Mental Health Resource and Crisis Manual
PO Box 4096, Alvin TX 77512
www.namigulfcoast.org
281-585-3100
888-554-2264
409-944-4329
namigc@namigulfcoast.org
It is the mission of NAMI Gulf Coast to support and educate families
and professionals about mental illness and advocate for services for
people with brain disorders.
Table of Contents
NAMI Gulf Coast Support Programs………………………………………………………………………. 4
Children’s Services……………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Clinical Trials……………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
College Social Work Programs………………………………………………………………………………….7
Faith Based Charities………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Financial Assistance………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
Food Assistance………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Food Pantries……………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
Healthcare……………………………………………………………………………………………………………....15
Housing Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………18
Intensive Outreach Programs……………………………………………………………………………………19
Legal Assistance………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19
Medication Assistance……………………………………………………………………………………………….21
Mental Health Deputies…………………………………………………………………………………………….22
Personal Care & Assisted Living…………………………………………………………………………………23
Psychiatric Hospitals………………………………………………………………………………………………….24
Shelters……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..26
State and National Numbers for Information and Support…………………………………………27
Substance Abuse………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28
Support Group Resources (other than NAMI GC)……………………………………………………….29
Therapists & Psychiatrists…………………………………………………………………………………………..31
2
Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………36
Other Non-Profits……………………………………………………………………………………………………….37
Veteran Services…………………………………………………………………………………………………………41
Warning Signs of a Mental Health Problem………………………………………………………………..42
Finding Help………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..42
Deciding Which Professional to Call……………………………………………………………………………43
Dealing with Medicines and Mental Health Professionals……………………………………………43
Paying for Help…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….45
Evaluating Therapy for Children…………………………………………………………………………………..45
How to Know When You Should Stop Therapy…………………………………………………………….46
Practical Tips for Parents……………………………………………………………………………………………..47
Working with the Schools…………………………………………………………………………………………….48
Dealing with Mental Illness in Your Child……………………………………………………………………..49
Ideas that Help Consumers…………………………………………………………………………………………..50
Taking Care of Yourself…………………………………………………………………………………………………51
Planning for your Consumers Future…………………………………………………………………………….53
Consumer Rights…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..53
Coping with a Crisis……………………………………………………………………………………………………….54
Crisis Information Page………………………………………………………………………………………………….56
Warning Signs of Suicide………………………………………………………………………………………………..57
A special thanks to all of our supporters who helped make this possible:………………………58
3
NAMI Gulf Coast Programs
Family Support & Chapter Meetings
Northern Brazoria Chapter:
2206 N. Gordon St.
The Light House
Alvin, Texas
Care & Share 6:00-7:00 PM
Guest Speaker 7:00-8:00 PM
Meets every third Thursday
President Gerald Mitchell
Galveston Chapter:
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
1601 Lake Rd.
La Marque, Texas
Care & Share 6:00-7:00 PM
Guest Speaker 7:00-8:00 PM
Southern Brazoria Chapter:
Brazosport Regional Healthcare Center
100 Medical Dr. Rm. B & C
Lake Jackson, Texas
Care & Share 6:00-7:00 PM
Guest Speaker 7:00-8:00 PM
Meets every second Monday
President: Louis Sanchez
Meets every second Thursday
President: Dean Price
Consumer Support Groups
Santa Fe Day Program
Lone Oak Ranch
7000 Ave. B
Santa Fe, Texas
Alvin Day Program
The Light House
2206 N. Gordon St.
Alvin, Texas
Contact: Judy Forbrich
281-585-3100
Wednesday
10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Contact: Judy Forbrich
281-585-3100
Tuesday
10:00 AM-2:00 PM
4
Children’s Services
The Children’s Center Programs
The Children’s Center
4428 Ave. N
Galveston, Texas
409-765-5212
www.thechildrenscenterinc.org
The Children’s Center Training
and Volunteering
409-762-5300
The Jameson Center Therapeutic Foster
Care Program
281-282-1301
Galveston Island Transitional Living
Program for Older Homeless Youth
409-770-9500
Emergency Shelter for Families & Older
Homeless Youth
409-621-1228
The Safe Place Advocacy Program
409-763-8861
Hotline 888-763-8861
Community Outreach and Assistance
Program
4415 Avenue L
Galveston, Texas 409-765-6561
Brazoria County Youth Homes
3315 FM 523
Oyster Creek, Texas
979-233-7281
P.O. Box 2600
Galveston, Texas
CPR, First Aid-Conflict
Prevention/Intervention
A childhood placement agency
Ages 18-22 year olds
Training on home living skills, community
living skills, educational and vocational
skills to achieve independent living
Provides shelter for homeless parents and
their children
Helping families and youth in risk of being
homeless or in crisis up to age 22
Aid to indigent children and adults
Ages 7-17
Residential care & treatment
5
Other Children’s Services
The Harris School
900 Lovett Blvd.
Houston, Texas
713-526-2046
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
847-492-8519
222.pbkids.org
The Cerebellum Center
214-303-9827
info@cerebellumcenter.com
Systems of Hope
600 Chimney Rock
Houston, Texas
713-HOPE
www.systemsofhope.org
De Pelchin Children’s Center
1700 FM 517 Rd. East
Dickinson, Texas
281-337-5489
888-730-2335
www.depelchin.org
Child Advocacy Center
5710 Ave. S ½
Galveston, Texas
409-741-6000
www.galvestoncac.com
BACH Rehabilitation Center
120 Hospital Dr.
Angleton, Texas
979-849-7060
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services
Angleton Danbury Medical Center
135 East Hospital Dr.
Angleton, Texas
979-848-9195
Asperger/Autism Tutor
832-434-1368
Teach children with emotional & mental
health needs.
Education, support, & advocacy for
children, adolescents, & families
Medication & free treatments aiding
children who have learning difficulties,
ADHD, or Asperger’s Syndrome
Youth Service Center
Ages 6-15 with referral, has mental health
diagnosis, IQ 70+, & lives in Harris County
Counseling, short term intensive
treatment, family education classes,
teenage pregnancy prevention programs,
foster care, adoption & post-adoption
services
Prevention, intervention, & treatment of
child abuse offers medical, legal, mental
health & law enforcement staff
Early childhood intervention (infant to 3)
developmental delays, PT, OT, speech, &
nutrition services
Specializes in the treatment &
management of children & adolescents
with various congenital & developmental
disorders or diseases that interfere with
daily living.
Contact: Teresa Swan, MA, Reading &
Math
$30.00 an hour
6
Clinical Trials
Lake Jackson Area
R/D Clinical Research
979-297-3535
866-297-4032
www.clinicaltrials.gov
www.centerwatch.com
Various studies in children, adolescents, &
adults
Compensation for time & travel
Houston Area
Red Oaks Psychiatry
Claghorn Lesem Research Clinic
Mercury Pharma
www.mercurypharma.com
Lilly Clinical Trail Support Center
www.lillytrials.com
Bayou City Research
Mood Disorder Center at Baylor College of
Medicine
281-893-7559 x 226
713-665-6446
713-777-5343
1-877-285-4559
832-251-7000
713-798-6663
College Social Work Programs
Galveston College
409-763-6551
Alvin Community College
281-756-3652
Chemical Dependency, Counseling, AA
Degree Program in Social Work, Chemical
Dependency, & Counseling Certificate
Program
7
Faith Based Charities
Catholic Charities Galveston
4418 Ave. M #1
Galveston, Texas
409-762-2143
Family counseling, foster care, adoption,
senior services, pregnant & parenting
adolescent services.
Serves Seniors
Galveston
6811 Steward Rd.
Galveston, Texas
409-762-2062
Texas City
619 4th St. Ave. N
Texas City, Texas
409-949-9884
www.catholiccharities.org
Interfaith Caring Ministries Resale shops
118 W. Bay Area Blvd.
Webster, Texas
281-332-2025
631 FM 270
League City, Texas 281332-9894
Assistance & Food Pantries
League City & Dickinson
151 Park Ave.
League City, Texas 281-332-3881
HIS Ministries-Santa Fe & Hitchcock
4205 Jackson
Santa Fe, Texas 409-925-4697
www.icmtx.org
Christian Helping Hands
3402 Swensen
Pearland, Texas
281-485-9776
www.christianhelpinghands.org
St. Thomas Center
415 South Erskine
Angleton, Texas 979-849-9458
Utilities & rent assistance, gas voucher for
medical appointments, food &
transportation for seniors to doctor
appointments & counseling services
available.
9:00-11:15 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
By appointment only
9:00-1:00 Monday, Wednesday, &
Saturday
By appointment only
Assistance with basic needs & food pantry
Free health clinic, rent, utility, RX
assistance, food panty, & homeless
address location
8
St. Vincent’s Episcopal House
2817 Post Office St.
Galveston, Texas 409-763-8521
www.stvhope.org
Food, shelter, eye care, healthcare,
psychiatric, childcare, & free clinic
Monday-Friday
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Financial Assistance
Social Security Administration
Disability (SSA)
800-772-1213
Apply For SSI, disability, & retirement
benefits
Galveston County
4918 A Seawall
Galveston, Texas 409-766-3631
Brazoria County
2921 N. Valderas
Angleton, Texas
800-772-1213
979-848-2177
Assurance Wireless
888-898-4888
Allsup Life Reclaimed
800-279-4357 x 2020
Apply.allsup.com
LITE-UP Texas Program
Reliant Energy
800-241-7011
Assistance Hotline
888-782-8477
Lifeline Program
866-454-8387
Assistance Hotline
888-782-8477
Lifelinessupport.org
Imagine Enterprises
1402 Spring Cress Ln.
Seabrook, Texas
281-474-7887
Free phone & 200 free minutes a month
Assists with filing SSDI & Medicare-related
services
Low income assistance on electricity
including people who receive food stamps,
Medicaid, AHDC, SSI & SSDI
Low income assistance with monthly cost
of basic telephone service for food stamps,
Medicaid, SSI & SSDI recipients
Employment for the disabled
9
Hitchcock Family Welfare
6915 2nd St.
Hitchcock, Texas
409-986-5632
Department Brazoria County Indigent
Health Care
432 East Mulberry
Angleton, Texas
979-864-1884
Galveston County Social Services
123 25th St.
Galveston, Texas
409-770-5583
Salvation Army
Alvin1212 S. Durant
Alvin, Texas
281-585-4516
Texas City4201 FM 1765
(Texas Ave.)
409-935-1190
Angleton960 E. Mulberry St.
979-848-8106
Galveston2228 Broadway St.
409-839-4771
Freeport168 N. Ave. J
979-233-5429
American Red Cross
Galveston Branch409-750-9172
Texas City Branch619 4th Ave.
Texas City, Texas
409-945-7200
Angleton Branch120 E. Myrtle St.
Angleton, Texas
979-849-6439
mberebd@ghac.org
www.houstonredcross.org
Offers financial assistance to qualified
individuals
Proof of identification & residence
required
Utilities, rental assistance, some RX
assistance, & food vouchers for Galveston
residents
Offers Financial assistance to established
section 8 individuals
8:00 AM-12:00PM
1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Must have ID for shelter
Resale shop & shelter
Resale shop & shelter
Assistance following local or national
disaster, home fires, or floods
Offers shelter, food, & clothing
10
La Marque Aid & Guidance
2222 Cedar Dr.
La Marque, Texas 409-938-7852
Allied Disability Services
409-945-0246
Utilities, food, & rent assistance for
La Marque residents only
Texas Health & Human Services
Commission
Galveston-123
Rosenberg 5th Floor
409-763-0277
Texas City714 Loop 197
409-948-1701
Clute794 S. Brazosport Blvd.
979-265-1291
Alvin3403 Mustang Rd.
281-331-0730
Santa Fe Family Services
4205 Jackson St.
Santa Fe, Texas
409-927-4133
Brazoria County Community Development
and Welfare Department
1524 East Mulberry
Angleton, Texas 979-864-1427
River of Hope
796 S. Brazosport Blvd.
Clute, Texas
979-388-0280
www.riverofhopetx.org
Contact: David Matthews
Helps assist when disability claims are
denied
Apply for Medicaid, CHIPS, TANF & food
stamps
Offers financial assistance to qualified
individuals in Santa Fe
Assists with housing & utility to Reliant
customers that are in Brazoria County
Call for an appointment
Assists with rent & utilities if BISD resident
has experienced a crisis in the last 4
months.
Food Assistance
A blessing in a Bowl
The Hope Center
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
1029 Wilson Rd.
Clute, Texas
979-865-6700
Saturday before the 4th Sunday of each
month
11
Angel food Ministries—Local Host Sites
Angel Food Ministries
All locations listed by zip code on website.
www.angelfoodministries.org
The Brazosport Christian Center
211 S. Lazy Ln.
Clute, Texas
979-265-3590
www.bccplace.org
First Missionary Baptist Church
326 West 4th St.
Freeport, Texas
979-233-2511
www.fbcfreeport.org
Chocolate Bayou Baptist Church
831 FM 2917 Rd.
Alvin, Texas
281-331-4619
www.chocolatebayoubaptistchurch.com
Family Life Church
220 Lake Rd.
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-2811
www.slclakejackson.com
Living Faith Outreach
3700 Deats Rd.
Dickinson, Texas
281-309-0799
www.livingfaithoutreach.org
Angel food items $31 a box.
Monthly deadline & menu on website
Lone Star accepted
No qualifications
Lone Star accepted
No qualifications
Lone Star accepted
No qualifications
Lone Star Accepted
No qualifications
Lone Star Accepted
Contact: Lisa Frisby
Lone Star Accepted
Food Pantries
Brazoria County Food Pantries
Alvin Food Bank
1212 South Durant
Alvin, Texas
281-824-8871
Co-Directors:
Bob & Beth Thomas
Call for appointment on Tuesday or Friday
1:00-3:00 PM
Food donated on Wednesday & Friday
11:00-12:00 AM or 1:00-3:00 PM
12
Brazosport Cares Food Panty
Clute, Lake Jackson, & Freeport Texas
979-239-1255
Pearland Neighborhood Center
2335 N. Texas Ave.
Pearland, Texas
281-485-1987
Community Food Pantry Angleton
216 Murray St.
Angleton, Texas
979-848-1285
www.communityfoodpantry.com
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
1305 W. 5th St.
Freeport, Texas
979-233-3673
www.stpaulfreeport.net
St. Thomas Center
415 S. Erskine
Angleton, Texas
979-849-1285
Food Basket
#1 Wesley Dr.
Clute, Texas
979-388-0024
Believers Sanctuary
111 Houston St.
Alvin, Texas
Director: Lisa
Tuesday & Thursday
9:00-11:30 AM
Proof of residency, SS card & income proof
required
Food Pantry, baby pantry, computer room
& medical assistance
Tuesday & Thursday
9:30-11:00 AM
Collects and donates food from local food
pantry
Food & clothing vouchers
Monday-Thursday 9:30-11:30 AM
Clothing Store open
Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Collects and donates from local food marts
Saturdays 6:00 AM
First come, first serve
Galveston County food Pantries
Catholic Charities
Galveston6811 Steward Rd.
Galveston, Texas
409-762-2162
Texas City2000 Texas Ave. Ste. 500
Texas City, Texas
409-942-4324
409-948-0405 pantry
www.catholiccharities.org
Rental, food, and utility assistance-Photo ID
and proof of income required
Pantry hours are Monday-Thursday
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
13
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
1612 E. Walker
League City, Texas 281-332-3031
Living Faith Outreach
3700 Deats Rd.
Dickinson, Texas
281-309-0799
Texas Avenue Baptist Church
320 Texas Ave.
League City, Texas
281-332-2599
Lighthouse Christian Ministries
800 Grand Ave.
Bacliff, Texas
281-339-3033
La Marque Aid & Guidance
2222 Cedar Dr.
La Marque, Texas 409-938-7852
Gleanings From the Harvest Client Choice
Food Program
903 53rd St.
Galveston, Texas
409-744-4384
Mobile Food Distribution Program Schedule
San Leon
San Leon Community Church
Corner of 9th & Ave. H
La Marque
Rising Star Baptist Church
302 Oak St. N.
Crystal Beach
Bolivar Peninsula
Community Outreach
1750 Hwy. 87
Texas City
Interfaith Collaborative
624 Fourth Ave. N
Dickinson
New Beginnings Ministries
12802 FM 3436
Galveston
West Point Baptist Church
3003 Ave. M
www.gfthgavleston.org
Wednesday & Thursday
10:00-12:00 AM
3rd Tuesday of the month from
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wednesdays
5:30 PM-7:00 PM
ID & League City address required
2nd Saturday at 7:30 PM and 4th Saturday of
the month at 11:00 AM
Appointments only
Sunday-Thursday
9:00 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Resident help with rent, utilities, food, &
clothing
Contact Janet Castillo
Monday-Friday
8:40 AM-4:00 PM
Proof of income, residency, photo ID, & utility
bill required.
Friday at 10:00 AM
Tuesday at 10:00 AM
Monday at 2:00 PM
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
Monday at 10:00 AM
Monday at 10:00 AM
Thursday at 1:00 AM
14
Healthcare
The Gulf Coast Center-MHMR
Community Mental Health Clinics:
7510 FM 1765
Texas City, Texas
281-585-7430
409-935-6083
409-935-0127 Fax
www.gcmhmr.com
Mainland Community Service Center18 & Up
7510 FM 1765
Texas City, Texas
409-935-6083
281-585-7430
Southern Brazoria Community Service
101 Tigner
Angleton, Texas
979-848-0933
Northern Brazoria Community Service
101 Brennan
Alvin, Texas
281-585-7300
409-944-4380
Galveston Island Community Service
123 Rosenberg 6th Floor
Galveston, Texas
409-944-4479
281-585-7479
Director: Sarah Holt
MH Adult Clinics and Mobile Outreach
Teams
Nurses on Duty
Program Manager: Sandy Patterson
Program Manager: Tony Kelly
Program Manager: Tony Kelly
Program Manager: Lisa Odom
Other Healthcare
Houston MHMR
Sweeny Community Hospital
205 N. McKinney
Sweeny, Texas 979-548-3311 ext. 1151
713-970-4400
Heritage Program for senior adults
15
Teen Health Center
Mental Health
409-354-9615
Ball High
409-766-5750
Austin
409-761-3516
Central
409-761-6216
La Marque High
409-938-7250
Blocker Middle
409-916-0270
4 C’s Clinic
La Marque
409-938-7221
Galveston
409-763-7200
Texas City
409-941-0474
4C’s Walk In Clinic
2000 Texas Ave. Ste. 200
Texas City, Texas
www.gchd.org
Live Oak Clinic
796 S. Brazosport Blvd.
Clute, Texas
979-388-0280
www.liveoakclinic.org
Riverside General Hospital Partial
Hospitalization Program
601 4th Street N.
Texas City, Texas
409-943-4555
UTMB Department of Psychiatry
Clear Lake400 N. Texas Ave. Ste. A
Webster, Texas
281-338-2798
Galveston1005 Harborside Dr.
3rd Floor
Galveston, Texas
409-772-0770
www.psychiatry.utmb.edu.
Brazosport Medical Center
905 N. Gulf Blvd.
Freeport, Texas
979-239-1633
Telemedicine & Case Mgt. for children 022 yrs. Needing mental health services.
Galveston county resident Healthcare
provided with or without insurance.
Medical & RX
Saturdays 10:00-5:00 PM
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Call for days open till 8:00 PM
Non-urgent healthcare facility serving
individuals not qualified for Medicaid or
other private insurance
Thursdays 4:30PM – 8:00 PM
Mental health day treatment program and
substance abuse services
Individual & group therapy
Transportation provided
Accepts most insurance
Accepts most insurance including
Medicare & Medicaid
Accepts Medicare / Medicaid, & some
insurance
16
Continuum Healthcare
6614 Hornwood
Houston, Texas
713-271-0000
Genesis Medical Equipment & Supplies
322 Laurel Dr.
La Marque, Texas
409-935-2830
Crystal Crafters
796 S. Brazosport Blvd.
Clute, Texas
979-388-0280
The Jesse Tree
2622 Market St.
Galveston, Texas
409-762-2233
www.jessietree.net
Stephen F. Austin Health Center
1111 W. Adoue
Alvin, Texas
281-585-4700
WIC-Texas Department State Health
4700 Broadway
Galveston, Texas
409-942-3678
800-942-3678
UTMB Clinics-Galveston
409-772-2222
800-917-8906
www.utmbhealthcare.org
San Jose Clinic
301 Hamilton St.
Houston, Texas
713-228-5528
www.sanjoseclinic.org
UTMB-Pearland
281-485-3220
HOPE Clinic
3373 E. Hwy. 6
Alvin, Texas
281-331-3288
Partial hospital program that provides
transportation from MHMR assisted living
in Galveston & Brazoria counties
Accepts Medicare/Medicaid
Delivery available
Eye care serving individuals not qualified
for Medicaid or other insurance Tuesdays
3:00PM – 5:00 PM
Clinic, referrals, food pantry, utility, RX
assistance & holistic type programs
Country Clinic Hours
Monday – Wednesday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM-7:00 PM
Assistance with food and formula for
pregnant mothers and infants.
Call or look online for locations
Calls begin at 10:30 AM. Serves Harris and
surrounding counties Medical and Dental
but no surgeries.
Prenatal, healthy woman exams, and
pediatric immunizations
Provides low-cost dental care for the
Uninsured/Income restrictions apply
17
Helping Hands & Hearts Hospice
412 Plantation Dr.
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-3775
House Calls Home Health
218 W. Coombs St.
Alvin, Texas
281-331-1516
www.housecallshomehealth.com
Hospice Services
Bereavement classes
Skilled nursing, home health aids, PT, OT,
medical supplies, in-home X-rays, and
sitter services
Housing Information
Texas Department of Aging and Disability
Services Consumer Rights Hotline
800-458-9858
Brazoria County Housing Authority
1524 E. Mulberry Ste. 162
Angleton, Texas
281-756-1427
HRA Village
905 Hwy 3 N.
Texas City, Texas
409-935-4335
Department of State Health Services
512-458-7111
City of Galveston Housing Authority
Galveston, Texas 409-765-1900
Gulf Coast Hospice
979-848-8500
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
4700 Broadway
Galveston, Texas
800-CALL-FHA
www.hud.gov
Habitat for Humanity Home Improvement
Center
1202 FM 1462 Rd.
Alvin, Texas
409-765-1900
To place complaints against housing
facilities for the elderly and/or disabled
Utility and rental assistance.
Section 8 housing and community
development
Residential assisted living facility for
mentally and physically challenged adults
Vital Statistics/Demographics
Section 8 housing and disaster assistance
for those who qualify
Angleton
Assistance with buying a home, avoiding
foreclosure, and rent
Alvin Shopping Center
Resale building supplies, furniture, and
appliances
18
Intensive Outreach Programs
The Gulf Coast Center
Consumer Rights
888-839-9883
Centralized Intake Services General
Information & Referral
800-643-0967
Consumer Benefits
7510 FM 1765
Texas City, Texas
281-585-7430
409-935-6083
Anger Management Classes
979-849-2311
PATH Program
Alvin- 281-585-9054
Galveston-409-762-7832
Harbor House-The Wood Group-Respite
Care
Texas City-409-763-2373
Angleton-281-881-0751
Contact: Cindy Keg
Program Director:
Casey Duty
MH assessments for ages 18 and up
Director: Becky Eve
Flex Funding, SSDI, and Medicaid for
clients.
Angleton
Homeless Program
Voluntary crisis stabilization services after
a mental health crisis.
Contact: David Hernandez
Contact: Heather Busha
Legal Assistance
Dorene J. Philpot
7314 Offats Pointe
Galveston, Texas
281-989-2010
www.dphilpotlaw.com/html/specialed.html
Robert Mark
3023 CR 159
Alvin, Texas
281-837-1977
888-529-0062
www.bobmarklaw.com
Special Education Law Attorney who
represents children with special needs and
their parents in Texas and Indiana.
Attorney at Law
Provides social security disability
assistance.
19
Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services-Child/Adult Protective
Services
Angleton
1504 E. Mulberry Street
Angleton, Texas
979-864-1428
Texas City
2000 Texas Ave. Ste. 900
Texas City, Texas
409-945-9481
Mr. Robert Hagar
101 Crawford Ste. 2C
Houston, Texas
713-222-9911
TXMHMR
800-252-8154
Lone Star Legal Aid
Galveston Office
306 22nd St. Ste. 202
Galveston, Texas
409-763-0381
800-551-3712
Angleton Office
126 North Valasco
979-849-6464
800-244-5492
www.lonestarlegal.org
Advocacy, Inc.
1500 Mc Gowen St.
Ste. 100
Houston, Texas
800-880-0821
713-974-7691
Texas Abuse Hotline of the Department of
Family and Protective Services
800-282-5400
Marc Whitehead and Associates Attorneys
at Law, LLP
5300 Memorial Ste. 725
Houston, Texas
713-228-8888
CPS/APS-Child/Adult abuse or neglect
agency
Appeals Attorney
Assists consumers with getting SSI-social
security benefits
Client services and right regarding any
MHMR Center
Provides free civil legal assistance to low
income individuals and families who have
immediate needs
Contact if any psychiatric facility is in
violation of client rights or the law
To report abuse for children, elderly, and
those with disabilities (physical and
mental)
Social Security, Disability, Veterans
Disability and Long Term Disability Claims
20
ArcherCare
1717 St. James Place Ste. 205
Houston, Texas
713-572-1717
steve@archercare.com
Sandy P. Ard
1907 FM 517 E. Ste. B
Dickinson, Texas
713-429-0218
ArdLawFirm.com
Phillip Jenkins
P.O. Box 512
Houston, Texas
281-610-8601
Pjenkinslaw.com
Gulf Coast Legal Foundation
2201 Market
Galveston, Texas
409-763-0381
800-551-3712
Texas Department of Aging and Disability
Services
800-458-9858
Contact: Steve C. Rhatigan, Ch LAP, C.E.P.
or Attorney Lisa L. Wilson
Estate planning for the disabled
Attorney
Estate Planning,
Medicaid Qualifications,
And VA Assistance
Attorney
Represents people with mental illness in
criminal cases
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Consumer rights hotline
Medication Assistance
The Free Medicine Foundation
P.O. Box 125
Doniphan, MO
www.freemedicine.com
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Program
www.pparx.org
Prescription Assistance
www.needymeds.com
Abbott Laboratories
Alamo Pharmaceuticals
Family Voices of North Dakota
www.togetherrxaccess.com
573-996-3333
888-477-2669
978-281-6666
800-222-6885
877-329-2256
800-444-4106
21
Brazosport Medical Center
905 N. Gulf Blvd.
Freeport, Texas
979-239-1633
S.P.A.
866-549-4199
www.ufugi.com
Wyeth Laboratories
Prescription Discount Card
AztraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
Alamo Pharmaceuticals
Boehringer Ingelhelm Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company
Eli Lilly and Company
Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline
IVAX Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Janssen Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Novartis
Ortho-McNeil
Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Pfizer Inc.
Geodon
Roche Pharmaceuticals
OATH-RX assistance for low income
individuals without insurance in Brazoria
county.
Discount drug program
800-568-9938
payless4meds.com
800-424-3727
877-329-2256
800-556-8317
800-332-2056
800-545-6962
800-851-0758
866-728-4368
800-327-4114 x 4344
800-652-6227
800-277-2254
800-577-3788
800-707-8990
866-443-6366
800-285-4484
Mental Health Deputies
Galveston County Sheriff’s Department
Lieutenant: Jaime Castro
409-766-2323
409-766-2300
Brazoria County Sheriff’s Department
Deputy: Pat Matocha
979-849-2441
281-331-9000
Harris County Mobile Crisis Unit
Tom Mitchell
713-970-4621
Must be a danger to self or others
Must be a danger to self or others
Must be a danger to self or others
22
Personal Care & Assisted Living
Shiloh Treatment
3926 Bahler
Manvel, Texas
281-489-1290
Country Village
721 W. Mulberry
Angleton, Texas
979-848-0279
Lois White Cottage
332 Marshall Alley
Angleton, Texas
979-849-4744
Three D Management
12811 Pleasant Valley Dr.
Rosharon, Texas
281-369-2067
League City Group Home
511 Cedar Ave.
League City, Texas
409-599-6891
281-554-7641
The Meehl Foundation
PO Box 2089
Brazoria, Texas
979-248-0840
Tinker Bell Gentle Hearts
PO Box 678
Hitchcock, Texas
409-986-1110
409-766-0328
Westover Cove
2200 Mustang Rd.
Alvin, Texas
281-756-8877
Butler Adult Foster Care Program
416 CR 949 E.
Alvin, Texas
281-799-5459
281-799-5425
Care for children with special needs
Contact: Becky Hlavaty
Care for Men & Women
Contact: Lois White
Care for Men & Women
Care for Men
Contact: Theresa Smith
Assists adults with special needs
Care for people with Bipolar, Borderline
Personality Disorder, Anxiety, and
Depression
Contact: MS. Tot
Contact: Choicy Hopkins
Low cost-HUD, semi-independent living
Contact: Linda or John
Care for Men
23
PepperTree Complete Care, LLC
PO Box 441
Manvel, Texas
877-287-5215
www.peppertreelic.com
Potter House & Mega Plex
713-794-6107
Right at Home
1122 45th St.
Galveston, Texas
409-740-7400
www.rahgalveston.com
Costa Verde Apartments
101 Verde Drive
Clute, Texas
979-265-4760
www.costaverdeapts.com
PJ Health Consultant
3109 7th Ave. N
Texas City, Texas
409-945-2910
832-483-8533
info@pjhealthconsultants.com
Serves children and adults with special
needs. Accepts Medicaid, Case mgt.,
residential, day program, medical and
therapy services on site
Contact: Robin Potter
Licensed Mental Illness Specialty
For seniors and disabled adults
Assists low income families
Contact: Patricia Jackson
Cares for up to 5 people
Psychiatric Hospitals
Christus St. Joseph’s Hospital
1919 La Branch
Houston, Texas
713-657-7300
West Oaks Hospital
6500 Hornwood
Houston, Texas
713-995-0909
Mainland Medical Center Senior Care
6801 Emmett F. Lowry
Texas City, Texas
409-938-5474
Anthony.purser@hcahealthcare.com
Assists with mental health hospitalization
Children 5-12, adolescents and adults
Accepts Medicare/Medicaid
Contact: Tony Purser
Inpatient and outpatient mental health
services
24
New Dimensions
1345 Space Park Dr. Ste. C
Houston, Texas
281-333-2284
4840 West Panther Creek
Plaza 2 Ste. 100
Woodlands, Texas
800-685-9796
www.newdimensionsdayhospital.com
Devereux Texas Treatment Network
1150 Devereux Dr.
League city, Texas
281-335-1000 inpatient
281-332-8608 outpatient
IntraCare Hospital Mental Health and Dual
Diagnosis
120 S. Parking Place
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-292-0113
IntraCare Behavioral Health
7601 Fannin
Houston, Texas
832-347-6555
www.jpickett@intracare.org
Triumph Hospital
350 Blossom St.
Webster, Texas 77598
281-316-7800
15101 East Freeway
Channelview, Texas 77530
832-200-5500
www.triumph-healthcare.com
Matagora Regional Medical Center
104 7th St.
Bay City, Texas
979-241-3452
Menninger
713 275-5000
www.mennigerclinic.com
Outpatient day program for children,
adolescents and adults
Inpatient for children and adolescents
Accepts insurance but not
Medicare/Medicaid
Inpatient for children and adolescents,
Outpatient for children, adolescents and
adults/Individual and family
counseling/Substance abuse for
adolescents and adults
Accepts Medicare/Medicaid and CHIPS
Monday-Thursday
Adults 10:00AM-2:00PM
Adolescents 4:00PM-7:00PM
Children 4-12 yrs
Intensive Outreach Program
Contact: John Pickett
Accepts Medicare/Medicaid
All mental health related services
60 yrs. and up or 21 and up if on disability.
No Medicaid accepted. Private roomsTreats medical and psychiatric patients
long term acute care/medical primary and
psychiatric secondary
Contact: Zuzanne Worthing
55 and up- Accepts Medicare and other
insurances
Geriatric inpatient facility Brazoria county
only
Houston
25
Columbia Mainland Center Hospital
Texas City, Texas
409-938-5474
Geriatric only
Institute for living
Shelters
Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston
PO Box 1545
Galveston, Texas
409-765-7233
888-919-SAFE
Covenant House
1111 Lovett
Houston, Texas
713-523-2231
Star of Hope
419 Dowling
Houston, Texas
713-222-2220
Star of Hope
407 La Branch
Houston, Texas
713-227-8900
www.homelessshelterdirectory.org
Women’s Center
800-243-5788 Angleton
281-585-0902 Alvin
Salvation Army
1212 South Durant
Alvin, Texas
281-585-4516
1618 North Ave. J
Freeport, Texas
979-233-5429
2228 Broadway St.
Galveston, Texas
409-763-1691
Youth Crisis Care Program
1111 32nd St.
Galveston, Texas
409-763-8861
409-765-5212 (24 hours)
Shelter and Referrals
Shelter for persons under 21
Shelter for women and family
Shelter for men
Aids in finding shelters
Helps women with domestic violence
issues
Administration Office
Shelter
Shelter, resale shop, and social services
Daytime Shelter
26
Our Daily Bread
2420 Winnie
Galveston, Texas
709-765-6971
409-765-6972
Bay Area Women’s Shelter
5307 Decker Rd.
Baytown, Texas
281-424-3300
Daytime Center for the Homeless
Emergency shelter
Counseling available for survivors of abuse
and/or sexual assault.
State and National Numbers for Information and Support
NAMI Texas
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
American Psychiatric Association
International Foundation for Research and
Education on Depression (iFred)
American Society for Adolescent
Psychiatry
American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Terrap Anxiety and Stress Center
National Education Alliance for Borderline
Personality Disorder
Texas Children’s Hospital Parent Advice
Line
International Committee Against Mental
Illness
www.namitexas.org
800-633-3760
www.nami.org
703-524-7600
800-950-6264
888-554-2264
www.dbsalliance.org
800-826-3632
www.psych.org
703-907-7300
www.depression.org
www.adolpsych.org
972-613-3044
www.aacp.orpa
202-966-7300
www.bpkids.org
847-256-8525
281-587-5351
info@neabpd.org
www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com
832-824-1777
212-263-5744
27
Substance Abuse
Gulf Coast Center Services
Galveston Island Recovery Program
123 Rosenberg Ste. 6
Galveston, Texas
409-944-4337
Gulf Coast Center Signals of Sobriety
123 Rosenberg, Ste. 6
Galveston, Texas
409-944-4337
Alvin Branch
800-710-4322
Angleton Recovery Program
101 Tigner Bldg. 2
Angleton, Texas
800-710-4322
Pathway to Recovery
2119 S. Oak
La Marque, Texas
409-938-7736
Pathway to Recovery
135 W. Locust
Angleton, Texas
979-549-0385
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Women’s Center
(ADA)
201 1st St.
Galveston, Texas
409-763-5516
www.adawomenscenter.org
Brazos Place
1103 North Ave. N
Freeport, Texas
979-233-3826
www.vpoulsen@txbs.net
R House Inc.
3216 Ave. S
Galveston, Texas
409-765-5966
Clinical Coordinator:
James Krebs
Galveston county HIV services and dual
diagnosis-outpatient
Provides services to individuals ages 18 &
up, with chemical dependency or addictive
behaviors in Galveston and Brazoria
counties-Outpatient
Program Coordinator:
Susan Ellen Brown
MHMR-addiction and recovery
Adult residential service
Adult residential service
For Women
Specialized residential services
Adult residential services for mental
health and substance abuse
Assists at risk homeless men and women
wanting to live chemically free
28
BACODA – Bay Area Council on Drugs and
Alcohol
281-250-0080
979-549-9000
Cenikor
South Texas Facility
4525 Glenwood Ave.
Deer Park, Texas 281-476-0088
Substance Abuse Education program for
individuals and family members
For 18 years and up
Substance Abuse Recovery Residential 1824 month program
Support Group Resources (other than NAMI GC)
Living for Tomorrow Bereavement Support
Group
412 Plantation Dr.
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-3775
DBSA Greater Houston
(Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
Krist Samaritan Center17555 El Camino Real
Houston, Texas
Friendswood United Methodist Church110 N. Friendswood Dr.
First United Methodist Church2412 N. Grand Blvd.
www.dbsahouston.org
Brain Injury Support Group
713-729-5162
A connection of Hope
William Temple Episcopal Center
427 Market St.
Galveston, Texas
409-762-0407
Attention Deficit Disorders Association
281-897-0982
Alzheimer’s Support Group
The Gathering Place
Most Holy Trinity Church
1713 N. Tinsley
Angleton, Texas
979-848-9339
Contact: Ruth Linvieit
Support groups at thrift store
English Tuesdays @ 6PM
Spanish Mondays @ 6PM
Loss By Suicide-Registration required- 10
week program
Support for people with Bipolar or
Depression
Thursday @ 7:00 PM
Monday @ 7:00 PM /Adolescent and
Parent Group meet separately
Wednesday @ 7:00 PM
For victims and caregivers
A grief and loss support group
Support groups for families and adults
with ADD and ADHD
Contact: Brenda Fleshman
29
Alzheimer’s Support Group
St. John’s West Building
18300 St. John Dr.
Nassau Bay, Texas
281-326-2074
Family Violence Peer Support Group
409-763-1441
409-942-4357
Bay Area Mental Health Support Group
Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church
17503 El Camino Real
Webster, Texas
281-338-7235
GAP Support Services
The First United Methodist Church of
Angleton
219 N. Arcola
Angleton, Texas
281-595-2506
GOSH (Grandparents Offering Support and
Help)
713-643-8226
Step
281-486-8827
Innovative Alternatives Family
Preservation Program Support Goups
832-864-6000
Post-Partum Depression Support Group
713-791-4323
Clutterless Recovery Groups
409-763-2082
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
100 Oak Dr.
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-3041
Autism Support Group
BACH Rehabilitation Center
120 E. Hospital Dr.
Angleton, Texas
979-849-2447
Contact: Corinne Poel
Meets last Wednesday of the month 9:3011:00 AM
Meets every other Monday and
Wednesday 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Contact: Darcy Trueham
Contact: Gail Mizeil
GAP Coordinator
Grandparents as Parents
For grandparents and other caring for nonbiological children
Families support group in Clear Lake
For issues related to divorce, custody,
step-parenting, and anger management
Helps mothers suffering from post-partum
depression
For clutters, hoarders and families,
Houston and Galveston support group
Support group for those suffering from the
loss of a spouse through death, divorce, or
separation
Contact: Teresa Croft
30
Therapists and Psychiatrists
Beverly Bernzen, MA. LCSW-ACP
115 N Dixie Dr. Ste 250
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-825-3533
Texas Family Solutions
56 Flag Lake Plaza
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-4335
Danny Edwards, MA, LCDC, LPC, LMFT
110 Heather Lane
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-4335
107 W. Sealy
Alvin, Texas
281-585-0000
Karen Hubbard
PO Box 1868
Angleton, Texas
979-848-0100
Senior Horizons
305 N. Mc Kinney St.
Sweeny, Texas
979-548-1553
Irunnels@sweenyhospital.org
Dennis McGuire, PhD, LMFT
115 N. Dixie Dr. Ste. 250
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-299-1590
IntraCare Hospital Outpatient Clinic
120 S. Parking Place
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-292-0113
DJ Holley, Psy.D
125 Circle Way Ste. G
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-299-1590
Becky Moorefield, LMSW-ACP
135 Oyster Creek Dr. Ste. D
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-235-7896
Children and adults Suicide prevention and
Intervention
Accepts most insurance
Contact: Ernie Mueller
Accepts most insurance including
Medicaid
Individual, marriage, family, child and
adolescent therapy
Accepts Medicaid
Ages 4 and up
Anger management, etc.
Accepts most insurance
Contact: Linda Runnells
Counseling for geriatric individuals over 55
years
Accepts Medicare
Ages 6 and up
Accepts most insurance
Serving adolescents and adults with a full
range of behavioral health services
Group therapy
Accepts most insurance
All ages
Accepts most insurance and sliding scale
income
Adolescents and adults
Medicare and private pay only
31
Liz Sardelich, LPC, LMFT
305 E. Mulberry
Angleton, Texas
979-848-0766
Deedee Gregoire, LCSW
12406 Hwy. 6
Santa Fe, Texas
409-750-0882
ddgregoire@comcast.net
Lori Candrian
107 E. Sealy St.
Alvin, Texas
281-585-0000 x 1
Lowell Adams, PhD
104 Circle Way
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-2565
Beth Calhoun
108 Madison
Clute, Texas
979-265-2230
Sandra Clevenger, LPC. LMFT
115 N. Dixie Dr. Ste. 250
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-292-0726
Josie Mueller, LMFT. LPC
110 Heather
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-4335
Joe Gardzina, LCDC
400 East Mulberry
Angleton, Texas
1506 E. Broadway Ste. 101
Pearland, Texas
979-480-3327
www.adaptprograms.com
Angela Gaston, LMSW-ACP
52 Flag Lake Dr.
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-299-6600
All ages
Anger Management classes
Accepts most insurance
12 years and up
Accepts most insurances including
Medicare and Medicaid
Excepts most insurance but not Medicare
All ages
Accepts most insurance
Certified Christian Counselor
Private pay only
All ages
No insurance accepted
3 years and up
Accepts most insurance and private pay
Adapt Program
Accepts some insurance.
Serves Dual Diagnosed
13 years and up
Accepts most insurance and private pay
32
Gift of Recovery, LLC
3429 Keis Rd.
Pearland, Texas
281-850-4708
gifrofrecovery@aol.com
www.giftofintervention.com
Youth and Family Counseling North
Brazoria County
281-756-1577
Alvin
First United Methodist Church
1111 W. Adoue Bldg. 2
Alvin, Texas
Angleton
801 North Buchta
Angleton, Texas
979-864-1577
South Brazoria County Freeport
Brazosport Medical Center
905 N. Gulf Blvd.
979-388-1577
Depelchin Children’s Center
1300 A Bay Area Blvd. Ste. 232
Houston, Texas
713-730-2335
www.depelchin.org
Innovative Alternatives
18333 Egret Bay Blvd. Ste. 540
Houston, Texas
832-864-6000
Sam Marullo, Jr., PH.D.
17625 El Camino Real Ste. 490
Houston, Texas
281-488-0615
drsammrullo@clearlakepsychotherapy.com
Krist Samaritan Center Counseling and
Education
17555 El Camino Real
Houston, Texas
281-480-7554
Contact Robert Martinez
Adolescent transport services and adult
interventions
Children 18 and under are free without
court appointment
Monday-Thursday
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday-Thursday
9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Monday-Thursday
9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Mental health, prevention, and social
services for children, adolescents, and
families, adoption, post-adoption and
foster care
Counseling and medication for individual,
family, or group-problems including sexual
abuse, marital problems, school conduct
problems, anger management and
parenting
Licensed Psychologist individual, marital
and family therapy Stress management
Sliding scale, locations in Clear Lake, Texas
City, Galveston and Pearland
33
Takis Bogdanos, MA, LPC
832-247-1742
www.psychologytoday.com
Dr. Cindy Grace
Naturopath Celestialsinger1healingbook@yahoo.com
The Excel Center
111 E. Edgewood Dr.
Friendswood, Texas
281-648-1200
Tenley Fukui MA,LPC
620 W. Main St.
League City, Texas
713-408-2468
Riverside General Hospital
601 4th St. North
Texas City, Texas
409-943-4555
rghphptexascity@gmail.com
Melba R. Tatum, LMSW,LCDC
Based in League City
832-577-8901
Melba.tatum52@gmail.com
Diana Carleton, Ed.D.
2121 Market St. Ste. 206
Galveston, Texas
713-628-6761
www.dianacarlton@sbcglobal.net
www.wellness.com
Brazosport Psychiatric Clinic
Dr. Matthew Barns
52 Flag Lake Drive
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-1601
Donna K. Ayers
52 Flag Lake Plaza
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-7601
DKA_MGMT@hotmail.com
Psychotherapist
Ages 13 and up
Private pay only
Adolescent and family
Website designed to aid in finding a
therapist
Free book offered.
Holistic Self Care
Accepts most insurance, Medicare,
Medicaid, CHIPS and Private pay, 15 mile
transport provided
Adults
Private pay only
Contact: Deborah Avie Elliot, RN
Partial Hospital
Individual, group and family
psychotherapy.
Transportation services available
Serves Children, adolescents, adults, and
families
Medicare/Medicaid and other insurances
accepted
Licensed Psychologist
Marriage and Family Therapist
Website designed to aid in finding a
psychiatrist
18 and up
Accepts most insurance including
Medicare.
Nurse Practitioner
Adults only
Accepts most insurance except Medicaid
34
Nilesh Patel MD
201 Oak Dr. South #204
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-299-0012
Mohsin Qayyum, MD.MBA
907 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, Texas
281-993-3734
www.progressivebehaviorialhealth.com
Dr. Brian Kearns
309 W. Edgewood Dr. #G
Friendswood, Texas
281-993-1999
UTMB Psychiatry in Clear Lake
Waheedul Hague, M.D.
Dwight Wolf, M.D.
Mireya Silva, M.D.
Robin Mallett, M.D.
Nag Nguyen, M.D.
400 Texas Ave. Ste. A
Webster, Texas
409-772-0770
Nescreen S. Ibraham, M.D.
Mohamed S. Ahmed, M.D.
330 E. Medical Center
Webster, Texas
281-837-MIND (6463)
ThePsyClinic.com
Titus Harris Clinic
William Bondurant, D.O., M.D.
415 22nd St. Ste. 300
Galveston, Texas
409-765-6321
UTMB Psychiatry for Adults
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, Texas
Michael O’Boyle, M.D.
409-772-0770
Michael Stone, M.D.
409-747-9796
Licensed Psychiatrist
Children and adolescents
Accepts most insurance except Medicaid
Licensed Psychiatrist
Adults and geriatric
Accepts Medicaid/Medicare
Licensed Psychologist
Children and Adults
No Medicare/Medicaid
Adults only
Children & Adolescents
Children & Adolescents
Children & Adolescents
Children & Adolescents
Psychiatrists
Accept Medicaid/Medicare
Licensed Psychiatrist
Ages 21 & up
Medicaid/Medicare and other insurances
accepted
Medicaid/Medicare accepted
Geriatric Specialty
35
Diana Villarreal, M.D.
1917 Broadway St. Ste. 2
Galveston, Texas
409-762-0177
Licensed Psychiatrist
Ages 16 and up
Larry Nahmias, M.D.
16333 Egret Bay Blvd. Ste. 560
Houston, Texas
281-333-2278
Licensed Psychiatrist
Ages 18-60
No insurance accepted.
Pain management, dual diagnosis, forensic
and IME-Independent Medical Evaluations
Psychiatric evaluations using sliding scale
income. Medication assistance available
St. Vincent’s Psychiatry
2817 Post Office St.
Galveston, Texas
409-763-8521
www.stuhope.org
Karen Wagner, M.D.
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, Texas
409-747-8330
Licensed Psychiatrist
Children and adolescents
Medicaid accepted
Transportation
Angelwings Transport
281-331-4875
Connect Transportation
Galveston and Brazoria Counties
409-945-0820
800-266-2320
Medical Transportation Program
877-633-8747
Eagle Taxi
PO Box 1148
Alvin, Texas
281-585-6660
Dial-A-Ride Services
3115 Market St.
Galveston, Texas
409-797-3909
Contact: Ben Lee
For non-emergency transportation within
100 miles of Alvin
To schedule a ride – call in at least 7 days in
advance—No nights or weekends
8:00 AM-5:00PM
To schedule a ride- call 2 days in advance
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Serves Alvin, Manvel, Friendswood and
Angleton
Serves Galveston Island
36
Yellow Cab- #2748
409-766-0640
HK Express Transit
281-235-4825
Contact: John
Galveston Medical Transport Office
409-938-2424
800-687-8133
Ambulance serves Dickinson, La Marque,
Texas City, San Leon, Bacliff, Hitchcock, and
Galveston
$1 per mile, Harris and Galveston Counties
Accepts Medicare/Medicaid, wheelchair
access,
Monday–Saturday 7:00 AM-7:00 PM
Other Non-Profits
Family Service Center Mainland Office1501 Amburn Rd. Ste. 13
Texas City, Texas
409-938-4814
Galveston Island Office2200 Market St. Ste. 600
Galveston, Texas
409-762-8636
Goodwill Industries
4525 Ave. U
Galveston, Texas
409-763-1161
2312 Palmer Hwy.
Texas city, Texas
409-948-8391
Community Action Council of Galveston
2627 Ave. L
Galveston, Texas
409-762-8418
The ARC of the Gulf Coast
1600 E. Hwy 6
Alvin, Texas
281-388-1161
www.arcgc.org
Mainland Communities of United Way
922 14th St.
Texas City, Texas
409-948-4211
Contact: Lily Davis
Counseling and free parenting classes for
Galveston and Brazoria Counties
STAR Program-Free counseling for “At Risk”
children
Oasis-Sex Offender program
Call for donations.
Monday – Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Assists with utilities and referrals
Contact: Betty Ketchum
Supports, educates, and assists people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities
Serves Galveston County Mainland
37
M.I. Lewis Social Service Center
2605 44th St.
Dickinson, Texas
281-534-2043
Santa Fe Family Services
4205 Jackson St.
Santa Fe, Texas
409-927-4133
United Way of Galveston, Inc.
2200 Market St. Ste 850
Galveston, Texas
409-762-4357
Clear Lake
1300 A Bay Area Blvd.
Webster, Texas
281-282-6000
Brazoria County Center For Independent
Living
(non-residential)
1104 D. East Mulberry
Angleton, Texas
979-849-7060
Adult Education Cooperative of Galveston
County
College of the Mainland
Texas City, Texas
409-938-1211 x 294
www.com.edu
DARS-Department of Assistive and
Rehabilitation Services Texas Division of
Rehabilitation Services-Division of DARS
800-628-5115
Galveston County:
Galveston Office
1528 Post Office
Galveston, Texas
409-795-3625
2nd office in Galveston
4607 Fort Crockett Blvd.
Galveston, Texas
Food pantry, utility, rental assistance,
clothing, gas vouchers and school supplies
Tuesday-Wednesday
8:30 AM-2:00 PM
Thursday-Friday
8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Serves Dickinson, San Leon and Bacliff only
Financial assistance to Santa Fe residents
Serves Galveston county
Serves Bay Area in Harris county
Serving those with a disability through peer
support, information, referrals, advocacy,
and independent living skills training
ESL, Adult basic
Education and GED services
Rehabilitation services, blind services, early
childhood Intervention services, disability
determination services
38
Clear Lake Office
18333 Egret Bay Blvd.
Ste. #590
Houston, Texas
La Marque Field Office
2000 Texas Ave.
Texas City, Texas
409-949-3900
Brazoria County Lake Jackson Office
479 This Way
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-299-5300
800-847-0480
Alvin Office
2625 South Loop 35 Ste. 192
Alvin, Texas
281-585-7800
Ronald McDonald House
301 14th St.
Galveston, Texas
409-762-8770
409-762-0609
www.rmhgalveston.org
TCDN Learning Place
313 4th St. N.
Texas City, Texas
409-943-5247
AIDS Coalition of Coastal Texas
707 23rd St.
Galveston, Texas
409-763-2437
Safe Haven
327 Garland Dr.
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-297-3622
800-974-3622
www.pregnancyhealthcenter.org
Alvin Coast Ministries
414 Stone Dr.
Alvin, Texas
281-585-9136
United Way of Brazoria County
Temporary housing for families of children
seeking medical treatment or evaluation.
Scholarship funding available for low
income citizens
6 weeks-13 years
All HIV/AIDS related services
Residential maternity care for homeless
pregnant people in Brazoria county. Assists
in helping women 18 and up who have no
children in her care
Contact: Mike Gomez
Free faith based men’s home for men
recovering from an addiction
Serves Southern Brazoria county
39
1212 N. Velasco
Angleton, Texas
979-849-9402
Mental Heath America
713-523-8963
Bay Area Turning Point
210 S. Walnut St.
Webster, Texas
281-338-7600
24 Hour Hotline-281-286-2525
www.bayareaturningpoint.org
Bridge Crisis Hotline
713-473-2801
Resource and Crisis Center
409-763-1441
888-919-safe (7233)
www.rccgc.org
Resale shopsGalveston1424 23rd St.
409-762-1520
League City150 N. Gulf Freeway
281-554-6983
Texas City1424 23rd St.
409-762-1520
Habitat For Humanity
Southern Brazoria County
12 Circle Way
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-665-1471
979-285-2800
The Sunshine Shop
6915 2nd St.
Hitchcock, Texas
409-986-5632
The Galveston Furniture Bank
2701 New Strand
Galveston, Texas
409-443-9101
www.nationalfurniturebank.org
Libbie’s Place senior Day Program
Serves Greater Houston
Provides recovery solution services for
survivors of family violence and sexual
assault
Referral for domestic violence, homeless,
and support groups
For victims of family violence and sexual
assault
Will pick up donated furniture, no drop offs
Wednesday-Saturday
9:00 AM – 3:00 M
Resale Shop
Furniture-when available
5 pieces $175.00 minimum
Second hand furniture available by
appointment only
Delivery charge $35.00
Daytime Program for older adults 55+,
40
2803 53rd St.
Galveston, Texas
409-741-2538
www.alice@moody.org
www.libbiesplace.org
Community Health Choice
2626 South Loop West Ste. 700
Houston, Texas
713-295-2324
Sandra.mielke@communityhealtchoice.org
CAP- Community Assistance Providers of
Clear Lake
713-397-2490
www.capofclearlake.com
activities, field trips, etc. Nurse on staff
Monday-Friday
7:30 AM – 5:45 PM
Contact: Sandra L. Mielke
Assists with filling out paperwork for CHIPS,
Medicaid, SSI, etc.
Helps individuals that are indigent
Veteran Services
John E. Jerabeck
979-864-1289
281-756-1289
Frank Furleigh
409-766-2448
www.brazoriacounty.com/veterans
www.co.galveston.tx.us/veterans/index.htm
41
Warning Signs of a Mental Health Problem…
Any of the following signs may Indicate that a serious mental health problem exists. An
assessment or evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional may be needed.
Unexplained changes in personality.
Unable to cope with problems and daily activities.
Strange, grandiose, or paranoid ideas.
Excessive anxiety or worries.
Depression that persists for several days.
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
Thinking or talking about suicide.
Thinking or talking about hurting someone.
Mood swings with extreme highs and lows.
Excessive or uncontrolled feelings of anger or hostility.
Crying spells.
Suicidal, violent behaviors, or self harm.
Excessive risk taking.
Abuse of drugs or alcohol.
Sudden changes in peer groups.
Cruelty to pets or animals.
Isolating from family or friends.
Absenteeism from school, work, or family activities.
Involvement with gangs or criminal activities.
Violent or depressing artwork.
Persistent disregard for following the rules.
Secretive behavior.
Running away or threats.
Finding Help…
There are many ways to get help once you know whom to call. Any of the persons listed below
can help you identify a mental health professional or program.
A Physician
A Psychotherapist
A School Counselor
A Church Counselor
A Medical Hospital
A Psychiatric Hospital
An Emergency Room
An Insurance Company
An Employee Assistance Program
A Mental Health Association like Mental Health America or NAMI Gulf Coast
42
Deciding Which Type of Professional to Call…
Determining which type of mental health professional to call is important. There are many
different types of mental health professionals. Each type has specific credentials that identify
their training and area of expertise. Be sure to ask the mental health professional what areas of
mental health is his or her expertise; even those who have the same licensure. On the following
page are the most common mental health credentials.
A Psychiatrist or MD is a Medical Doctor who specializes in mental functioning. They have the
legal authority to prescribe medications for their clients. They can treat clients for any type of
mental health problem.
A Psychologist of Ph.D is a Doctor of Psychology. They can provide counseling or psychotherapy
for any type of mental health problem. They often train or teach other therapists and conduct
evaluations or psychological testing on clients to help identify/clarify thinking, emotional or
educational problems.
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist of LMFT is licensed by the state to conduct marriage
and family therapy. They work with individuals and families in order to overcome family
problems.
A Licensed Master Social Worker or LMSW is licensed by the state to provide therapy for
individuals with mental health problems. They work with individuals and families to overcome
their problems. They also assist clients in accessing other services that may help return the
client to the best possible mental health.
A Licensed Professional Counselor or LPC is licensed by the state to counsel individuals or
families. They help clients overcome any mental health related problem.
A Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor or LCDC is licensed by the state to work with
individuals and families to overcome problems with drugs and alcohol. Their expertise is
limited to substance abuse and the problems that often accompany substance abuse.
Dealing with Medicines and Mental Health Professionals…
Learn all you can about the disorder and medications – and keep learning.
Choose (or steer your loved one to) doctors and therapists who are willing to work with the
family.
43
Speak calmly, in an organized manner, focusing on the two or three most immediate issues.
When talking to mental health professionals about your consumer, don’t vent. This is about
helping the consumer, not about expressing your feelings and anxieties. Keep it as simple as
possible.
Stay focused on the issues. Keep is simple, focused and factual.
Talk to the doctor/therapist – by fax or email if necessary. If your consumer is over 18, the
doctor/therapist won’t be able to talk with you unless you have guardianship or your consumer
gives permission. But you can still talk to the doctor/therapist – it may be a one-sided
conversation, but you can give them the information they need. You can do it by fax or email if
you can’t do it in person.
Send a privacy information form, if your consumer will sign one, to all doctors/therapists and
the insurance company. NAMI GC has a consent form if you need a copy. Keep a copy for
your crisis file.
Keep a file of information about the consumer: dates of diagnoses, hospitalizations, names of
doctors and medications, insurance/Medicare information. Keep a telephone/contact log
when dealing with caseworkers, doctors, therapists, etc. Be sure to get names. This will be
helpful during the inevitable follow-up.
Medications are a starting point which may allow other therapeutic strategies to work.
Medications can strongly affect behavior. They can bring enough calm to allow other
therapeutic work to be done. Positive effects will continually need to be weighed against the
negative. Know the medications: what they do, side effects, interactions with food or other
medications, how sensitive the medication is to non-compliance.
Some suggestions are: weekly pill dispensing boxes, alarm clocks and wristwatch alarms. Be
aware that some consumers need closer supervision. Lock up extra medications, especially if
you have 90-day supplies and particularly if your loved one suffers from depression or has a
history of substance abuse. Monitor how well the medication is working and any side effects.
It is especially important to keep notes when there is a change in medication or dosage. You
can help the Doctor in treating symptoms by logging behaviors and medication.
Use hospital provided caseworkers.
If going through a hospitalization, ask about caseworkers or social workers available through
the hospital. Be sure to get their names and contact information. They can listen to you and
help with finding doctors, therapists and living facilities for after hospitalization. If your loved
one is hospitalized and they have no source of income, they may be eligible for follow-ups with
their local MHMR. Call NAMI GC for more information.
44
Paying For Help…
Self Pay clients pay the provider directly for their help. Many of these providers receive funds
from various government agencies and have sliding scale fees.
Private insurance companies will often cover mental health care. However, there are usually
restrictions and limitations to what they will pay for.
Managed Care Companies act as middle men between clients and the insurance companies.
They determine what medical care the insurance company will pay for or not pay for based on
“medical necessity”.
Mental Health and Mental Retardation Clinics offer mental health care on a sliding scale fee
system and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, or health insurance.
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for senior citizens, and the disabled.
Medicaid is a state funded health insurance program for low income families.
The Children’s Health Insurance Plan or CHIP’s is a federal and state funded health insurance
program for children who do not qualify for Medicaid but do not have any other type of
insurance coverage.
Evaluating Therapy for Children
It is important in child therapy to evaluate the progress of the treatment and the relationship
with the therapist. After your child has been in therapy for a while, ask yourself the following
questions to determine if therapy is working. If the answer to most of them is “yes,” then you
should be confident that therapy is helping. If the answer to most of them is “no.,” then you
may want to get a second opinion from another mental health professional and consider
making a change in your child’s treatment.
● Does our child seem comfortable with the mental health professional?
● Is there open communication between the mental health professional and us, the parents?
● Has the mental health professional diagnosed the problem our child is having?
● Are the professional and our child working toward the goals which we set together? Has our
relationship with our child improved?
● Are we, as the parents, being given guidance to work on the problem at home?
45
How to Know When Your Child Should Stop Therapy
Your child may be ready to stop therapy when she/he: is much happier, is doing better in
school, and is making friends, and when you understand and have learned how to deal more
effectively with those factors that led to the problems for which you sought help. Sometimes
ending therapy will be an anxious time for children and parents. Problems may reappear
temporarily. The mental health professional should be available to provide counsel and
support for a period of time after your child is finished with therapy.
It is a good idea to give yourself some time to adjust before considering going back to therapy.
You and your child may benefit from support groups. Just remember the path to recovery
includes knowing when your child needs help, choosing the right professional, evaluation and
knowing when your child can stop therapy. Support is the key.
46
Practical Tips for Parents
Tips for Parents: How to Care for Your Child’s Mental Health
1. Know your family’s medical history so you can identify early warning signs.
2. Trust your instincts and pay attention to a child’s complaints, such as “I don’t feel well.”
3. Stay attuned to changes in your child’s behavior or activities.
4. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders. Separate “fact
from fiction” by using credible sources. Ask your family doctor if you have questions.
5. Knowing that your child may need help is hard to accept. Don’t blame yourself. Mental
health problems are not a symptom of bad parenting. They are common and very treatable.
6. Seek help if your child shows signs of a mental health problem. Start with your pediatrician
since ruling out any physical health problem should be the first step of your child’s care.
7. Advocate for your child. If his or her provider does not recognize telltale signs, seek a
second opinion. If your spouse cannot admit your child had a problem, continue to assert the
truth; that she/he has an illness, but can get better. If you meet insurance hurdles, don’t be
deterred from getting your child help.
8. Discuss all available treatment options with your child’s doctor, and carefully weigh all the
risks and benefits associated with each treatment.
9. Stay attuned to how your child responds to treatments. Make sure she/he receives a
thorough evaluation, continual follow-up and careful monitoring-particularly in the first several
weeks – by your doctor.
10. Educate yourself about the warning signs of both mental disorders and suicide. Act quickly
if you are concerned.
11. Do not abruptly discontinue or change treatments-it can lead to significant side effects.
12. Know that your child will get better.
13. Remember that the worst possible situation for a child with a mental health problem is to
go without any treatment at all.
47
Working with the schools…
There are many avenues for working with the schools. Listed below are suggested step by step
actions that can help at school.
A teacher conference is a good first step. Request a conference with the classroom teacher or
teachers where the problems are occurring. Go to the meeting with specific questions and
concerns. Keep in mind that most Teacher conference periods last 45 minutes. Discuss the
specific concerns and agree on specific interventions and the length of time the interventions
will be monitored for improvement.
If improvement is not achieved than request a second meeting with the school counselor. Ask
if there are any other school professionals, such as the principal, social worker, reading
specialist etc. that can attend in order to discuss solutions.
Once again, be prepared to discuss the specific concerns, interventions, and length of time the
interventions will be monitored for improvement. If problems continue then request additional
assessment to determine the eligibility for Special Education or for Section 504 Services.
Once the required forms are completed an in-depth evaluation will be conducted by the
school. Next, a meeting will be held with all parties to discuss the needs of the student. If
Special Education is needed than an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting will be
held. If Section 504 Services are needed than a 504 meeting will be held. At the meeting all
parties will discuss, and ultimately agree on, what is required to meet the needs of the student.
Annual meetings are held to monitor the progress of the student. Once a student qualifies for
the special programming, he/she is entitled to receive the appropriate educational services
without cost to the parents. Remember to document all meeting discussions, etc. This must be
done in writing.
NAMI GC can offer ARD assistance/medication and/or education to help with the ARD process.
48
Dealing with Mental Illness in Your Child…
Don’t wait to intervene, when you suspect something is wrong. The fewer bad experiences, the better
the prognosis. Don’t waste time in denial or guilt. Many intervention strategies are very helpful
whether or not the child turns out to have a mental illness.
Don’t blame yourself. Mental illness is not caused by poor parenting; it is a biological illness.
Good treatment works – find the best you can afford. This won’t necessarily cure the suspected illness,
but will enable the child to experience success and learn to manage the illness.
Foster self-sufficiency. The goal is to get the adolescent to the point where he or she can manage the
illness on his or her own. Aim for the line between supporting and enabling – helping the
child/adolescent grow towards independence. The line will move of course as the child ages. As the
adolescent gets older, move from direction to consultation. For example: “How do you think you
should handle this?” “How can I help?” “Let’s brainstorm about the issue.” Don’t let feelings of guilt
interfere with your child’s journey towards independence.
Learn and practice effective communication techniques. Statements (expressing how you fell rather
than blaming), reflective listening (understanding how the other feels), and expression of core emotions
(many time fear is behind anger) are effective. They help to reduce defensiveness and guilt of all parties
and to reach real communication about feelings, boundaries, etc.
Model a good patient/doctor relationship. Find a doctor who treats you and your child respectfully.
When accompanying the child to the doctor, model good patient to doctor behavior by presenting
documentation (like a list of medications, a mood chart), preparing written questions, making sure you
understand medications, what they are supposed to do, and possible side effects. As the child ages,
step more into the background, letting the child/adolescent take the lead and interact with the doctor,
but making sure your information gets heard too—without demeaning the child.
Consider family therapy to help identify your family’s system for interacting, allowing siblings to voice
their feelings, helping the parents present a consistent message, etc.
Take care of yourself. This is not an indulgence: it is necessary to lead your family to coping with the
illness. Remember what flight attendants say about using airbags: “Put your own oxygen mask on first.”
Get involved in a support organization that can provide your family with education (like the Visionsfor-Tomorrow education class from NAMI Gulf Coast), support groups and resources.
Families who reach out to each other for support ideas and information often have better results in
helping their children.
49
Ideas That Help Consumers…
Daily structure is essential. This includes regular times for sleeping, eating, productive
activities, social interactions and exercise.
Find regular activity outside the home. Too often, the consumers have their symptoms cared
for but have an empty life. The treatment plan needs to include something to keep the
consumer engaged and active. Ideas; appropriate volunteer activities, work for family
members, classes (like the Peer-to-Peer class from NAMI). One member’s son helps with a
neighbor’s lonely dog, and they both benefit.
Get good nutrition. Make nutritious food and drink easily available. Drink plenty of water.
Some of this may help chemical imbalances.
Partnerships offered by NAMI GC can provide information on helping consumers.
50
Taking Care of Yourself…
Stay hopeful. Don’t be discouraged. There is help through support and education (like the
Partnerships education class and support chapter meetings from NAMI Gulf Coast).
Acknowledge your own feelings of confusion, anger and depression. Recovery is a slow
process. It takes a long time.
Guilt is a common response. We may try to hide the situation from neighbors and friends
because of shame and embarrassment. We can let go of this when we understand that the
bizarre behavior is due to a biochemical imbalance in the brain.
Allow yourself to grieve the loss of your expectations for your consumer. Acceptance entails
recognition that mental illness is a chronic disorder - that previous expectations may not be
achievable. Allow yourself to grieve the loss of those possibilities. Focus on what is realistically
possible now.
Set limits on what you expect of yourself. Live one day at a time. Set realistic limits on what
you as an individual can actually control or accomplish.
Positive self-talk is effective. Replace negative self-talk with positive. If you can’t change the
circumstance, consider changing the way you think about it. “If life hand you lemons, turn it
into lemonade.”
Try to live as balanced a life as possible. Avoid letting your consumer’s problems take over
your life. Don’t make all your conversations about the consumer. So often, we give up all or
much of our regular life and live with this person as the focus of our everyday existence. This
may be necessary during a crisis, but when there is some stability, try to return to some balance
and pursue your regular activities as much as possible.
Make sure you get respite. As a caregiver, you need a rest. Give yourself daily time away from
the consumer. Do something you need or want to do. Making this part of your daily life will
help you continue to care for the consumer.
Don’t sacrifice relationships with other family. Be grateful for the wisdom you gain. In the
process of coping with this illness, you will have discovered much more about yourself and
about the vagaries of the human condition than you could ever have imagined.
Remember, this is a “long haul” event – pace yourself.
Accept that there will be bad times and better times, but that a quick one-time-for-all
treatment is most likely not possible.
51
Learn to be flexible. Flexibility and adjustments in dealing with these issues can help you to
cope.
Keep yourself healthy. Eat right, get enough sleep, and try to fit in some exercise. Respond to
the aches and pains of your body, mind and soul. Encourage others in your family to do the
same. Care-giving is intensive, over-whelming work, especially during crises. Just as the
consumer needs a long recovery time, so do you.
Join a support group. Don’t isolate yourself. Go to the group regularly; don’t wait for a crisis.
Realize you have support to give others in crisis. The group will be in place if you do have a
crisis. You are not alone.
Share thoughts about your consumer’s illness only with those who are supportive. Friends
and family members who are not knowledgeable about mental illness can unintentionally make
hurtful comments about our consumers or how we are managing the situation.
Be grateful for the wisdom you gain. In the process of coping with this illness, you will have
discovered much more about yourself and about the vagaries of the human condition than you
could ever have imagined.
Ask for information. Don’t be shy about contacting NAMI members, doctors, hospitals, and
programs for more information. Get education from our free education workshops,
Partnerships, Visions For Tomorrow, etc. Also use www.namigulfcoast.org
52
Planning for Your Consumer’s Future…
Help your consumer obtain Social Security benefits. He or she may be eligible for SSI or SSDI.
You may want to consider creating a Special Needs Trust to support your consumer longterm. There are financial planners and lawyers who are experienced in this area.
Keep your will up-to-date.
Learn about housing options. Your consumer does not necessarily need to live with you, and,
at some point, won’t be able to. Explore personal care facilities, government supported
housing for the disabled, group homes and the like.
Consider current guardianship. If your consumer needs a guardian, you may wish to divide the
job between a financial guardian and a personal guardian. Plan for long-term care-giving and
guardianship. Your consumer cannot depend on you indefinitely. Talk with family members to
educate them on how to deal with someone with mental illness and discuss future care-giving
possibilities. Again, responsibilities can be divided among two or more people. People outside
the family can be engaged to carry out these responsibilities. Don’t put this off; no one knows
what tomorrow will bring.
Consumer Rights…
The Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care industry has
identified the following expectations for health care providers:
Consumers have the right to emergency health care services when needed regardless of the
ability to pay.
Consumers have the right to accurate and easily understood information in order to fully
participate in their health care decision.
Consumers have the right to have all information kept confidential as required by law.
53
Coping with a Crisis…
Don’t try to reason with your consumer when she/he is in the turmoil of a crisis.
Talk in a calm, quiet voice, focusing on practical, workable, short-term solutions.
During a crisis, it is natural for us to become agitated, worried and upset – and to talk a lot in an
effort to stabilize things, telling the consumer what to do. However, this can escalate the
problem. Take a minute to calm yourself – and to let the consumer calm a bit. Take a deep
breath and focus on the major immediate issue. Keep your voice calm and look for practical,
short-term solutions.
Take action immediately if you feel you might be in physical danger from an out-of-control
consumer. At the first sign, call for help. Protect yourself. You cannot help anyone if you are
hurt.
Trust your judgment about when it is time to intervene. You learn to recognize when some
kind of intervention is necessary.
Make a crisis plan now. It is helpful to have a one-page summary of basic information about
the consumer. Make copies to give, by fax or in person, when needed. You may wish to
include: the consumer’s name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, social
security number, diagnoses, where and when hospitalized, recent medications (whether
adhered to or not), any suicide attempts or violence, and the name, telephone and fax numbers
of the most recent doctor. Include the name and telephone number of the family caregiver.
(See samples crisis sheet at the end of this booklet.) Keep this summary with you or put it in a
quickly accessible place.
Make a list in advance of the hospitals that have emergency treatment, and those which will
take the consumer’s insurance/Medicaid/Medicare. If the consumer doesn’t have insurance,
know the name and phone number of the county hospital. One option is to call the insurance
company beforehand – they will often walk you through the admission process.
Access whether your consumer is a danger to himself or others. When trying to hospitalize
your consumer for psychiatric care, you will be asked, “Is this persona a danger to himself or
others?” Answering “yes” to this with specific reasons is the key to getting the consumer
hospitalized. Don’t lie, but documentation can be helpful. Consider all aspects of the situation.
One father recognized that his son was so out of touch with reality that he was likely to walk
into a busy street without regard to safety, and this was a danger to himself.
If police intervention is needed, identify the emergency as mental health related and ask for a
Crisis Intervention Team or a Mental Health Deputy. Keep this phone number in your wallet.
54
Galveston County, Jaime Castro 409-766-2323 or 409-766-2300. Brazoria County, Pat Matocha
979-849-2441 or 281-331-9000.
●
If the consumer is not violent, another option would be to call the Crisis Hotline Number
at 1-866-729-3848.
55
CRISIS INFORMATION PAGE
(FOR Police/Hospital/EMS)
Fill out the following form and keep duplicate handy.
Please take this person to ______________________________________Hospital.
This Person is not a criminal. He/she has a mental illness.
Please treat with compassion and dignity. Thank you.
Name_________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone ____________________________________________________________________________
Age______________________Birthdate____________________________________________________
Social Security No.______________________________________________________________________
Insurance_____________________________________________________________________________
Is receiving SSI ____________________________ Is receiving SDI ______________________________
Military/VA status?____________________________________________________________________
Eye Color ____________________________ Hair Color ______________________________________
Skin_________________________________________________________________________________
Blood type___________________________________________________________________________
Eyeglasses/Contacts___________________________________________________________________
Height______________________________________________________________________________
Weight_____________________________________________________________________________
Tattoos?____________________________________________________________________________
Other identifying marks________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Current Primary Diagnosis______________________________________________________________
Secondary Diagnosis___________________________________________________________________
56
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE…
□ IRRITABLE, ANGRY, OR DEPRESSED MOOD
□ POOR SLEEP
□ SUDDEN CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR
□ LOSS OF A FRIEND/RELATIONSHIP
□ DECLINE IN SCHOOL/WORK PERFORMANCE
□ SUICIDAL THREATS
□ FEELING HOPELESS ABOUT THE FUTURE
□ REMARKS ABOUT DYING OR SUICIDE
□ PREVIOUS SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ATTEMPTS
□ ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
□ ACCESS TO GUNS AND OTHER LETHAL MEANS OF HARM
Suicide Prevention Training
QPR training is designed to help you help someone who may be considering suicide.
QPR consists of 3 life-saving skills. How to:
1. Question…a person about suicide
2. Persuade…the person to get help and
3. Refer…the person to the appropriate resource.
Classes are open to any interested individuals, faith based groups, or community groups. You
may register individually or schedule a QPR class for a group. You can earn your QPR
certificate in 1 ½ to 2 hours. No charge for classes
Registration: Contact NAMI Gulf Coast, 888-554-2264 or Beverly Bernzen, 979-235-0589.
57
A special thanks to all of our supporters who
helped make this possible:
● Houston Endowment
● Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund
● Boeing Employees Community Fund
● Rockwell Fund
● The Simmons Foundation
● United Way of Galveston County Mainland
● Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, Permanent
Endowment Fund
● The Moody Foundation
● United Way of Galveston
● The Aubrey and Silvia Farb Community Service Fund of Congregation
Emanuel
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