The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

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.

02/09/2026

Parents, this one’s for you! 🧡

Xavier Bowman, Clinical Team Leader at The Harris Center, recently spoke with KPRC2 / Click2Houston about how caring for your child’s mental health also means caring for your own. Feeling constantly overwhelmed, irritable, or guilty for needing a break can be signs it’s time to check in with yourself. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.

Watch Xavier's segment here: https://ow.ly/iz3J50YbUfh

The Harris Center is here for parents and families across Harris County, regardless of income or insurance. Call our Crisis & Access Line (📞 713-970-7000 ) to learn more about our services, or to speak with a crisis line counselor if you are in need of support.

02/06/2026

February is here, and so are new opportunities to learn and connect! 🌹✨ Join us for this month’s FREE IDD learning sessions—open to individuals and families. Enjoy giveaways at every class and earn special prizes for attending three months in a row! Ready to grow, share, and thrive together? Register today by following the instructions on the flyer, calling us at (713) 970-7375 or speaking with your Service Coordinator.

01/27/2026

With the holidays behind us, January can feel endless as we get back to our usual routines. Dr. Krystin Holmes, licensed therapist from The Harris Center, recently spoke with KHOU 11 News about why stress tends to build this month, and offers advice on how to manage it.

If symptoms of anxiety or depression are lingering, it may be time to talk with a mental health professional. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and it should be as normal as seeing a doctor when we’re physically sick.

✨ Give yourself some grace. Healing isn’t linear, and it’s okay to ask for help.

📞 If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, our Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 713-970-7000 or you can call/text the National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Your mental health matters.

Watch here: https://ow.ly/RuH350Y4whk

01/26/2026

Weather Update: We will be resuming normal operations tomorrow (1/27). The Board of Trustees will meet as scheduled and New Employee Orientation will proceed as planned. Thank you!

01/25/2026

Our service status for Monday 1/26 remains the same: Clinics and admin buildings will be closed, while 24/7 facilities will remain operational. Please see original post for full details.

Weather Update | Service Status

Due to the upcoming inclement weather, please note the following service updates:

☎️ Access and Crisis Line remains available: 713-970-7000
💻 All outpatient visits are being converted to virtual appointments
💊 If needed, medications can be obtained at the NeuroPsychiatric Center (NPC) - 1502 Ben Taub Loop
🏢 All clinics and administrative buildings will be closed, and staff will work from home
🕒 Our 24/7 facilities will remain operational

IDD & Autism Services Updates:

• IDD Eligibility Services (diagnostic assessments) will be conducted via telehealth or rescheduled

• IDD Clinical Services will be conducted via telehealth or rescheduled

• IDD Day Habilitation / Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS) at the following locations will be cancelled for Monday:

Hillcroft Empowerment Center
6125 Hillcroft Ave., Houston, TX 77081

Humble Service Center
6805 Oak Village, Humble, TX 77396

• Child autism services provided by ABA-SkIP at
4400 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011
will be cancelled for Monday (morning and afternoon sessions)

Additional updates will be shared if conditions change.
Please stay safe.

01/24/2026

Our status remains unchanged since yesterday's weather update. We will continue to monitor the weather. Stay safe and warm!

Original Post (1/23/26):

☎️ Access and Crisis Line remains available: 713-970-7000
💻 All outpatient visits are being converted to virtual appointments
💊 If needed, medications can be obtained at the NeuroPsychiatric Center (NPC) - 1502 Ben Taub Loop
🏢 All clinics and administrative buildings will be closed, and staff will work from home
🕒 Our 24/7 facilities will remain operational
IDD & Autism Services Updates:
• IDD Eligibility Services (diagnostic assessments) will be conducted via telehealth or rescheduled
• IDD Clinical Services will be conducted via telehealth or rescheduled
• IDD Day Habilitation / Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS) at the following locations will be cancelled for Monday:
Hillcroft Empowerment Center
6125 Hillcroft Ave., Houston, TX 77081
Humble Service Center
6805 Oak Village, Humble, TX 77396
• Child autism services provided by ABA-SkIP at
4400 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011
will be cancelled for Monday (morning and afternoon sessions)
Additional updates will be shared if conditions change.
Please stay safe.

Weather Update | Service Status

Due to the upcoming inclement weather, please note the following service updates:

☎️ Access and Crisis Line remains available: 713-970-7000
💻 All outpatient visits are being converted to virtual appointments
💊 If needed, medications can be obtained at the NeuroPsychiatric Center (NPC) - 1502 Ben Taub Loop
🏢 All clinics and administrative buildings will be closed, and staff will work from home
🕒 Our 24/7 facilities will remain operational

IDD & Autism Services Updates:

• IDD Eligibility Services (diagnostic assessments) will be conducted via telehealth or rescheduled

• IDD Clinical Services will be conducted via telehealth or rescheduled

• IDD Day Habilitation / Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS) at the following locations will be cancelled for Monday:

Hillcroft Empowerment Center
6125 Hillcroft Ave., Houston, TX 77081

Humble Service Center
6805 Oak Village, Humble, TX 77396

• Child autism services provided by ABA-SkIP at
4400 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011
will be cancelled for Monday (morning and afternoon sessions)

Additional updates will be shared if conditions change.
Please stay safe.

01/23/2026

Weather Update | Service Status

Due to the upcoming inclement weather, please note the following service updates:

☎️ Access and Crisis Line remains available: 713-970-7000
💻 All outpatient visits are being converted to virtual appointments
💊 If needed, medications can be obtained at the NeuroPsychiatric Center (NPC) - 1502 Ben Taub Loop
🏢 All clinics and administrative buildings will be closed, and staff will work from home
🕒 Our 24/7 facilities will remain operational

IDD & Autism Services Updates:

• IDD Eligibility Services (diagnostic assessments) will be conducted via telehealth or rescheduled

• IDD Clinical Services will be conducted via telehealth or rescheduled

• IDD Day Habilitation / Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS) at the following locations will be cancelled for Monday:

Hillcroft Empowerment Center
6125 Hillcroft Ave., Houston, TX 77081

Humble Service Center
6805 Oak Village, Humble, TX 77396

• Child autism services provided by ABA-SkIP at
4400 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011
will be cancelled for Monday (morning and afternoon sessions)

Additional updates will be shared if conditions change.
Please stay safe.

01/19/2026

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our offices will be closed today. If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is still available—please call our Crisis & Access Line at 713-970-7000, or call/text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

01/02/2026

Crisis counselors, our free online course is designed specifically for you! Click to take the course today and learn how to support Native individuals in crisis: https://ow.ly/49s850XpnRk

Vibrant Emotional Health
988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

01/01/2026

The Harris Center's offices will be closed on January 1 for New Year’s Day.

If you need mental health support, you’re not alone:
Call/text 988 or contact our Crisis Line at 713-970-7000 to connect with a Crisis Line Counselor, 24/7/365.

Wishing everyone a safe and hopeful New Year!