HOUSTON – Mental health organizations across Houston are stepping up their efforts to combat a growing crisis, as Texas faces a 30% increase in suicide rates over the past two decades, according to the USA Facts database.
At a recent mental health awareness luncheon held at the Acres Home Multi-Service Center, community leaders and healthcare providers gathered to showcase vital resources available to Houston residents struggling with mental health challenges.
RELATED: Where to turn: Use these mental health resources to help yourself — or someone else
Rising mental health concerns prompt community action
“I want to help people, I want to teach people what I’ve learned,” said Amanda Hall, who now works with The Women’s Home after overcoming her own mental health struggles.
Hall’s journey from crisis to recovery exemplifies the critical importance of accessible mental health services.
Hall credits her survival to making the crucial decision to contact the suicide helpline, which connected her to Ben Taub Neuropsychiatric Center.
“I was really scared because I had already had several attempts, and this time I would rather be helped than try to end it all again,” she shared.
Diverse services address community needs
The Houston area offers specialized mental health services catering to various demographics:
The Women’s Home
- Address: 607 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006
- Phone: 713-521-3150
- Services: Comprehensive support for women, including addiction recovery and mental health treatment
Minor to Major
- Program that focuses on youth behavioral issues
- Phone: 210-612-2008
- Website: minortomajortx.org
- Contact: Jer’My Rankins, Licensed Counselor
- Specializes in: Youth services (ages 12-17) focusing on mood and behavioral disorders, ADHD, and aggression management
African American Male Wellness Agency
- Phone: 281-657-6003
- Program: “Real Man Real Talk” - Meets every third Thursday
- Focus: Provides safe spaces for men to discuss mental health challenges openly
Additional resources:
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD NeuroPsychiatric Center
- Services: Crisis stabilization, emergency psychiatric care, and mental health treatment
- Phone: 713-970-7000
Molina Healthcare
- Address: 5050 Westheimer Rd
- Phone: 845-875-4625
Cypress Creek Mental Hospital
- Address: 17750 Cali Dr., Houston, Texas
- Phone: 281-586-7600
Veterans’ Mental Health Support
Navy veteran Bianca Bevans emphasizes the importance of community support for veterans dealing with anxiety and depression. “It’s very important as a veteran to have community, to have friends who you know, exercise. All of those things are efficient in our mental health,” Bevans explains.
Veteran Counseling
- Address: 701 N Post Oak Ln, #102
- Phone: 713-682-2288
Breaking down barriers
Licensed counselor Jer’My Rankins highlights the importance of early intervention for youth mental health. “I focus primarily on youth 12-17 years of age who are dealing with mood and behavioral disorders, whether it is acting out in school in the classroom with an ADHD diagnosis or just problems at home with aggression,” he explains.
The African American Male Wellness Agency addresses unique challenges faced by men in the community. “What we have is called ‘Real Man Real Talk’ and what that is, is men coming together - we call it taking the mask off. It’s a safe space,” says Shawn Allison from the agency.
Getting help
For immediate crisis support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Text “HELP” to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line
- Contact any of the listed local resources during business hours
- Visit the nearest emergency room for immediate crisis care
Mental health experts emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As Amanda Hall’s story demonstrates, reaching out for assistance can be the first step toward recovery and a new chapter in life.
