Houston Mental Health

Houston, the fourth most populous city in the United States is the county seat of Harris County, but a portion of the city extends into the surrounding counties of Fort Bend and Montgomery. Because of the size of the city, co-ordination of public health services has always been a concern. In late 2004, several local groups, including the Mental Health Needs Council, issued recommendations for change in Houston including:

Extending operating hours of existing facilities.
Developing at least 10 federally qualified health centers to serve mental health needs as well as physical concerns.
Developing a common eligibility and screening process for all economically disadvantaged citizens.
Diverting mental patients from jails, emergency rooms, and primary care hospitals to more appropriate community-based facilities.

In early January 2005, a 21-member public health council was appointed to increase coordination between Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA), the Harris County Hospital District, and the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services.

MHMRA

The MHMRA is one of the largest mental health centers in the United States, serving more than 30,000 Houston adults and children in need of mental health services. The major divisions of the agency are Adult Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Child & Adolescent Services, and Crisis Services.

Services for adults include:

Medication Related Services
Counseling and Psychotherapy
Employment, Housing, and Independent Living Related Skills Services

Children’s services include:

Medication Related Services
Intensive Case Management
Skills Training
Counseling
Parent Partner
School-Based Programs

The MHMRA also provides forensic services under the county jail system and Texas Correctional Office for both adult and juvenile offenders with mental impairments.

Harris County Hospital District

The Harris County Hospital District, created in 1965, replaced an existing city-county system in an effort to eliminate controversy over funding. Before its formation, both city and county provided mental health services based on contracted medical professionals. The formation of the Harris County Hospital District brought access to cost-effective, quality health care to all residents regardless of their ability to pay.

Perhaps the most significant health care facility in Houston is the Texas Medical Center. Founded in the 1930’s, today it’s the largest and one of the most famous groups of medical institutions. Associated facilities include:

Baylor College of Medicine.

Founded in 1900, Baylor College of Medicine is internationally respected. The Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Social Services at Baylor offers programs for a wide range of mental health disorders, including:

Mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorders including body dysmorphic disorder and Tourettes Syndrome
Eating disorders
Substance abuse
Post traumatic stress disorder
Schizophrenia
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Asperger's Syndrome
Oppositional defiant disorder
Borderline personality disorder

The Menninger staff also specializes in applying psychiatric and behavioral treatment interventions in treating individuals with difficult-to-treat and dual disorders.

Also notable at Baylor is the Mood Disorders Center, which works in conjunction with the Baylor Psychiatry Clinic and specializes in clinical investigation of new treatments for bipolar disorder and depression.

Methodist Hospital

In 1996, The Methodist Hospital System was established to extend TMH’s health services beyond the Texas Medical Center and into communities throughout Houston. Both outpatient and inpatient services offer comprehensive treatment of mental health conditions including:

Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Life Crises (e.g. Grief and loss, abuse, major stress, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.)
Schizophrenia
Dual Diagnoses
Medical/Psychiatric Problems (e.g. psychiatric disorders associated with traumatic brain injury, stroke, chronic disease and other physical illness).
Eating Disorders
Personality Disorders
Geriatric Disorders (Alzheimer's disease, psychiatric side effects of medications, etc)

MHA Houston

Founded by Houston philanthropist, Miss Ima Hogg, the Mental Health Association of Greater Houston (MHA Houston) has been a strong force in Houston for over 50 years, providing advocacy, referral services, and information to meet the mental health needs of Houston’s citizens. Today, MHA Houston is a non-profit United Way agency that is primarily funded through private contributions and grants.

Annually, the MHA helps over 5,000 residents of Houston connect with services ranging from hospitalization to support groups. The MHA also provides information and resources to law enforcement, clergy, and teachers as well as families in need of mental health assistance.

See Also:

Houston Mental Health Clinics