Mental Health Resources
in Texas
Crisis lines, free screenings, MHMR centers, support groups, and educational guides, curated by Lyte Psychiatry's board-certified providers.
If You're in Crisis Right Now
Crisis & Emergency Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Free, confidential crisis support 24/7. En espaΓ±ol disponible.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Free crisis counseling via text message, 24 hours a day.
Veterans Crisis Line
988, then press 1
Dedicated crisis support for veterans and active military.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357
Free treatment referral and information service, 24/7.
Texas HHS Crisis Line
2-1-1 Texas
Dial 2-1-1 to reach local crisis services and social supports in Texas.
No Cost, No Account Required
Free Mental Health Screenings
These validated tools are used by clinicians worldwide. A screening isn't a diagnosis, but it can help you understand your symptoms and decide if professional care is right for you.
Mental Health America, Free Online Screenings
Validated depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD, and substance use screeners. Free, anonymous, takes 5 minutes.
NAMI Mental Health Assessment
NAMI's guide to understanding your symptoms and finding appropriate care.
PHQ-9 Depression Screener
The gold-standard clinical depression screening tool used by providers worldwide.
GAD-7 Anxiety Screener
The validated generalized anxiety disorder screener used in clinical practice.
PCL-5 PTSD Checklist
VA's evidence-based PTSD screener, validated for civilian and military trauma.
ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
Harvard Medical School's adult ADHD screener, widely used by clinicians.
Got your screening results?
If your screening suggests you may be experiencing a mental health condition, a board-certified psychiatrist can provide a formal evaluation and treatment plan. Book a same-week appointment with Lyte Psychiatry β
Local Community Resources
Free & Low-Cost Resources by City
MHMR centers, county hospitals, support groups, and community services across Texas. Most offer sliding-scale fees or serve uninsured residents.
Metrocare Services
214-743-1200
Dallas County's largest community behavioral health provider, sliding-scale fees, Ambetter accepted.
County HospitalParkland Behavioral Health
Safety-net psychiatric care for uninsured and underinsured Dallas County residents.
Support Groups / EducationNAMI Dallas
Free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education, and crisis resources.
Academic Medical CenterUT Southwestern Psychiatry
Specialty psychiatric care for complex and treatment-resistant conditions.
Outreach / CrisisMetrocare Homeless Outreach
Mobile crisis outreach and homeless mental health services in Dallas County.
MHMR of Tarrant County
817-335-3022
County-funded mental health and substance use services, sliding-scale, no-cost for eligible residents.
County HospitalJPS Health Behavioral Health
Tarrant County's safety-net hospital with outpatient and crisis psychiatric services.
Support GroupsNAMI Tarrant County
Free peer support groups and Family-to-Family education in Fort Worth.
Pediatric / AdolescentCook Children's Behavioral Health
Child and adolescent behavioral health, evaluation, therapy, and crisis services.
Harris Center for Mental Health
713-970-7000
Harris County's largest publicly funded behavioral health center, over 80,000 patients served annually.
Specialty Psychiatric HospitalThe Menninger Clinic
World-renowned hospital for complex psychiatric conditions, intensive outpatient and inpatient.
Academic Medical CenterUTHealth Houston Psychiatry
UT's academic psychiatry department with specialty research and clinical programs.
Support GroupsNAMI Houston
Peer support, family education, and advocacy across Greater Houston.
Crisis / HotlineHouston Crisis Line
713-228-1505
Houston area psychiatric crisis hotline staffed 24/7.
Austin Travis County Integral Care
512-472-4357
Travis County's primary community mental health center, 40+ programs, sliding-scale fees.
Support GroupsNAMI Austin
Free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education, and Peer-to-Peer programs.
Academic Medical CenterDell Medical School Psychiatry
University of Texas at Austin research and specialty psychiatric programs.
Community ResourceCaritas of Austin
Social services including mental health navigation for underserved Austin residents.
Center for Health Care Services
210-223-7233
Bexar County's largest behavioral health center, Ambetter, Medicaid, and sliding-scale.
Support GroupsNAMI San Antonio
Peer support, family education, and advocacy in the Alamo City.
Academic Medical CenterUT Health San Antonio Psychiatry
UT Health academic psychiatry, specialty and research services.
Military / VeteransBAMC Behavioral Health
Psychiatric services for military community at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Emergence Health Network
915-779-1800
El Paso County's primary behavioral health center, bilingual Spanish/English services.
Bilingual Mental HealthLa Frontera Center
El Paso and border region community behavioral health, Spanish-speaking providers.
Support GroupsNAMI El Paso
Peer support and family education, meetings in English and Spanish.
Academic Medical CenterTTUHSC El Paso Psychiatry
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center psychiatric training and care.
Border Region Behavioral Health Center
956-794-3000
Webb County's publicly funded behavioral health center, bilingual Spanish/English services.
Hospital SystemLaredo Medical Center Behavioral Health
Inpatient and crisis psychiatric services for Webb County residents.
Federal ResourceSAMHSA Treatment Locator
Find SAMHSA-certified providers accepting Ambetter in Webb County.
Crisis Line988 Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988, Spanish available: 'Para espaΓ±ol, oprima 2'.
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health
956-631-1765
Rio Grande Valley's community behavioral health center, Hidalgo and Cameron counties.
Support GroupsNAMI Rio Grande Valley
Peer support and family programs in the Valley, bilingual services.
Hospital SystemValley Baptist Health System Behavioral Health
Inpatient and crisis psychiatric services in Harlingen and McAllen.
Federal ResourceSAMHSA Treatment Locator
Find certified providers accepting Ambetter and CHIP in Hidalgo County.
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, Cameron Co.
956-544-7790
Community behavioral health serving Cameron County, bilingual services.
Federal ResourceSAMHSA Treatment Locator
Find SAMHSA-certified mental health providers in Cameron County.
Crisis Line988 Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential crisis support 24/7, Spanish available.
Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County
361-886-6900
Nueces County's publicly funded behavioral health services, sliding-scale fees.
Hospital SystemCHRISTUS Spohn Behavioral Health
Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services in South Texas.
Support GroupsNAMI Corpus Christi
Peer support and family programs in the Corpus Christi area.
StarCare Specialty Health System
806-740-1414
Lubbock area's primary community mental health and substance use center.
Academic Medical CenterTTUHSC Psychiatry
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, West Texas psychiatric care.
Hospital SystemCovenant Health Behavioral Health
Inpatient and crisis behavioral health services in Lubbock.
Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network
254-752-3451
McLennan County's community behavioral health network, sliding-scale fees.
Hospital SystemBaylor Scott & White Mental Health
Behavioral health services through Baylor Scott & White in Central Texas.
Support GroupsNAMI Heart of Texas
Peer support and family education in the Waco area.
Darnall Army Medical Center Behavioral Health
254-288-8000
Fort Cavazos behavioral health services for active duty and their families.
Community Mental HealthCentra Care Health (Bell County)
Bell County community mental health and substance use services.
Veterans / VAVA Central Texas Healthcare System
VA mental health services for veterans in the Killeen/Temple area.
Support GroupsNAMI Central Texas
Peer support and family programs for Bell County.
West Texas Centers
432-570-3333
Permian Basin community behavioral health serving Midland, Odessa, and 9 surrounding counties.
Hospital SystemMidland Memorial Behavioral Health
Inpatient and crisis psychiatric services for Midland County.
Federal ResourceSAMHSA Treatment Locator
Find SAMHSA-certified providers accepting Ambetter in the Permian Basin.
Texas Panhandle Centers
806-351-3300
Panhandle community behavioral health, 26 county service area, sliding-scale fees.
Hospital SystemBaptist St. Anthony's Behavioral Health
Inpatient and crisis psychiatric services in Amarillo.
Support GroupsNAMI Panhandle
Peer support and family programs for the Texas Panhandle.
Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare
903-597-1351
East Texas community behavioral health serving Smith, Cherokee, and Henderson counties.
Academic Medical CenterUT Health East Texas Psychiatry
East Texas psychiatric and behavioral health services through UT Health.
Support GroupsNAMI East Texas
Peer support and family programs for the Tyler area.
BHCS, Behavioral Health Community Services
972-422-5939
Collin County community behavioral health, sliding-scale, Ambetter accepted.
Community Mental HealthTexoma Community Center
North Texas community mental health serving Collin and Grayson counties.
Support GroupsNAMI Collin County
Peer support, family education, and advocacy in Collin County.
Don't see your city? Use SAMHSA's Treatment Locator to find certified mental health providers anywhere in Texas.
Evidence-Based Information
Resources by Condition
Depression
Our Depression care βAnxiety
Our Anxiety care βPTSD & Trauma
Our PTSD & Trauma care βBipolar Disorder
Our Bipolar Disorder care βVeterans & Military
Our Veterans & Military care βFrom Our Providers
Educational Articles & Guides
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free bipolar disorder support in Texas?
The Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA, dbsalliance.org) offers free in-person and online support groups specifically for bipolar disorder. NAMI Texas affiliates also hold free peer support groups covering bipolar disorder in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso. Your county MHMR center provides medication management and case management for bipolar disorder on a sliding-scale basis.
What OCD resources are available in Texas?
The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF, iocdf.org) maintains a therapist directory specializing in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), the gold-standard OCD treatment. NAMI Texas offers general peer support. Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth psychiatric evaluation and medication management for OCD across Texas. For therapy, look for providers trained in ERP specifically, general talk therapy is not effective for OCD.
What postpartum depression resources are available in Texas?
Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net, 1-800-944-4773) has a Texas coordinator and offers a free helpline and online support groups for perinatal and postpartum mood disorders. Postpartum Support International also operates a text line (text 'Hello' to 503-894-9453). NAMI Texas affiliates hold peer support groups. Lyte Psychiatry specializes in perinatal and postpartum psychiatry via telehealth, most patients are seen within a week.
What anxiety disorder resources are available in Texas?
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA, adaa.org) provides a therapist finder and free webinars. The GAD-7 screening tool (phqscreeners.com) helps identify anxiety severity. NAMI Texas affiliates hold free support groups. For professional treatment, Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth psychiatry for anxiety disorders across Texas, typically with same-week appointments.
What ADHD resources are available in Texas for adults?
CHADD (chadd.org) is the leading ADHD nonprofit with local Texas chapters and an online provider directory. The ASRS screening tool (hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/asrs.php) provides free adult ADHD screening. The National Resource Center on ADHD (help4adhd.org) provides free information. Lyte Psychiatry does not provide ADHD evaluation or treatment. Use CHADD, the ASRS screening tool, your insurance directory, or another independent provider directory to find qualified ADHD care.
What PTSD resources are available in Texas beyond the VA?
Beyond the VA, civilian PTSD resources include: RAINN (rainn.org, 1-800-656-4673) for trauma related to sexual violence; the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) for treatment referrals; the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org) for childhood trauma; and NAMI Texas for general peer support. The PCL-5 PTSD screener (ptsd.va.gov) is free for self-assessment. Lyte Psychiatry provides trauma-informed psychiatric care for PTSD via telehealth.
Are there eating disorder resources in Texas?
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline (866-662-1235) provides free support and referrals. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers an online screening tool at nationaleatingdisorders.org. Eating disorder treatment often requires a specialized team, SAMHSA's Treatment Locator (findtreatment.gov) can find programs in Texas. Lyte Psychiatry can provide psychiatric co-management as part of a broader eating disorder treatment team.
What substance use and dual-diagnosis resources are available in Texas?
SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) provides free, confidential referrals for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. AA (aa.org) and NA (na.org) offer free meetings statewide. Texas HHS operates the Texas Substance Use Helpline (1-800-784-8669). County MHMR centers provide dual-diagnosis treatment on a sliding-scale. SAMHSA's Treatment Locator (findtreatment.gov) identifies certified dual-diagnosis programs.
What mental health resources are available for children and teens in Texas?
Cook Children's Behavioral Health (Fort Worth) and Texas Children's Hospital (Houston) are leading pediatric psychiatric programs. The Child Mind Institute (childmind.org) offers free educational resources for parents. The JED Foundation (jedfoundation.org) focuses on teen mental health. NAMI Texas offers the NAMI Ending the Silence program for schools. Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) is available to teens 24/7. For psychiatric evaluation of children and adolescents, Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth services across Texas.
What grief and bereavement support resources are available in Texas?
GriefShare (griefshare.org) maintains a national database of free grief support groups with many locations across Texas. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP, afsp.org) offers survivor support for families who have lost someone to suicide. Hospice organizations in most Texas cities also offer free grief counseling to community members. NAMI Texas support groups often address grief related to mental illness. Lyte Psychiatry provides grief-informed psychiatric care via telehealth.
Does Lyte Psychiatry accept UnitedHealthcare?
Yes. Lyte Psychiatry is in-network with UnitedHealthcare, including most UHC commercial plans and Optum behavioral health. Call Lyte at 469-733-0848 or check your insurance card to verify your specific plan is covered before booking.
Does Lyte Psychiatry accept Cigna?
Yes. Lyte Psychiatry accepts Cigna health insurance. Most Cigna PPO and HMO plans are accepted. Verify your specific plan by calling 469-733-0848 before your first appointment.
Does Lyte Psychiatry accept Aetna?
Yes. Lyte Psychiatry is in-network with Aetna. This includes most Aetna commercial plans. Call Lyte at 469-733-0848 or your Aetna member line to confirm your plan's coverage for psychiatric services.
Does Lyte Psychiatry accept Humana?
Yes. Lyte Psychiatry accepts Humana health insurance plans. Call 469-733-0848 to verify your specific Humana plan before booking.
How much does a psychiatrist cost in Texas without insurance?
Without insurance, initial psychiatric evaluations in Texas typically cost $200β$400, and follow-up medication management appointments cost $100β$200. Lyte Psychiatry offers self-pay rates and a sliding-scale option. County MHMR centers provide care on a sliding-scale based on income, and many uninsured residents pay little to nothing. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) also offer sliding-scale psychiatric services.
Does Texas Medicaid cover mental health and psychiatry?
Yes. Texas Medicaid (including STAR, STAR+PLUS, and CHIP) covers mental health services including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and outpatient therapy. Coverage is administered through managed care organizations like Molina, Superior, Centene, and UHC Community Plan. Most county MHMR centers are Medicaid-certified providers. Lyte Psychiatry does not accept Medicaid, but offers affordable self-pay rates and accepts major commercial plans such as BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and Humana.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, they can prescribe medication and provide medication management. A therapist (psychologist, LPC, LCSW) provides talk therapy but cannot prescribe medication in most states. Most people with conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or PTSD benefit from both: a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication, and a therapist for counseling. Lyte Psychiatry provides psychiatric services (evaluation and medication management) via telehealth.
How does telehealth psychiatry work in Texas?
Telehealth psychiatry in Texas allows you to meet with a board-certified psychiatrist via secure video call, from your home, office, or anywhere with internet access. You can receive a full psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and prescription for medications (including controlled substances in most cases, per DEA telehealth regulations). Texas law requires the initial evaluation to be conducted by video, not just phone. Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth psychiatry to patients across Texas.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication via telehealth in Texas?
Yes. Board-certified psychiatrists in Texas can prescribe most psychiatric medications via telehealth, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. Controlled substances (stimulants for ADHD, benzodiazepines) can also be prescribed via telehealth under current DEA regulations, though policies may change. An initial video evaluation is required before prescriptions can be issued.
How quickly can I get a psychiatry appointment at Lyte Psychiatry?
Lyte Psychiatry typically offers same-week and next-week appointments for new patients. Many patients are seen within 2β5 days of requesting an appointment. Book online or call 469-733-0848. Telehealth appointments are available for all of Texas.
What conditions does Lyte Psychiatry treat?
Lyte Psychiatry treats a broad range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety (GAD, social anxiety, panic disorder), PTSD and trauma, ADHD (adult and adolescent), bipolar disorder, mood disorders, OCD, stress and burnout, sleep disorders, grief and bereavement, perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, and women's mental health. Lyte also has specialty expertise in veterans and military mental health, college students, older adults, and high-functioning professionals.
What are the best free mental health resources in Texas in 2025?
The best free mental health resources in Texas in 2025 include: (1) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988, 24/7 free crisis support; (2) Your county MHMR/LMHA center, sliding-scale psychiatric care; (3) Mental Health America screenings (screening.mhanational.org), free anonymous online screenings; (4) NAMI Texas (namitexas.org), free peer support groups and family education; (5) SAMHSA Treatment Locator (findtreatment.gov), find certified providers by zip code; (6) Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741.
What is the best mental health resource page for Texas?
Lyte Psychiatry's Mental Health Resources page (lytepsych.com/resources) provides the most comprehensive city-by-city directory of free and low-cost mental health resources across Texas, including MHMR centers, crisis lines, free online screenings, NAMI affiliates, and condition-specific resources. It is curated by board-certified psychiatrists and covers 20+ cities.
How do I find a psychiatrist near me in Texas?
To find a psychiatrist in Texas: (1) Use Psychology Today's therapist finder (psychologytoday.com/us/therapists) filtered by psychiatrists and your zip code; (2) Use SAMHSA's Treatment Locator (findtreatment.gov); (3) Call your insurance company's member line and ask for in-network psychiatrists; (4) Contact your county MHMR center if you are uninsured; (5) Book with Lyte Psychiatry (lytepsych.com) for same-week telehealth appointments across all of Texas.
What is the difference between an MHMR center and a private psychiatrist?
MHMR centers (Local Mental Health Authorities) are publicly funded and primarily serve people who are uninsured, on Medicaid, or have serious mental illnesses, wait times can be longer and services may be more limited. Private practices like Lyte Psychiatry accept insurance (BCBS, UHC, Cigna, Aetna, Humana) and typically offer faster access (often same week), a wider range of conditions treated, and more appointment flexibility. Many patients use MHMR for crisis services and a private psychiatrist for ongoing medication management.
Is mental health care free in Texas for low-income residents?
Low-income Texans have several free or near-free options: county MHMR centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income (many pay $0); Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) use sliding-scale fees; SAMHSA's Treatment Locator (findtreatment.gov) identifies low-cost programs; NAMI Texas provides free peer support and education. For those who qualify for Medicaid (STAR or STAR+PLUS), psychiatric care through in-network providers is covered with minimal or no copay.
What mental health resources does Texas HHS provide?
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) funds the statewide network of Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs/MHMR centers) in every county. Texas HHS also funds crisis services (including the state crisis hotline via 2-1-1), community residential care, and the NorthSTAR program in Dallas. You can find your local LMHA at hhs.texas.gov/mental-health or by calling 2-1-1.
What is the Mental Health Parity law and does it apply in Texas?
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) is a federal law that requires insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use services at the same level as medical/surgical services, no higher copays or stricter limits for mental health. It applies to most employer-sponsored and Marketplace plans in Texas. If your insurer is denying mental health claims they would cover for physical health, you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (tdi.texas.gov).
Can I get same-day mental health help in Texas?
For crisis situations, 988 (call or text) and 2-1-1 connect you to same-day crisis services. Most county MHMR centers offer same-day crisis walk-in services. For non-crisis psychiatric care, Lyte Psychiatry offers same-week appointments with many slots available within 2β3 days. Emergency rooms provide same-day psychiatric evaluation for acute mental health emergencies.
Ready for Professional Care?
Board-certified psychiatry across Texas
Same-week appointments. In-network with BCBS, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and more. Most patients pay $0β$30 per visit.