
Getting Professional Help
Your Doctor
You can talk to your doctor or primary care provider about your mental health. Asking them any questions you have is a good starting point in seeking professional care for mental health concerns. Your doctor can share general information, do an initial screening, and give you referrals to mental health specialists.
Find a Provider on Your Own
You can use our Find a Provider locator.
Find the Local Mental Health or Behavioral Health Authority in your area via the Texas Health and Human Services website, then reach out to access services.
Texas Health and Human Services operates 10 state hospitals for people with mental health issues. These hospitals are located across the state.
Search for your local Substance Use Outreach Screening Assessment Referral Center here.
If you have insurance, try calling the customer service number often located on the back of the card. Often, they can provide multiple nearby options based on your zip code.
It is important to remember that some providers may have waitlists. If you come across this in your search for a provider, you can shop around for other providers, utilize self-care while waiting for appointment dates, and most importantly, don’t give up on your search for help.
Federal and State Resources and Professional Organizations
There are also state and federal resources designed to help you find health care providers and low-cost services. Some of the state resources include:
Deciding if a Treatment Provider or Mental Health
Professional is Right for You.
Treatment works best when you have a good relationship with your mental health provider. However, trying to figure out if someone is a good fit for you before the first appointment can be tricky. It’s helpful to have a list of questions ready for potential mental health providers to give you an idea of whether or not they’re the right fit for you. Having prepared questions can also give you information about payment, etc. Some helpful questions include:
- Do you have experience treating someone with my issues? If so, what/how much experience?
- What is your approach to treating someone with my issues?
- How long does this type of treatment usually last?
- What insurance do you accept?
- Do you offer a sliding pay scale?
- What are your fees?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has a free fact sheet that can also help: Taking Control of Your Mental Health: Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider