From the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD):
Even though May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, prioritizing our mental well-being is something we should commit to year-round. Below, you’ll find highlights of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities’ (MOPD) engagements this month, along with valuable resources for accessing mental health services.
As spring breathes new energy into Houston, we remain focused on creating opportunities for connection, support, and empowerment. It’s been a productive month for MOPD as we continue to champion accessibility, inclusion, and equity across our city.
Collaborative Solutions to Social Isolation: Insights from MOPD and HPD
Stephanie Haechten from the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, alongside Officer James Sabota of the Houston Police Department, delivered a joint presentation on the City of Houston’s community engagement efforts during the Houston Health Department’s Conference on Social Isolation and the Loneliness Epidemic.
Their presentation highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering connection, inclusion, and support among vulnerable populations, with a focus on bridging gaps in access and reducing isolation within Houston’s diverse communities.
New Emergency Preparedness Video to Empower Houston’s Disability Community
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), in collaboration with the City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), is proud to announce the upcoming release of a special video designed to support the city’s disability community.
This informative video will provide critical guidance and highlight available resources to assist individuals with disabilities in preparing for natural disasters and other emergencies. From accessible evacuation planning to emergency communication tools, the video aims to empower disabled Houstonians with the knowledge and support needed to stay safe and resilient during times of crisis.
Stay tuned—this valuable resource will be released soon and shared widely to help ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to emergency preparedness.
Empowering All Houstonians Through Emergency Preparedness
Representing the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Rey and Norma proudly advocated for inclusive preparedness, at the Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Clinic & Expo held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. They shared vital resources to help ensure that all Houstonians—regardless of ability—are accounted for in emergency planning efforts.
Mental Health Resources & Services
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Houston, TX
24/7 Crisis Line: 713-970-7000
theharriscenter.org
Provides comprehensive mental health services, crisis intervention, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Harris County.
NAMI Greater Houston (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
9401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1234, Houston, TX
713-970-4419
namigreaterhouston.org
Free support groups, education classes, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Offers both English and Spanish programming.
Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
2801 Gessner Dr, Houston, TX 77080
24/7 Admissions: 832-834-7710
houstonbehavioralhealth.com
Provides inpatient and outpatient services for adults and adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use.
Menninger Clinic
12301 S Main St, Houston, TX 77035
menningerclinic.org
A nationally recognized psychiatric hospital offering residential treatment, outpatient therapy, and specialty programs for youth and adults.
Legacy Community Health – Behavioral Health Services
Multiple Locations in Houston
832-548-5000
legacycommunityhealth.org
Affordable therapy and psychiatric care, including LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services.
DePelchin Children’s Center
4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007
713-730-2335
depelchin.org
Supports children’s mental health and family well-being through counseling, trauma-informed care, and parenting programs.
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
2211 Norfolk St #810, Houston, TX 77098
713-523-8963
mhahouston.org
Advocates for mental health policy, education, and early intervention. Offers wellness resources and community support tools.
Montrose Center
401 Branard St, Houston, TX 77006
713-529-0037
montrosecenter.org
A trusted LGBTQ+ affirming resource providing counseling, peer support, and substance use recovery.
HOPE Clinic – Behavioral Health Services
Multiple locations serving diverse communities
713-773-0803
hopechc.org
Multilingual mental health support for immigrant, refugee, and underserved populations.
Crisis Text Line (Nationwide, but accessible in Houston)
Text HELLO to 741741
Free, 24/7 support via text from trained crisis counselors.