men's Sheds, and Man Therapy run men-focused programs. Many community mental health centers run men-only groups. Fatherhood programs often include peer support as part of their model.