Texas Mental Health Crisis Resources

Crisis Support, Emergency Help, and Texas Resource Access in One Place

If you or someone you know is struggling, this page offers a clear place to start. Below you’ll find crisis lines, emergency options, local Texas support systems, and step-by-step guidance on how to access each resource.

Get Immediate Help Browse Resources
Start Here

You deserve support right now.

If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

!

If the situation is life-threatening or medically urgent

Call 911 right away or go to the nearest emergency room. Use this option if there is immediate danger, serious injury, loss of consciousness, active violence, or urgent medical risk.

How to Use This Page

Different Resources Serve Different Needs

Some options provide immediate emotional support. Others help connect you to local county-based crisis services, mobile response teams, inpatient stabilization, or referrals for ongoing care. The sections below explain the type of service, when to use it, and how to access it in Texas.

Immediate Crisis Support
988

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Type: 24/7 call, text, and chat crisis support

Best for moments of emotional crisis, suicidal thoughts, overwhelming distress, panic, hopelessness, or when you need immediate support from a trained counselor.

How to access in Texas

  1. Call or text 988.
  2. Or use the Lifeline’s online chat option.
  3. Share what is happening and your current level of safety.
  4. The counselor can help with de-escalation, safety planning, and next steps.
Visit 988
Referral & Navigation
211

2-1-1 Texas

Type: Resource navigation and local referrals

Best for finding local mental health, substance use, housing, food, community care, and county-based support options when you do not know where to start.

How to access in Texas

  1. Dial 2-1-1 or call (877) 541-7905.
  2. Select your language.
  3. Choose Option 5 for mental health and substance use resource information.
  4. Ask for local crisis services, outpatient care, or your LMHA/LBHA.
Visit 2-1-1 Texas
Local Public Mental Health System
TX

Local Mental Health Authority / Local Behavioral Health Authority

Type: Local county or regional crisis and mental health service access

Best for connecting with your local Texas public mental health system for crisis help, screening, referrals, ongoing services, and local response options.

How to access in Texas

  1. Call 2-1-1 and ask for your local LMHA or LBHA.
  2. Or search your local authority through Texas HHSC crisis services pages.
  3. Call the local crisis line listed for your county or service area.
  4. Ask what services are available where you live.
Texas HHSC Crisis Services
In-Person Crisis Response
MC

Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT)

Type: Face-to-face mobile crisis assessment and intervention

Best for situations where someone needs urgent in-person mental health support, de-escalation, assessment, or community-based crisis intervention.

How to access in Texas

  1. Call your local LMHA/LBHA crisis line.
  2. Or call 2-1-1 and ask for local crisis outreach or your LMHA/LBHA.
  3. Tell them where the person is located and what is happening.
  4. Ask whether mobile crisis outreach is available in your area.
Learn About MCOT
Short-Term Stabilization
CU

Texas Crisis Units

Type: Short-term crisis stabilization and urgent psychiatric support

Best for situations that may need a higher level of care than a phone call, including stabilization, observation, or urgent mental health assessment.

How to access in Texas

  1. Contact your local LMHA/LBHA.
  2. Or call 2-1-1 and ask for crisis unit information in your area.
  3. Ask what type of crisis unit or stabilization service is available nearby.
  4. Follow the referral or admission guidance they provide.
Texas Crisis Units
Text-Based Support
TXT

Crisis Text Line

Type: Free 24/7 text crisis support

Best for people who feel more comfortable texting than talking on the phone, or who need confidential text-based support in a difficult moment.

How to access

  1. Text HOME to 741741.
  2. Wait for a live crisis counselor response.
  3. Share what is happening and what support you need.
  4. Use the text conversation to calm the moment and plan next steps.
Visit Crisis Text Line
Veterans Support
VET

Veterans Crisis Line

Type: Crisis support for veterans, service members, and loved ones

Best for veterans, active service members, National Guard or Reserve members, and the people supporting them.

How to access in Texas

  1. Call or text 988.
  2. Select Option 1 for veterans support.
  3. Share whether you are calling for yourself or someone else.
  4. Follow the counselor’s guidance for crisis stabilization and referrals.
Veterans via 988
Where to Start

A Simple Way to Decide Which Resource Fits

If it feels urgent right now

Use 988 for immediate emotional crisis support, or 911 if there is immediate danger or urgent medical risk.

If you need local Texas options

Call 2-1-1 and choose Option 5, or ask directly for your local LMHA/LBHA.

If someone needs in-person response

Ask your local LMHA/LBHA about a Mobile Crisis Outreach Team or crisis stabilization options.

Before You Call or Text

Helpful Information to Have Ready

1

Your city or county in Texas

2

Whether the support is for you or someone else

3

What is happening right now and current safety concerns

4

Whether you need phone help, local referrals, or in-person response

Support Matters

You do not have to figure this out alone

Save this page, share it with someone who may need it, and use the resource that best matches the level of support needed right now.

Go to 988 Go to 2-1-1 Texas