The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (Houston)

Mental Health · Texas · Paid

Local Mental Health Authority for Harris County — one of the largest behavioral health systems in the US with 86+ sites. 24/7 crisis and access line. Sliding fee scale regardless of insurance. Services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric medication management, crisis stabilization, substance use treatment, and IDD services. Call the 24/7 crisis line to get connected. No one is turned away for inability to pay for emergency behavioral health services in Houston.

Contact & Details

Address: 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074

Phone: (713) 970-7000

Hours: 24/7 crisis line; clinic hours vary

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About Mental Health for Fathers

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
  • Texas HHS — Mental Health Services — Texas HHS oversees a statewide network of Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) providing publicly funded mental health services in every
  • 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

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.