Mental Health Resources
in Texas & New Mexico

What do I do if I'm having a mental health crisis in Texas?

Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) — free, confidential, available 24/7 in English and Spanish. You can also text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) or call 2-1-1 to be connected to local crisis services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Is the 988 crisis line free?

Yes. Calling or texting 988 is completely free with no insurance required. It is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish-speaking counselors are available — press 2 after connecting. Veterans can press 1 for a dedicated veterans crisis line.

What is the New Mexico mental health crisis line?

New Mexico's statewide crisis line is the NM Crisis & Access Line at 1-855-662-7474, available 24/7 in English and Spanish. You can also call or text 988 from anywhere in New Mexico.

What is MHMR in Texas?

MHMR stands for Mental Health Mental Retardation — the historical name for Texas's network of publicly funded community behavioral health centers. Today most are called Community Mental Health Centers or Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs). Each Texas county is served by one, and they provide outpatient psychiatric care, case management, crisis services, and substance use treatment on a sliding-scale or no-cost basis for eligible residents.

How do I qualify for MHMR services in Texas?

Eligibility varies by center but generally includes Texas residents with a serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, PTSD) who are uninsured, on Medicaid, or have income below 200% of the federal poverty level. Call your county's LMHA directly — most do a same-day intake screening. You do not need a referral.

Does MHMR accept Medicaid or Medicare?

Yes. Most Texas LMHAs (MHMR centers) accept Medicaid (including STAR and STAR+PLUS managed care plans). Medicare acceptance varies by center. Many also offer a sliding-scale fee for uninsured patients based on income.

Where is the MHMR in Dallas?

Dallas County is served by Metrocare Services (metrocareservices.org), the largest community behavioral health provider in Dallas County with multiple clinic locations. Phone: 214-743-1200. Parkland Health also provides safety-net psychiatric care for uninsured Dallas residents.

Where is the MHMR in Fort Worth?

Tarrant County is served by MHMR of Tarrant County (mhmrtc.org), one of the largest LMHAs in Texas. They provide outpatient mental health, substance use, and crisis services on a sliding-scale basis. Phone: 817-335-3022.

Where is the MHMR in Houston?

Harris County is served by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (harriscenter.net), which serves over 80,000 patients annually. They accept Medicaid and offer sliding-scale fees. Phone: 713-970-7000.

Where is the MHMR in Austin?

Travis County is served by Austin Travis County Integral Care (integralcare.org), which operates over 40 programs including outpatient psychiatry, crisis services, and case management. Phone: 512-472-4357.

Where is the MHMR in San Antonio?

Bexar County is served by the Center for Health Care Services (chcsbc.org), San Antonio's primary community behavioral health center. They accept Ambetter, Medicaid, and offer sliding-scale fees. Phone: 210-223-7233.

What mental health resources are available in El Paso?

El Paso County is served by Emergence Health Network (emergencehealthnetwork.org), which provides bilingual Spanish/English behavioral health services. Phone: 915-779-1800. La Frontera Center also serves the border region with Spanish-speaking providers.

What mental health resources are available in Laredo?

Webb County is served by Border Region Behavioral Health Center (brcentro.org), which provides bilingual behavioral health services in Spanish and English. Phone: 956-794-3000. The 988 crisis line is also available in Spanish.

What mental health resources are available in the Rio Grande Valley?

The Rio Grande Valley (Hidalgo and Cameron counties) is served by Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (ttbh.org), which provides bilingual community mental health services. Phone: 956-631-1765. Valley Baptist Health System provides inpatient and crisis services.

What mental health resources are available in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque and Bernalillo County are served by the NM Behavioral Health Services Division (nmhealth.org/about/bhsd/), UNM Psychiatry, and Presbyterian Behavioral Health. The NM Crisis & Access Line (1-855-662-7474) provides 24/7 support. NAMI New Mexico (naminm.org) offers free peer support groups.

What mental health resources are available for veterans in Texas?

Texas veterans have access to: VA Central Texas Healthcare (Temple/Killeen), BAMC at Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio), Darnall Army Medical Center (Fort Cavazos/Killeen), Vet Center counseling locations statewide, and the Veterans Crisis Line (call 988, press 1). Lyte Psychiatry also provides telehealth psychiatry specifically for veterans across Texas.

What mental health resources are available in Killeen or near Fort Cavazos?

The Killeen/Fort Cavazos area is served by Darnall Army Medical Center Behavioral Health (254-288-8000) for active duty and their families, the VA Central Texas Healthcare System for veterans, and Centra Care Health for Bell County civilians. Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth psychiatry for veterans and military families in the area.

Are there free mental health screenings in Texas?

Yes. Mental Health America (screening.mhanational.org) offers free, anonymous, validated online screenings for depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use — no account required, takes 5 minutes. The PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety) are also freely available at phqscreeners.com. These are not diagnoses but can help you understand your symptoms.

What is the PHQ-9 and where can I take it for free?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the gold-standard clinical screening tool for depression, used by psychiatrists and primary care providers worldwide. You can take it free at phqscreeners.com or through Mental Health America's screening portal. A score of 10 or above suggests moderate-to-severe depression and warrants a professional evaluation.

What is the GAD-7 anxiety test and where can I take it for free?

The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a validated clinical anxiety screener. You can take it free at phqscreeners.com. A score of 10 or above suggests moderate-to-severe anxiety. It takes under 2 minutes and does not require an account.

Is there a free PTSD screening I can take online?

Yes. The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), developed by the VA, is freely available at ptsd.va.gov. It is used by both VA providers and civilian clinicians and takes about 5 minutes. Mental Health America also offers a PTSD screener at screening.mhanational.org.

Is there a free ADHD screening for adults?

Yes. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), developed with Harvard Medical School and the WHO, is freely available at hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/asrs.php. It screens for the most predictive ADHD symptoms in adults and is widely used in clinical practice.

How do I get mental health help with no insurance in Texas?

Several options exist: (1) Your county's MHMR/LMHA provides services on a sliding-scale or no-cost basis — find yours at hhs.texas.gov/mental-health. (2) Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offer mental health services on a sliding-scale. (3) SAMHSA's Treatment Locator (findtreatment.gov) finds certified low-cost providers near you. (4) University training clinics (UT Southwestern, UTHealth) often offer reduced-fee services. (5) NAMI Texas offers free peer support groups that don't require insurance.

What is SAMHSA and how does the treatment locator work?

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is the U.S. federal agency overseeing mental health and substance use services. Their free Treatment Locator at findtreatment.gov lets you search by zip code, insurance type, and condition to find certified mental health providers anywhere in Texas or New Mexico — including those that accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees.

Does Lyte Psychiatry offer low-cost or sliding-scale care?

Lyte Psychiatry accepts multiple insurance plans including Ambetter, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, and Magellan Health — most patients pay $0–$30 per visit after insurance. A self-pay option is also available. Same-week appointments are available via telehealth across Texas and New Mexico.

Can I see a psychiatrist online in Texas?

Yes. Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth psychiatry to patients anywhere in Texas and New Mexico. Appointments are available via secure video — you can be seen from home, work, or anywhere with internet access. Same-week appointments are typically available. Lyte accepts most major insurance plans.

Does Lyte Psychiatry accept Ambetter?

Yes. Lyte Psychiatry is in-network with Ambetter, which is one of the most common Marketplace insurance plans in Texas. Most Ambetter patients pay a low copay per visit.

Does Lyte Psychiatry accept BlueCross BlueShield Texas?

Yes. Lyte Psychiatry accepts BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBS). This includes most BCBS PPO and HMO plans. Verify your specific plan by calling Lyte at 469-733-0848 before booking.

What cities does Lyte Psychiatry serve?

Lyte Psychiatry serves patients via telehealth across all of Texas and New Mexico, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Waco, Killeen, Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Tyler, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces. In-person care is available in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Where can I find free depression support groups in Texas?

NAMI Texas (namitexas.org) offers free in-person and online peer support groups statewide. The Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (dbsalliance.org) also offers free online and in-person groups. NAMI affiliates in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso all hold regular free meetings.

Where can I find PTSD treatment resources for veterans in Texas?

The VA's National Center for PTSD (ptsd.va.gov) is the leading resource. Texas-specific options include: VA Central Texas Healthcare, the Vet Center program (counseling for combat veterans, free and confidential), Darnall Army Medical Center Behavioral Health (Fort Cavazos), and BAMC (Fort Sam Houston). Lyte Psychiatry also specializes in telehealth PTSD care for veterans across Texas.

What are NAMI's free programs in Texas?

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Texas and its local affiliates offer several free programs: NAMI Family-to-Family (8-week education program for family members), NAMI Peer-to-Peer (for adults living with mental illness), NAMI Support Groups (weekly peer support), and NAMI Ending the Silence (school presentations). Find your local affiliate at namitexas.org.

What mental health resources are available for college students in Texas?

Most Texas universities offer free or low-cost counseling through their student health centers — UT Austin, Texas A&M, UT Dallas, Texas Tech, University of Houston, UTSA, and others all have counseling centers. The JED Foundation (jedfoundation.org) and Active Minds (activeminds.org) also support college mental health. Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth psychiatry for college students across Texas.

What bilingual Spanish mental health resources are available in Texas?

Several resources serve Spanish-speaking Texans: Border Region Behavioral Health Center (Laredo, 956-794-3000), Emergence Health Network (El Paso, 915-779-1800), La Frontera Center (El Paso/border region), Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (Rio Grande Valley, 956-631-1765), and the 988 crisis line (press 2 for Spanish). Lyte Psychiatry has bilingual providers serving Spanish-speaking patients across Texas via telehealth.

What mental health resources are available in Corpus Christi?

Corpus Christi and Nueces County are served by the Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County (bhcnc.org, 361-886-6900), which provides publicly funded outpatient psychiatry and crisis services on a sliding-scale basis. CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital offers inpatient psychiatric services. NAMI Corpus Christi holds free peer support groups. Lyte Psychiatry also provides telehealth psychiatry to patients in Corpus Christi.

What mental health resources are available in Lubbock?

Lubbock area residents can access StarCare Specialty Health System (starcare.org, 806-740-1414), the local MHMR center serving West Texas with outpatient psychiatry, crisis services, and substance use treatment. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Psychiatry provides academic specialty care. Covenant Health offers inpatient behavioral health services. Lyte Psychiatry serves Lubbock patients via telehealth.

What mental health resources are available in Waco?

McLennan County is served by the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (hotbhn.org, 254-752-3451), which provides community mental health and substance use services on a sliding-scale basis. Baylor Scott & White Health also provides behavioral health services in Central Texas. NAMI Heart of Texas offers free peer support groups. Lyte Psychiatry serves Waco patients via telehealth.

What mental health resources are available in Amarillo?

Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle are served by Texas Panhandle Centers (txpanhandlecenters.org, 806-351-3300), the MHMR serving a 26-county service area with sliding-scale fees. Baptist St. Anthony's provides inpatient behavioral health services. NAMI Panhandle offers peer support. Lyte Psychiatry serves Amarillo patients via telehealth.

What mental health resources are available in Tyler and East Texas?

Smith County and East Texas are served by Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare (andrewscenter.org, 903-597-1351), which covers Smith, Cherokee, and Henderson counties. UT Health East Texas provides psychiatric services in Tyler. NAMI East Texas holds free support groups. Lyte Psychiatry serves Tyler and East Texas patients via telehealth.

What mental health resources are available in Midland and Odessa?

The Permian Basin (Midland and Odessa) is served by West Texas Centers (westtexascenters.org, 432-570-3333), the MHMR serving Midland, Odessa, and 9 surrounding counties. Midland Memorial Hospital provides crisis and inpatient behavioral health services. SAMHSA's Treatment Locator (findtreatment.gov) can identify additional providers. Lyte Psychiatry serves the Permian Basin via telehealth.

What mental health resources are available in Plano, Frisco, and McKinney?

Collin County is served by Behavioral Health Community Services (bhcscollin.org, 972-422-5939) and Texoma Community Center. NAMI Collin County (namicollincounty.org) offers free peer support and Family-to-Family education. Lyte Psychiatry provides both telehealth and in-person psychiatric care in the Collin County / North Dallas area.

What mental health resources are available in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

Santa Fe County residents can access CHRISTUS St. Vincent Behavioral Health for inpatient and outpatient services, the NM Behavioral Health Services Division for state-funded care, and NAMI New Mexico (naminm.org) for free peer support. The NM Crisis & Access Line (1-855-662-7474) provides 24/7 crisis support in English and Spanish. Lyte Psychiatry serves Santa Fe patients via telehealth.

What mental health resources are available in Las Cruces, New Mexico?

Doña Ana County is served by Southwest Counseling Center (swcounseling.org, 575-526-9341), which provides bilingual English/Spanish community behavioral health services. Memorial Medical Center provides inpatient psychiatric services. NAMI Southern New Mexico holds free support groups. The NM Crisis & Access Line (1-855-662-7474) is available 24/7. Lyte Psychiatry serves Las Cruces patients via telehealth.

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 provides ADHD evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management for adults via telehealth across Texas.

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. This includes most UHC commercial plans and some UHC Community Plan (Medicaid) plans. 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.

Does Lyte Psychiatry accept Magellan Health?

Yes. Lyte Psychiatry works with Magellan Health, which is a behavioral health managed care organization used by several Texas insurance plans. Call 469-733-0848 to verify coverage.

How much does a psychiatrist cost in Texas without insurance?

Without insurance, initial psychiatric evaluations in Texas typically cost $200–$400, and follow-up medication management appointments cost $100–$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. Some private practices, including Lyte Psychiatry, accept select Medicaid managed care plans — call to verify.

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 and New Mexico.

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 2–5 days of requesting an appointment. Book online or call 469-733-0848. Telehealth appointments are available for all of Texas and New Mexico.

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 and New Mexico, 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 (Ambetter, BCBS, UHC, Cigna, Aetna) 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 2–3 days. Emergency rooms provide same-day psychiatric evaluation for acute mental health emergencies.