Mental health resources in Harris County, TX
Whether you need crisis support today or ongoing therapy, here's how to get help in Harris County — crisis lines, the local mental health authority, free and low-cost options, online therapy, and licensed therapists accepting new patients.
Harris County is part of the Greater Houston region of Texas. Below are verified ways to find support — for an immediate crisis, for free or low-cost care through the county’s public system, and for ongoing therapy with a licensed provider who takes your insurance.
Get help right now
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. These free, confidential lines are available any time.
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is the public mental health authority serving Harris County. LMHAs are funded to serve everyone in their area and typically offer a 24/7 crisis line and mobile crisis team, outpatient counseling, psychiatric and medication services, and support for substance use — on a sliding scale based on income, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. For the current phone numbers and office locations, use the Texas HHS Local Mental Health Authority locator ↗, or dial 211.
Find ongoing care
Beyond the county authority, these statewide and national resources can help you find a therapist or treatment program. Many therapists also offer sliding-scale fees — it’s always worth asking.
Therapy by video, anywhere in Harris County
If there are few providers near you — common in many Texas counties — online therapy closes the gap. Every Tend therapist is licensed in Texas and can meet you by secure video from home, so you can start care without a long drive or a long waitlist. Tend verifies your insurance and shows your cost before you book.
What can therapy help with?
Using your insurance in Harris County
Most major Texas plans cover therapy. Tend confirms your coverage before your first session so there are no surprise bills.
Ready to find a therapist near Houston?
Licensed Texas therapists who take your insurance and have current openings — online statewide or in person.
Find a therapist in Houston →Frequently asked questions
Who is the mental health authority for Harris County, TX?
Harris County is served by The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) provide crisis services and ongoing care on a sliding scale, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Use the Texas HHS locator for current contact details.
Where can I get free or low-cost therapy in Harris County?
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD offers low-cost and sliding-scale care. You can also dial 211 for local referrals, use FindTreatment.gov, or look into Open Path Collective for reduced-fee sessions. If you have insurance, Tend matches you with licensed in-network therapists.
What is the mental health crisis line in Harris County?
Call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time for free, confidential support, in English or Spanish. For immediate danger, call 911.
Can I see a therapist online if I live in Harris County?
Yes. Every Tend therapist is licensed in Texas and can meet you by secure video from anywhere in Harris County — useful if there are few providers nearby. Tend confirms your insurance before you book.
Does Medicaid or CHIP cover therapy in Harris County?
Texas Medicaid and CHIP cover medically necessary outpatient mental-health services for eligible residents statewide, including in Harris County. Tend can match you with providers who accept Medicaid/CHIP.
Last reviewed: June 2026