The "No Waitlist" Guide to Mental Health Help in Houston
How to find mental health providers who can actually see you or your child—without months of waiting, even if you have Medicaid
Nick Bryant
HoustonCaseManagers.com
How to find mental health providers who can actually see you or your child—without months of waiting, even if you have Medicaid
Nick Bryant
HoustonCaseManagers.com
Thank you for downloading this guide.
My name is Nick Bryant, and I help families in Houston find mental health services, especially families using Medicaid.
I created this guide because many parents run into the same problems:
Finding help can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when you are already overwhelmed.
This guide was made to help you find services faster, understand your options, and take the next step for your child or family.
You do not have to figure this out alone.
Click on the chapter below to learn more about those therapy options.
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In this section, I’ll help you understand how to get mental health services in Houston if you have Medicaid coverage as well as the following:
If you have Medicaid and need mental health counseling, Texas Care Center can help. We accept: Texas Children’s, Community Health Choice, Molina, Superior. Call or text me, Nick Bryant, at 281.870.3599, and I’ll help you get started.
Medicaid is a health insurance plan managed by states and offered to individuals with low incomes or disabilities.
Texas Medicaid is managed by Texas Health and Human Services.
Each state has it’s on qualifications for Medicaid. This means that if you move here from Louisiana (or any other state) you cannot transfer your Medicaid benefits. You will have to reapply because we have different eligibility criteria.
This is the general criteria to qualify for Medicaid. You'll need a low income, plus fit into one of these catergories:
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Use this Medicaid eligibility calculator to see if your income falls under the income limits:
https://www.snapscreener.com/medicaid/screener/texas
How To Apply For Medicaid in Houston
You can apply for Medicaid in Houston in the following ways:
Note: When you qualify for Medicaid, you’ll get to choose an MCO or managed care organization that “manages” your Medicaid benefits. In Houston/Harris County, your options will be 1. Texas Children's Health Plan, 2. Community Health Choice, 3. Molina, 4. Superior, 5. United Healthcare, 6. Wellpoint.
How to Find A Medicaid Mental Health Provider in Houston
These are ways that you can find a Medicaid provider for mental health services. I’ll talk more about ABA therapy, Speech therapy, ect in a later section.
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1.) Texas Care Center (easiest option)
I work with Texas Care Center, and if you or a child has a mental health condition and one of the insurances we accept, this is the easiest way to get mental health services. You can call me directly (avoid a confusing phone tree) and I’ll get you connected to Texas Care Center.
Here is more about Texas Care Center:
You can get started by completing this short intake form:
https://formrobin.com/f/23p522j
Or by calling me Nick Bryant at 281.870.3599 or emailing me at [email protected].
2.) Contact Your Insurance Plan
You can call the number on the back of your insurance card to get connected to a provider. Give them your zip code and ask for 5 - 7 providers near you.
3.) Search Your Insurance Providers Directory
Each Medicaid managed care plan has an online directory that you can search. Below are links to each directory:
4.) Mental Health Match
This is an online database that helps you find a mental health provider.
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They ask you a series of questions to determine your needs, the insurance coverage you have, and then give you a curated list of mental health provider profiles.
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In this section, I'll show you how to find mental health counseling in Houston if you have employer coverage.
Here are the main ways to find mental health treatment if you or your child has private or employer coverage.
The first option is to call your health insurance provider. Whether you have a private/employer plan from Blue Cross Blue Shiled, Cigna, Humana, ect, you can start by dialing the phone number on back of your insurance card.
Provide your zip code and ask for 5 - 7 different providers in your area. You'll want to ask for mulitple options in the event there are waitlists.
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Houston hospital networks can also offer outpatient mental health counseling that accepts your private health insurance plan.
Here are some of the largest hospital networks to choose from:
Houston Methodist Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Provides outpatient psychiatry, therapy, medication management, and structured programs such as intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP).
Services are designed for ongoing treatment and more complex behavioral health needs.
Locations: Multiple outpatient clinics across Houston (Texas Medical Center, Katy, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands)
Phone: 346-238-2040 / 713-790-3311
Mental Health Services: https://www.houstonmethodist.org/psychiatry/
Insurance Accepted: https://www.houstonmethodist.org/for-patients/patient-resources/insurance/
Memorial Hermann Mental Health Services
Offers limited outpatient services including crisis stabilization, psychiatric evaluation, short-term counseling, and medication management.
Focus is on stabilizing patients and referring them to long-term outpatient providers.
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Locations: Multiple crisis and outpatient clinics (Meyerland, Spring Branch, Northeast Houston)
Phone: 713-338-6422
Mental Health Services: https://memorialhermann.org/services/specialties/mental-health
Insurance Accepted: https://memorialhermann.org/patients-visitors/patient-services/financial-care/accepted-insurance
HCA Houston Healthcare Behavioral Health (Outpatient Programs)
Provides outpatient mental health services including therapy, psychiatry, medication management, and structured programs such as IOP and PHP.
Services are typically program-based and connected to hospital behavioral health departments.
Locations: Tomball
Phone: 281-358-1495
Mental Health Services: https://www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/locations/tomball/specialties/mental-health-and-wellness
https://www.hcahealthcare.com/about/behavioral-health
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https://houstoncasemanagers.com/low-cost-medical-clinics-in-houston/
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In this section, I’ll show you how to get mental health counseling in Houston even if you are uninsured.
Many people think that if they are uninsured, they cannot get help, but this is not true. If you are uninsured your best options for mental health treatment will include:
1.) Harris Center (good for medications)
Harris Center is the authority on mental health services in Houston/Harris County.
They primarily serve the indigent, uninsured, and low-income individuals in Harris County.
They offer:
The main help they offer regarding mental health services is psychiatry or medication management. There is some talk therapy, but most of what they focus on is medication.
To get mental health services through Harris Center, you’ll need to call their 24-hour helpline at 713.970.7000. They will direct you to a nearby clinic where you can start the enrollment process.
Here is a listing of Harris Center clinics in Houston.
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2.) FQHC Clinics (low-cost therapy in your area)
FQHC stands for federally qualified health centers.
These are places that are federally funded and typically placed in areas of town where there are individuals with low incomes, uninsured, and generally have limited access to healthcare services.
FQHC clinics offer mental health services as well as primary care, specialty care, dental, vision, pharmacy services, and more.
They do offer both talk therapy and psychiatry.
They charge for services based on a “sliding scale”. This means they look at your income and charge you a reasonable about based on your income. The scale can potentially “slide” to $0 for services.
Some of the best FQHC clinics in Houston for mental health services include:
You can find a complete listing of FQHC clinics in Houston here:
https://houstoncasemanagers.com/low-cost-medical-clinics-in-houston/
You can also call 211 to reach United Way Houston to get more FQHC options near you.
3.) Depelchin Children’s Center (free counseling for children)
Depelchin is a Houston non-profit that offers (generally free) counseling to children. They also have parenting classes. Here is a complete list of their mental health-related programs.
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If you cannot find counseling for your child this could potentially be an option for your child.
Here is the contact information for Depelchin.
4950 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77007
Phone: (713) 730-2335
4.) Houston ISD + Hazel Health
HISD has partnered with a mental health provider called Hazel Health to offer free online mental health counseling and primary care to students.
If you have a child that is uninsured in Houston ISD contact your school's counselor or learn more about Hazel Health services here:
https://getstarted.hazel.co/district/houstonisd
5.) Your Child's School District
Even if your child does not got to a Houston ISD school, it's a good idea to contact the school to see if they have a partnership with a mental health provider.
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In this section you will learn how to get grief counseling in Houston. Grief counseling can be a solution for anyone who has recently lost a family member or loved one.
Here are common reasons people consider grief counseling:
Bo's Place is a non-profit in Houston that specializes in grief counseling.
They offer mental health support groups and other services to help you if recently had someone to pass away in your family. They offer a pregnancy loss support group as well as spanish speaking support groups.
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This is Bo's Place, its a really beautiful campus.
The grief counseling offered is free of charge, so health insurance is not necessary.
Bo's Place is located in the NRG Stadium area.
10050 Buffalo Speedway
Houston, TX 77054
[email protected]
713-942-8339
I like the Mental Health Match website because they ask you questions related to the problems you are having and what you would like in a therapist.
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Here is a screen shot from the Mental Health Match asking about "grief or loss of a loved one". This website will do a survey to learn about your needs.
If you are specifically seeking grief counseling you can use this website to get a curated list of grief counseling in Houston.
https://mentalhealthmatch.com/
Of course you can always call the phone number on back of your health insurance card. Ask them specifically for grief counseling and they should be able to help.
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We've mentioned EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) before and if your job offers one this could be a way to get free grief counseling in Houston.
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In this section you will learn how to find mental health support groups in Houston.
Many cases support groups offer free mental health support offered either in-person or online.
Support groups are a good option for individuals who have a family member with mental health or substance abuse problems and do not know how to help them. Ultimately those individuals with mental health issues or substance abuse have to decide they need help. Support groups can help you to process any feelings you have if a family member is not willing to accept help.
NAMI or Greater Houston offers a number of mental health services, including support groups and local community resources related to crisis services.
They are especially helpful for families who are trying to understand what’s going on with a child, teen, or loved one dealing with mental health issues.
They offer:
Cost: Free
You can learn more about NAMI here:
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9401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1234,
Houston, Texas 77004
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
https://namigreaterhouston.org/
Re:MIND is a nonprofit in Houston that offers support groups for people dealing with depression and bipolar disorder.
They focus on peer support, which means you are talking with others who are going through similar experiences—not just a therapist.
They offer:
One thing that stands out about Re:MIND is consistency. They have been running support groups in Houston for many years, and the structure is very organized.
Groups follow a format, which helps if you feel uncomfortable or don’t know what to say.
For parents, this can be helpful if:
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Cost: Free
Location: Multiple locations across Houston and online
Contact:
713-600-1131
Website: https://www.remindsupport.org/
Find Support Groups: https://www.remindsupport.org/list-of-houston-support-groups/
Bo’s Place support groups are structured programs for families dealing with grief.
They are organized by age and type of loss, so both kids and parents get the right kind of support.
They offer:
Families come together, then split:
This allows everyone to talk more openly.
Groups run in set sessions, not ongoing drop-ins, which helps create structure.
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Cost: Free
Location: Near NRG Stadium
Website: https://bosplace.org/en/
This organization offers free support groups for people affected by cancer.
They support:
Groups are led by professionals and focus on emotional support and coping during treatment.
Cost: Free
Location: Houston (in-person + online)
Website: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/get-support
CanCare connects people with cancer to survivors who have been through a similar experience.
They offer:
You can find any of the above here.
This is more personal and peer-based rather than clinical.
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Cost: Free
Location: Houston + virtual
Website: https://cancare.org/
This group is for parents who have lost a child.
They offer:
This is not therapy, it’s shared experience and understanding.
Cost: Free
Location: Houston-area + online
Website: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/
Find Houston Chapters: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/find-support/chapters/chapter-locator/
Al-Anon is for people dealing with someone else’s drinking.
They offer:
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When you search for support groups make sure to enter Houston, TX. I tried entering a zip code and it did not seem to work. Here is the link to find Houston Al-Anon meetings.
This helps you cope with the impact on your own life.
Cost: Free
Location: Multiple Houston locations
Website: https://al-anon.org/
AVDA offers support groups for people affected by domestic violence.
They offer:
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Groups are structured and focused on safety and recovery.
Cost: Free
Location: Houston
Website: https://avda.org/
Phone: 713-224-9911
Address: 1001 Texas Ave., Suite 600
Houston, TX 77002
This organization focuses on prevention and education.
They offer:
This is less about ongoing groups and more about guidance and education.
Cost: Free
Location: Houston
Website: https://mhahouston.org/
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In this section you will learn how to find autism services in Houston, including ABA therapy, support programs, and school resources.
These services can help with:
For most families, the process usually starts with ABA therapy, but it often involves multiple services and long waitlists.
The Harris Center provides autism-related services, especially for families who need affordable care.
They offer:
This is one of the main entry points if:
Cost: Free or low-cost (based on income)
Location: Multiple Houston locations
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The Center for Pursuit supports individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
They offer:
This is more long-term support, especially for:
Cost: Varies (some programs supported by funding)
Location: Houston
Beaming Health
Beaming Health is one of the easiest ways to find autism services in Houston, especially if you have Medicaid or are trying to avoid long waitlists.
They help you:
This matters because many ABA providers in Houston have long waitlists, and calling places one by one can take weeks.
Beaming Health saves time by showing:
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They also list more than just ABA. You can search for:
This makes it useful if your child needs multiple services, not just ABA.
For parents who feel stuck or overwhelmed, this is often the fastest way to:
Cost: Free to use
Website: https://beaminghealth.com/
HTX ABA Connect is a Houston-based resource built to help families find ABA therapy, especially providers that accept Medicaid.
It helps you:
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On the HTX ABA Connect website you can see the Medicaid plans accepted by each company.
It also includes:
Why it helps:
Finding ABA in Houston can take weeks of calling around. This site makes it faster and easier to see real options and take the next step.
https://htxabaconnect.base44.app/
Easter Seals
Easter Seals supports children and adults with autism and other disabilities.
They offer:
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Cost: Free or sliding scale (some programs)
Phone: 713-838-9050
Website: https://eastersealshouston.org/
Avondale House specializes in autism services.
They offer:
Cost: Varies
Phone: 713-993-9544
Website: https://www.avondalehouse.org/
The Arc helps families navigate services for individuals with disabilities.
They offer:
Cost: Free
Phone: 713-957-1600
Website: https://www.aogh.org/>span class="ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none">
This program provides support and evaluations for developmental disabilities.
They offer:
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Cost: Free or low-cost
Phone: 713-500-3637
Website: https://med.uth.edu/lend/
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In this section we'll talk about how to get mental health services if you or a family member is in crisis.
You do not need to have Medicaid or any health insurance to get any of the following Houston psychiatric crisis services.
Before I tell you about agencies that can help you, let's talk about examples of emergency mental health crisis situations.
What Is A Mental Health Crisis?
As I mentioned earlier, I worked on a crisis helpline, so I have a solid understanding of what these situations look like. Here are examples:
Whether someone is voluntary (willing to get help) or involuntary (not willing to get help) will determine how you connect to mental health services in a crisis.
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It is much easier to get a person who is voluntary connected to mental health services.
Indivdiduals who are involuntary will need to get admitted to mental health services via:
Whether someone is voluntary or involuntary, you can call 911 to get them help in a mental health crisis.
Houston Police Department - CIT Officers
HPD has a special mental health unit called CIT or Crisis Intervention Team.
CIT officers are trained to deal with mental health crisises.
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To get a CIT officer you simply need to call 911 and either:
If the CIT officer arrives and sees the indivdaul having a menatl health crisis, either suicidial, homicidal, delusional, etc, then they can potentially transport to a Houston psychiatric hospital.
MCOT
MCOT is a unit within Harris Center that has mental health providers who can visit individuals in crisis inside their homes or in other remote places.
In most cases and individual would need to be voluntary for MCOT to work with them. There are some instances where an MCOT worker will team upu with an HPD CIT officer to visit and individual who is involuntary and refusing help.
Common reasons that you might call MCOT include:
To learn if MCOT is appropriate for a family member or client you can call Harris Center at 713.970.7000 (ask for MCOT) or learn more here: https://www.theharriscenter.org/services/crisis-services
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If someone needs to be hospitalized for mental health problems these are crisis hospitals to consider.
NPC is a crisis hospital that is managed by Harris Center (formerly MHMRA Harris).
NPC is often the main psychiatric crisis entry point in Houston.
It is designed for emergency mental health evaluations, crisis stabilization, and urgent psychiatric care.
Phone: 713-970-7000 << Call the Harris Center helpline for more info.
Address: 1502 Ben Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030
Area: Texas Medical Center (entrance faces backside of Houston Zoo)
Website: https://www.theharriscenter.org/
HCPC is Houston’s main public inpatient psychiatric hospital.
It provides inpatient treatment for adults, children, and people with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.
This is where you would go to speak with a judge about mental health warrants.
Phone: 713-741-5000
Address: 2800 South MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021
Area: South MacGregor & 288 / Medical Center area
Website: https://hcpc.uth.edu/
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West Oaks provides inpatient psychiatric care for adults, teens, and children. It also offers substance use treatment and dual diagnosis services.
Phone: 713-973-5223
Address: 6500 Hornwood Dr, Houston, TX 77074
Area: Southwest Houston / Sharpstown
Website: https://westoakshospital.com/
Cypress Creek provides inpatient psychiatric care and crisis stabilization. They serve adults and adolescents and also offer dual diagnosis treatment.
Phone: 281-586-7600
Address: 17750 Cali Dr, Houston, TX 77090
Area: North Houston / FM 1960
Website: https://www.cypresscreekhospital.com/
This hospital provides inpatient psychiatric treatment, detox, and stabilization services. It is a common option for both mental health and substance-related crises.
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Phone: 713-600-9500
Address: 5314 Dashwood Dr, Houston, TX 77081
Area: Bellaire / Southwest Houston
Website: https://bhbhospital.com/
Houston Behavioral provides inpatient psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and substance use treatment. It serves adults and adolescents.
Phone: 832-834-7710
Address: 2801 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77080
Area: Spring Branch
Website: https://www.houstonbehavioralhealth.com/
Kingwood Pines provides inpatient psychiatric care for adults, children, and teens. They also offer chemical dependency treatment.
Phone: 281-404-1001
Address: 2001 Ladbrook Dr, Kingwood, TX 77339
Area: Kingwood / Northeast Houston
Website: https://kingwoodpines.com/
Menninger specializes in higher-acuity psychiatric treatment and complex mental health conditions. It is often used when more specialized care is needed.
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Phone: 713-275-5400
Address: 12301 Main St, Houston, TX 77035
Area: South Houston / NRG area
Website: https://www.menningerclinic.org/
The Dunn Center is a newer academic psychiatric hospital focused on acute inpatient care and complex psychiatric conditions. It is closely connected to the Texas Medical Center system.
Phone: 713-486-2500
Address: 7000 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Area: Texas Medical Center
Website: https://www.uth.edu/dunn-behavioral-sciences-center/
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Devereux Texas provides specialized residential treatment for children and teens with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and co-occurring mental health needs.
Devereux is located in League City, Texas, just south of Houston on I-45.
This is a higher level of care than outpatient therapy and is typically considered when a child needs more structured, 24/7 support.
They offer:
Phone: 281-335-1000
Address: 1150 Devereux Drive, League City, TX 77573
Area: League City / Clear Lake area
Website: https://www.devereuxtx.org/
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If you or a family member is in a mental health crisis, Houston has emergency services that can help — even if you do not have insurance or Medicaid.
This section covers:
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In this section I will explain how to find substance abuse help in Houston.
Here are organizations that you can contact to get help with issues related to drugs and alcohol.
The Council on Recovery helps people and families dealing with alcohol and drug use.
They can help you to find in-patient and outpatient substance abuse services.
The Council is just west of downtown Houston (in between Memorial Drive and Washington Avenue).
They offer:
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These groups are more structured than typical peer groups and often include guidance from professionals.
This can be helpful if:
Cost: Many services are free (some programs may vary)
Location: 303 Jackson Hill Street
Houston, Texas 77007
Contact 855.942.4100
Website: https://www.councilonrecovery.org/
The Right Step offers structured addiction treatment programs.
They offer:
This is a clinical program, not a peer group.
Cost: Paid (insurance usually required)
Location: 12350 Wood Bayou Dr, Houston, TX 77013
Phone: 713-955-6319
Website: https://www.rightstep.com/
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Santa Maria Hostel focuses on women and families dealing with substance use.
Santa Maria offers shelter in addition to substance abuse treatment options.
They offer:
This is more intensive than support groups, it’s actual treatment.
Cost: Free or low-cost (based on eligibility)
Location: Houston
Website: https://www.santamariahostel.org/
Address: 2605 Parker Road, Houston, TX 77093
Phone: 713.691.0900
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This is the main national helpline for substance use and mental health.
They can:
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Hours: 24/7 (free and confidential)
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
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In this section I'll explain how 504 Plans and IEPs work. These are tools that you can use if you have a child in school that needs more support in the classroom.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan gives your child accommodations so they can function in a regular classroom.
It does not change what they are learning — it just changes how they learn.
Examples:
This is usually for:
Key point: Your child stays in general education but gets support.
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What is an IEP (Individualized Education Program)?
An IEP is more intensive and falls under special education.
It includes:
This is for students whose condition is seriously affecting school performance.
Examples:
Key point: An IEP changes both how and sometimes what your child is taught.
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Step 1: Contact the school
Step 2: Provide documentation
Step 3: School reviews eligibility
Step 4: 504 meeting
Step 5: Plan starts
Step 1: Request an evaluation (in writing)
Step 2: Consent and testing
Step 3: Eligibility meeting
Step 4: IEP meeting
Step 5: Services begin
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Because too many parents waste weeks calling the wrong places.
If you need help understanding Houston mental health options — especially finding a Medicaid therapist — book a free consult and I’ll help you make sense of the system.
My name is Nick Bryant, and I’m the Community Outreach Director with Texas Care Center.
Here are more things that you should know about me:
Contact: 281.870.3599 | [email protected]
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