Mental health resources, research, and statistics in Houston, Texas

The State of Mental Health in Houston, TX

Houston faces significant mental health challenges, with barriers to care affecting many residents. The city has approximately 800 people for every one mental health provider, making access to services a persistent issue. More than 13% of adults in Harris County report experiencing frequent poor mental health, while nearly 150,000 children and adolescents in the area live with a mental illness. Despite this, access to treatment remains limited—74% of children in need of public mental health services in Houston do not receive care.

Statewide trends also impact Houston’s mental health landscape. More than 15 million Texans live in communities lacking sufficient mental health professionals, and nearly 65% of adolescents with depression go untreated. The demand for mental health support is clear, with Google search trends for mental health topics in Houston reaching record highs more recently (October 2024 – March 2025).

At Thriveworks, appointment data reflects these trends. Of those seeking mental health care in Houston, the majority are between the ages of 26 and 44, with women representing over half of all clients. These insights highlight a growing need for accessible and effective mental health support in Houston, reinforcing the importance of local clinics, non-profits, and community helplines in bridging these care gaps.

Mental Health Resources in Houston, TX

In addition to professional care, Houston offers a range of resources for those in need of mental health support. These include emergency services, local helplines, non-profit organizations, and support groups that provide assistance outside of traditional clinical settings. Whether you’re seeking immediate help or long-term support, the following resources can guide you to the care you seek in Houston.

Emergency Services 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 7-1-1 for TTY users or text 9-8-8
• Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 (Available 24/7)
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 9-8-8 and press 1 or text 838255
• Center for Life Resources 24-hour crisis line: 800-458-7788

Not-for-profits

• The JED Foundation
• SAM Foundation
• NAMI Greater Houston
• Mental Health America of Greater Houston
• The Women’s Home

Local Clinics and Hotlines 

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357)
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Text or Call 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 (SAFE) or Text “LOVEIS” to 22522 or call 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224 for TTY
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Text or Call 800-4-A-Child (800-422-4453)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) or chat here
• United Way of Greater Houston Helpline: 2-1-1 or 713-957-4357

Support Groups

• NAMI Greater Houston Support Groups
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Support Groups

Mental Health Statistics in Houston, TX

Mental health is a significant concern in Houston, with many residents affected by various mental health conditions. While services are available, gaps in access to care remain. Below, we highlight key statistics that illustrate the mental health landscape in Houston, including prevalence rates, common issues, and local service usage. These data offer valuable insight into the city’s mental health needs and the ongoing efforts to address them.

• There are roughly 800 people per one mental health provider in Houston.¹
• “13.1% of Adults in Harris County reported 14 or more days of poor mental health in a one-month period.”¹
• “Of the 750,000 children and adolescents in Harris County, nearly 150,000 have a mental illness.”²
• “In 2012, 19,300 children and adolescents in Houston with serious emotional disturbance needed services from the public mental health system. Of those 74% received no care.”²
• “From February 1 to 13, 2023, 36.8% of adults in Texas reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, compared to 32.3% of adults in the U.S.”³
• “64.7% of Texans ages 12–17 who have depression did not receive any care in 2021.”⁴
• “15,072,179 people in Texas live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals. Texans are about 5x more likely to be forced out-of-network.”⁴
• “43.4% of adults in Texas reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, while 26.4% of those individuals were unable to get needed counseling or therapy.”⁴
• Of all the people that booked an appointment with Thriveworks in Houston in the last year, 53% were female-identifying, 35% were male-identifying, and 12% were unknown or non-binary.⁵
• Age breakdown of those who sought mental health care with Thriveworks Houston over the last year⁵
  • Ages 18-25: 18%
  • Ages 26-34: 25%
  • Ages 35-44: 22%
  • Ages 45-64: 17%
  • Ages 65+: 6%
• According to Google, search trends around mental health issues in Houston are at all-time highs in the last six months (October 2024 – March 2025).⁶