The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

04/28/2026

Tiffanie Williams Brooks, Director of Child & Adolescent Services, reminds us that counseling isn’t just for crisis moments - it’s a key part of everyday mental wellness. Counseling can help manage stress, anxiety, sadness, and life changes before they feel overwhelming.

Signs it may be time to seek help include changes in mood, sleep, or appetite. Your first session is simply a conversation: no pressure, no judgment, and you go at your own pace.

Mental health care is just as important as physical health care. Talking about it helps break the stigma. Support is available for children, teens, and adults in clinics, schools, and the community: call our Access Line at 713-970-7000 for more information on how to get connected.

Thank you to KPRC2 / Click2Houston for helping us spread this important message! Watch the full segment here: https://ow.ly/Q3EN50YRbE7

04/24/2026

Help shape the future of sexual health education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The University of Houston, in partnership with The Harris Center, is looking for participants to join a focus group exploring needs, preferences, and experiences related to sexual health education for people with IDD.

Who can participate?
• Adults with IDD (ages 18–29)
• Caregivers of individuals with IDD
• Service providers who work directly with individuals with IDD

What to expect:
• A 60–90 minute focus group with others in your role
• A safe, private space to share your thoughts and experiences

Compensation:
Participants will receive a $15 Amazon e-gift card after completing the session.

Your voice can help improve programs across Texas and beyond.

Interested or have questions?
Contact Jody Gardner, LCSW
📧 jgardne2 [at] cougarnet.uh.edu

Please share to spread the word about this important research participation opportunity.

04/03/2026

Our offices will be closed today, April 2nd, in observance of the spring holiday/Good Friday. We will open back up on Monday, April 6th.

Spring is a reminder that growth doesn’t rush, and healing blooms in its own time even after a long winter. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to one of our crisis line counselors at 713-970-7000 or by texting/calling 988. 🌼

Artwork created by one of our talented clients.

04/02/2026

Today is World Autism Awareness Day 💙

At The Harris Center, we are proud to support individuals and families in the autism community through compassionate care, resources, and lifelong services. Autism is not something to fear. It is a natural variation of how people think, learn, and experience the world, and individuals with autism bring unique strengths and perspectives to their families and communities.

Take a moment to watch this KHOU 11 News segment featuring our own Dr. Gena Reine, who speaks with a local mother about navigating autism, the importance of early diagnosis, and the support available through The Harris Center. Together, we’re building understanding, inclusion, and brighter futures.

Watch:

Dr. Gena Reine with The Harris Center for Mental Health & IDD, and Destiny Mireles, mom of three children with autism, share signs, resources, and support.

03/31/2026

Looking for helpful, engaging resources for individuals with IDD and their families?

Our IDD team offers free monthly learning opportunities designed to build skills, share knowledge, and support everyday success. Topics vary each month and are tailored for both individuals and caregivers.

✨ Open to individuals with IDD and their families
✨ Free to attend
✨ Registration required

Stay connected, keep learning, and grow with us.
Register today to save your spot! https://ow.ly/fFkI50YyJq7

03/30/2026

TOMORROW: Open House! 🧡

Join our Early Childhood Intervention IDD team tomorrow (3/31) at our 9401 Southwest clinic to learn about two programs that are transforming young lives.

-Responsive Intervention Services & Engagement (RISE) provides therapy (e.g., physical, speech, occupational) to babies with developmental delays, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) to children with autism.

-Inspire helps children with developmental disabilities receive assistive technology, learning materials, therapeutic services, and respite care.

Learn more about RISE and Inspire at our Open House!
Tuesday 3/31/26 | 9AM-12PM
Room 104 @ 9401 Southwest Fwy (77074)

Plan on attending? Let us know here: https://ow.ly/P0iE50Yw2Cw

These ARPA funded projects are brought to you by the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity

03/25/2026

We’re hiring — and we’d love to meet you in person!

Join us at our Job Fair for walk-in interviews and same-day hiring opportunities. If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact in your community, this is your chance to connect with our team and explore careers in mental health.

📍 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX
📅 April 1, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Now hiring:
Psychiatric Technicians
Safety & Security Associates
Care Coordinators

Apply online before you attend:
https://www.theharriscenter.org/harris-careers

03/24/2026

Open House: You're Invited! 🧡

Join our Early Childhood Intervention IDD team on Tuesday 3/31 at our 9401 location to learn about two programs that are transforming young lives.

-Responsive Intervention Services & Engagement (RISE) provides therapy (e.g., physical, speech, occupational) to babies with developmental delays, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) to children with autism.

-Inspire helps chlidren with developmental disabilities receive assistive technology, learning materials, therapeutic services, and respite care.

Learn more about RISE and Inspire at our Open House!
Tuesday 3/31/26 from 9AM-12PM
Room 104 @ 9401 Southwest Fwy (77074)

Plan on attending? Let us know here: https://ow.ly/P0iE50Yw2Cw

These ARPA funded projects are brought to you by the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity.

03/11/2026

March is ! The Harris Center's is gearing up for Friday's party and you're invited 🧡

Join us on Friday (3/13) at 9401 Southwest Fwy - Room 104, from 11AM-1PM for an afternoon of games, painting, trivia, snacks, and prizes. See you there!

03/09/2026

TOMORROW: 3/10 | 7 PM | The Continental Club (Big Top)

Detroit-based alternative rock group The Ethan Marc Band () is bringing its community-first touring model to Houston! By partnering with local musicians and community leaders, the band is hosting charity-driven concerts focused on connection, care, and giving back.

We’re excited to share that The Harris Center Foundation has been selected as the Houston-area nonprofit to receive a portion of the event proceeds. Come out, enjoy great music, and support mental health in our community. 🎶🧡

Get your tickets below:

https://ow.ly/MEjQ50Yqwpz

02/19/2026

Two dedicated leaders and licensed professional counselors in our agency, Stella Olise (Program Director) and LaShawn Tucker (Clinical Team Leader) providing expert insight in media discussions about depression in Black girls and young women. Mental health is not a one size fits all issue, and it's important to acknowledge that fact.

Last week, LaShawn joined KHOU and Stella spoke with KPRC 2 to shed light on the early signs of depression in Black girls — and what parents and caregivers shouldn’t ignore.

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. In young Black women, it can show up as irritability, withdrawal, physical complaints of headaches/stomach aches, and changes in usual routine. Too often, these signs are misunderstood or minimized. Cultural expectations to “stay strong” and stigma around mental health can delay support. Early intervention is key.

We’re grateful for leaders like Stella and LaShawn who are helping normalize these conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage families to seek support when it’s needed.

LaShawn on KHOU: https://ow.ly/TrXX50Yiog4

Stella on KPRC2: https://ow.ly/al4850Yiog3

02/11/2026

Teens, relationships, and mental health are deeply connected. 🪢

Friendships, dating, and peer pressure can feel overwhelming for teen, and those struggles often show up as anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal. What may seem “small” to adults can feel huge to a young person still learning who they are and how to connect.

Families don’t need perfect answers. Your presence, listening, and willingness to check in truly matter. And you don’t have to navigate this alone. Support makes a difference for teens and parents. Read more at our latest blog post from Director of Child and Adolescent Services, Tiffanie Williams-Brooks: https://ow.ly/5hAg50YbWjX

At The Harris Center, we’re here to walk alongside families every step of the way. Call us at 713-970-7000 to learn more about our Child & Adolescent services.