Essential Crisis Resources for Suicide Prevention in Houston: Where to Turn for Help

Suicide prevention is a critical issue that deeply impacts individuals, families, and communities worldwide. In Houston alone, 2,735 lives were tragically lost to suicide between 2017 and 2020. Experiencing suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming and isolating, but it’s important to remember that support is available in your area.

Due to the stigma surrounding suicide, many individuals in need of help may be unaware of the resources available or too afraid to seek assistance. No one should have to suffer in silence, yet countless people do. Recognizing the warning signs, encouraging open and compassionate conversations, and connecting individuals to the right support can make all the difference and save lives.

During a crisis, our body’s natural survival instincts can take over, making it difficult to think clearly or access our problem-solving capabilities. This is why having access to resources before a crisis arises is so important. In this post, we’ll highlight essential crisis resources, including hotlines, text lines, and online support services designed to provide immediate help for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at imminent risk of suicide, it’s crucial to seek help right away. In such emergencies, calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room is the best course of action.

Crisis Hotlines

National Suicide Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support via phone, text, or online chat to individuals experiencing mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts. Callers can be connected to counselors who speak Spanish or specialize in Veteran and/or LGBTQ+ services. Once connected, counselors assess the caller’s safety, actively listen, and offer emotional support. They may also suggest relevant resources for further assistance. Whether you contact 988 by phone, text, or chat, the goal is to ensure that individuals feel heard, supported, and guided toward the help they need

Phone: 988

Website: https://988lifeline.org/

Houston Crisis Helpline

The Houston Crisis Helpline provides 24/7, immediate crisis counseling to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or other mental health crises. The hotline is staffed by volunteers trained in providing crisis intervention, who are available around the clock to offer emotional support, help stabilize the individual, and guide them toward appropriate mental health referrals. By offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space, the helpline connects individuals with the critical help they need during challenging times, including guidance on next steps and referrals for continued care

For Adults, call (713) 468-5463 for English, (713) 529-8336 for Spanish

Teens can call (832) 416-1199 or text (281) 201-4430

Website: https://www.crisishotline.org/

Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential service available 24/7, offering immediate support via text for anyone in crisis. By texting "HOME" to 741741, you are quickly connected to a trained volunteer. While these volunteer crisis counselors are not medical professionals, they are equipped to provide compassionate support, helping individuals move from a heightened emotional state to a calmer, safer place.

Conversations typically take about 15-45 minutes and are aimed at providing emotional stabilization, with the option of further referrals if needed. The process of connecting with a counselor usually takes less than five minutes, although it may be longer during peak times. The service is available via text, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.

Text "HOME" to 741741

Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Mobile Crisis Outreach

MCOT (Mobile Crisis Outreach Team)

The Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) in Houston provides critical, on-site intervention for individuals experiencing psychiatric crises who may be unable to access a hospital or other treatment facility. The interdisciplinary team, composed of psychiatrists, counselors, nurses, clinicians, and psychiatric technicians, travels to patients in need to assess whether hospitalization or other treatment options are appropriate. MCOT services are available to all residents of Harris County.

MCOT is designed for those at risk of hospitalization who need immediate intervention but are unwilling or unable to seek traditional psychiatric care. Any Harris County resident in a mental health crisis who voluntarily accepts MCOT services is eligible. Referrals to MCOT can be made through The Harris Center Crisis Line, which evaluates whether the individual would benefit from this service

Phone: 713-970-7520

Website: https://www.houstoncit.org/mcot/

Psychiatric Hospitals

Inpatient hospitals provide a secure and supportive environment where mental health professionals can offer immediate care and help stabilize your condition. These facilities are equipped to provide 24/7 monitoring and intensive treatment, which is essential if you're feeling unable to keep yourself safe. If you're considering this option, don't hesitate to call or visit an inpatient hospital to discuss your situation and confirm if there is space available. Below is a list of the hospitals available in Houston. However, in the case of an emergency, you should always call 911 or go to the nearest ER to receive immediate help.

Neuropsychiatric Center

Address: 1502 Ben Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030

Phone: 713-970-7070

Website: https://www.theharriscenter.org/location/neuropsychiatric-center-npc

Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC)

Address: 2800 South MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021

Phone: 713-741-5000

Website: https://hcpc.uth.edu/

West Oaks Hospital

Address: 6500 Hornwood Dr, Houston, TX 77074

Phone: 713-995-0909

Website: https://westoakshospital.com/