Galveston Mental‑Health & Healing Resource Guide
- Culture Clash
- Sep 1
- 11 min read
Grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma affect many of us, yet finding help on a barrier island like Galveston can feel daunting. Culture Clash Magazine interviewed local advocates and healers—including volunteers from Hike for Hope, a pranic healer who is a retired nurse, and the Family Service Center—to build a comprehensive resource guide for island residents. Below you’ll find professional counseling services, crisis hotlines, support groups, alternative healing options, and practical advice for supporting loved ones in need.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Gulf Coast Center’s 24‑hour crisis hotline at 866‑729‑3848 or dial 9‑1‑1 and request a mental‑health response.
Professional Counseling & Therapy Services
Who they serve: Adults, children, and adolescents—including those experiencing homelessness or substance use problems—and anyone in a mental‑health crisis.
What they provide: A 24‑hour crisis hotline; emergency and stabilization services; inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care; counseling; skills and education training[1]. Walk‑in evaluations are available through same‑day/next‑day clinics. The Center coordinates with partner agencies to tailor services to each person’s needs[2].
COAST Teams: Through the Compassionate Open Access to Services and Treatment program, 9‑1‑1 callers can request a mental‑health response instead of standard police/fire/EMS. COAST teams consist of a Gulf Coast Center clinician, a paramedic, and a specially trained police officer; they arrive on‑scene, de‑escalate crises, and connect people to ongoing care[3].
Locations & Contacts: Crisis line 866‑729‑3848; appointments 800‑643‑0967. Clinics at 4700 Broadway #100 (Galveston) and 7510 FM 1765 (Texas City).
Who they serve: Individuals, couples, families, youth (0–17), fathers, mothers, veterans, survivors of crime, juveniles involved with the justice system and entire classrooms.
Programs:
Victim Support Services (VOCA): Free counseling for people who have experienced trauma—recent or decades old. No police report is required.
Fatherhood & Motherhood Programs: Parenting counseling and mentorship focusing on co‑parenting, healthy relationships and support for fathers/mothers.
Youth & Family Services / Base Program: One‑on‑one counseling for children and teens dealing with bullying, anxiety, grief, divorce, or other family stress.
Heroes Program: Free counseling for veterans, surviving spouses and dependents up to age 23.
Individual & Family Counseling: Sliding‑scale therapy for singles, couples and families on topics ranging from anxiety and depression to parenting conflicts.
Juvenile Justice Program: Counseling provided to youth in the juvenile detention system.
Smart Program: Group sessions led by prevention specialists in schools, churches and community centers. Topics include grief, self‑esteem, decision‑making and coping skills.
Challenges & Community Needs: In our interview, FSC noted that homelessness, trauma and addiction are common challenges on the island. Transportation barriers and the island’s isolation can make accessing care difficult, so FSC offers virtual appointments and collaborates with local schools and clinics to deliver services.
How to access services: Visit fsc-galveston.org and click “Make an Appointment/Referral” or call 409‑762‑8636. Intake staff will determine whether you qualify for grant‑funded free counseling (e.g., VOCA, Heroes, youth services). Otherwise, fees are based on a sliding scale. Insurance is accepted but not required.
Events & Community Support: FSC hosts an annual Back‑to‑School Bash and Gala fundraiser each fall. Donations and sponsorships are welcome via the website. FSC also has offices in Texas City and Baytown and provides virtual services throughout Southeast Texas.
Who they serve: Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking; adults, children, families, LGBTQ+ clients; people in crisis needing safety planning.
Services: Trauma‑informed therapy provided by licensed therapists at no cost. Sessions include individual, family and group formats. Therapists educate clients about trauma responses, holistic recovery and self‑care[4].
Adult Therapy: Focuses on trust, safety and evidence‑based trauma interventions[5].
Child & Youth Therapy: Tailored to children’s developmental level; helps youth process traumatic experiences and learn coping skills[6].
Support Groups: Offer peer connection for adult survivors, covering topics like boundaries, grief, art therapy, self‑compassion and safety[7].
Contact: 24‑hour hotline 888‑919‑SAFE (7233); 1204 45th St., Galveston.
Who they serve: Individuals, families, couples, youth and people of all faiths or none; those experiencing loss, trauma, life changes, parenting challenges and peer pressure.
Services: Licensed clinicians (clinical social workers & professional counselors) provide individual and family counseling, as well as workshops for men, women and children. They help clients work through grief, trauma, anger, anxiety and family communication issues[8]. Bilingual services are available, and fees are based on a sliding scale.
Contact: 713‑526‑4611; catholiccharities.org/counseling.
Who they serve: Adults and families facing mental‑health or substance‑use challenges; UTMB students.
Services: Comprehensive psychiatric care with personalized evaluations, evidence‑based therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), medication management and recovery support[9]. The Student Mental Health Crisis Line (409‑747‑HELP) provides 24/7 support and can coordinate on‑campus or virtual counseling[10].
Contact: For appointments, call 409‑772‑0770 or visit utmbhealth.com.
Who they serve: Children, teens and young adults with emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges, along with their families. As a Medicaid‑accepted provider, Texas Care Southeast delivers mental‑ and behavioral‑health services across Galveston County and neighboring southeast Texas communities including Clear Lake, League City, Dickinson, Texas City, Friendswood, Kemah, San Leon, Hitchcock and La Marque[11].
Services: Qualified Mental Health Professionals offer comprehensive assessments and develop individualized treatment plans delivered via telehealth or in‑home visits[12]. Programs include skill‑building and daily life‑empowerment training (emotional regulation, conflict resolution, budgeting and communication), crisis intervention and safety planning[13][14]. Texas Care Southeast also assists clients with vocational readiness, educational goals and community integration[15].
How it works: After a free assessment, care teams meet youth where they are—at home, school, a community center or clinic—and provide ongoing support tailored to each family’s needs[16][17]. The organization aims to break down barriers to care and build skills that promote lasting peace and confidence at home, school and beyond[18].
Contact: Call 409‑340‑0322 or visit texascaresoutheast.com to request an appointment.
Who they serve: At‑risk youth ages 10–19 who are involved with the juvenile justice system or at risk of out‑of‑home placement due to delinquent or antisocial behaviour, along with their families. Programs are designed to keep young people at home and engaged in their communities while addressing serious behavioural issues.
Services: Southwest Key offers evidence‑based, in‑home therapeutic models such as Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST). FFT is a three‑ to four‑month program for youth ages 11–19 that builds healthy family communication, improves behavioural dynamics and provides weekly in‑home sessions with therapists[19]. MST is an intensive family‑ and community‑based treatment for 12‑ to 17‑year‑olds with antisocial or delinquent behaviour and their families; it integrates empirically based approaches to address risk factors across family, peer, school and community contexts, with the goal of reducing criminal behaviour and preventing out‑of‑home placement[20]. MST therapists empower caregivers, provide 24/7 on‑call support and work in teams with small caseloads[21][22].
Additional programs: Southwest Key also operates Community Connections (wraparound case management and counseling for high‑risk youth 10–17), Community Youth Development (positive youth development programs), Family Keys Plus (truancy and behaviour‑change program for youth 10–18) and Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs[23][24]. These services provide academic support, case management, mentoring, life‑skills training and supervision to help youth stay accountable and connected[25].
How to access: Referrals typically come from juvenile probation, schools or community organisations. To inquire about bringing these programs to Galveston County or to access services, contact Southwest Key Programs via swkey.org or email their Youth & Family Services team (Veronica Delgado‑Savage, vdsavage@swkey.org).
Community‑Driven & Volunteer Resources
About: Hike for Hope is an annual 5 K walk along the Seawall that draws hundreds of participants to honour loved ones lost to suicide and raise funds for mental‑health awareness. Volunteers run resource tables, share stories of loss and healing, and encourage vulnerable conversations. One organiser told Culture Clash that their tables “always have pamphlets” and that many attendees take resources home quietly—sometimes that slip of paper provides a first glimmer of hope. Last year’s walk drew more than 600 people, and the committee is planning its fifth event for next March.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Day: In November, AFSP hosts a nationwide Survivors Day. Galveston’s event includes a support‑group style gathering where participants share stories, connect with others and access resources. Attendance has been modest—organisers attribute this to the vulnerability required to attend and to logistical barriers like location (previously at a fire station), but they remain committed to offering the space every year.
Youth outreach: AFSP offers free presentations for middle and high school students and pamphlets on youth mental health and suicide prevention.
How to help: Volunteers are welcome and training is provided to ensure appropriate language (e.g., saying “died by suicide”). Diverse community members—including LGBTQ+, Spanish‑speaking, faith‑based and secular voices—are encouraged to join to help reach every “lunch table” in Galveston.
Contact: Follow @HikeForHopeGalveston on Instagram or visit afsp.org for events and volunteer info.
What it is: COAST stands for Compassionate Open Access to Services and Treatment. It is a partnership among the Gulf Coast Center, the city and county, and Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. COAST teams respond to 9‑1‑1 calls that involve a mental‑health concern and provide on‑scene assessment and support[3].
How it works: Dispatchers ask callers whether they need police, fire, EMS or mental health. When the mental‑health option is chosen, the COAST team—clinician, paramedic and specially trained police officer—arrives to de‑escalate the situation, offer immediate care and connect the individual to appropriate services. The teams also conduct proactive follow‑ups[27].
Why it matters: Galveston officials launched COAST to ensure residents “receive the best response and care when they dial 9‑1‑1”[28]. This health‑driven approach recognizes that many emergencies are rooted in mental health rather than criminal behaviour.
Alternative & Complementary Healing
Who she serves: Adults and teens seeking complementary therapies for depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, or spiritual connection.
Practitioner: Renee is a retired UTMB operating‑room nurse with
nearlyover 40 years of nursing experience. She re‑opened her electrolysis and facial practice in Galveston and added pranic healing—a non‑touch energy therapy aimed at clearing negative energy and realigning chakras. She is also a psychic medium and offers sessions to help clients connect with loved ones and navigate grief.What is pranic healing? Pranic Healing is a non-touch energy healing modality developed by Master Choa Kok Sui. It utilizes the concept of "prana," or life force energy, which circulates through chakras (energy centers) and meridians. Practitioners begin by scanning the aura (energy field) and the chakras to detect congested or depleted areas. Then they employ sweeping motions to cleanse stagnant or blocked energy and energizing movements to direct fresh prana to areas needing support. The goal is to restore energetic balance and facilitate the body's natural healing processes. Some small studies and program evaluations have reported reductions in stress and improved well-being after pranic healing sessions, though clinical evidence is limited and the practice should be viewed as a holistic energy therapy to be used as a complement to conventional medicine.
What to expect: Sessions are about an hour and involve no physical contact. Renee uses prayer and intention to scan your energy field, sweep away negative energy, and channel fresh prana to depleted areas. She shared stories of a 12‑year‑old boy who regained joy after losing his father and a woman whose sciatic‑nerve pain subsided after one session. Packages of four sessions are offered at a discount, and she hosts a book club (“Your Hands Can Heal You”) to teach self‑healing techniques. She emphasises that pranic healing does not replace medical care but can complement it.
Note: Pranic healing is considered complementary and is not evidence‑based medical therapy; always consult healthcare providers for medical or psychiatric conditions.
2. Self‑Care & Spiritual Practices
Energy Work & Meditation: Many island residents find solace in yoga, meditation, Reiki and other energy practices offered through local studios. These practices can help manage stress and anxiety and build a support community.
Who they serve: Individuals seeking gentle, non‑invasive ways to process grief, release stuck emotions or simply relax. The practitioner behind Oceanic Healing began her journey after losing her grandmother in 2020; grief sparked a spiritual awakening that led her to study energy work and mediumship.
Training & Approach: She holds multiple Reiki certifications—including traditional Reiki levels I–III and master‑level training in Egyptian (Sekhmet), crystal and Atlantean Reiki. Sessions begin with an assessment of the client’s chakras and energy field; using Reiki symbols and intention, she channels healing energy to clear blockages. Depending on client preference, the work can be hands‑on or completely touch‑free. Crystals and essential oils are often incorporated, and intuitive messages may surface during the session. Many clients report feeling deeply relaxed and sometimes experience emotional releases.
Raindrop Aromatherapy: Raindrop therapy layers therapeutic‑grade essential oils (like oregano, thyme, basil, marjoram, wintergreen, cypress and peppermint) along the spine and feet using Vitaflex, a Tibetan reflexology technique. The practitioner uses gentle piezoelectric movements to stimulate the body’s electrical pathways, helping the oils penetrate and clearing energetic congestion. Clients often describe leaving a session feeling as though they’ve had a full massage despite minimal physical contact.
Evidential Mediumship & Card Readings: In addition to energy work, Oceanic Healing offers evidential mediumship—sessions in which the medium provides specific memories or details to validate connections with loved ones who have passed. These sittings can offer comfort and closure by demonstrating that deceased family members remain connected. Oracle or tarot card pulls at the end of a session reinforce messages.
Intake & Preparation: Each appointment starts with a conversation about the client’s stressors, grief, insomnia or creative blocks to determine whether Reiki, raindrop therapy or mediumship best fits. She recommends drinking plenty of water and setting an intention beforehand. After sessions, clients are encouraged to hydrate and give themselves time to process any emotions that surface.
Note: These offerings are complementary practices and should not replace medical or psychological treatment. They may, however, provide relaxation and spiritual support alongside conventional care. Contact Culture Clash Magazine for referral information.
What To Do When Someone You Know Is Struggling
Recognize the Signs. Depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts can manifest as withdrawal, extreme mood swings, sleeping too much or too little, giving away possessions, talking about being a burden or feeling trapped, or increased substance use[29]. Do not ignore these signs.
Listen & Validate. Sit with them and let them speak. Use open‑ended questions (“How have you been feeling?”) and avoid judgement or minimizing (“Just cheer up” or “Others have it worse”). People often share their struggles at events like Hike for Hope because they feel safe doing so—strive to create that safety for friends and family.
Ask Directly About Suicide. If you are worried someone may harm themselves, ask plainly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows asking does not plant the idea; it opens a door to getting help.
Get Professional Help. Encourage them to call a hotline (e.g., Gulf Coast Center’s 866‑729‑3848, National Lifeline 800‑273‑TALK) or schedule counseling with FSC, RCC or another provider. If they are in immediate danger, call 9‑1‑1 and request a mental‑health response. Coast teams can provide on‑site assistance[3]. Offer to sit with them during the call or go with them to an appointment.
Use Respectful Language. Language matters. AFSP volunteers remind us to say “died by suicide” rather than “committed suicide” to honour the person’s dignity and counter stigma.
Follow Up & Stay Involved. Healing is a process. Keep checking in even after a crisis seems to have passed. Invite them to join community events like Hike for Hope, support groups or book clubs; connection reduces isolation.
Take Care of Yourself. Supporting someone through crisis can be emotionally draining. Access your own support network and consider counseling or peer groups. Remember that you are not responsible for “fixing” anyone but you can be a bridge to help.
Additional Resources & Hotlines
Service | Phone/Contact | Notes |
Gulf Coast Center Crisis Line | 866‑729‑3848 | 24/7 mental‑health crisis support for Brazoria & Galveston counties[1]. |
UTMB Student Crisis Line | 409‑747‑HELP | 24/7 for UTMB students & trainees[10]. |
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 800‑273‑TALK (8255) | Free nationwide crisis support. |
RCC Hotline (Domestic/Sexual Violence) | 888‑919‑SAFE | Safety planning, advocacy & therapy[4]. |
LGBT National Hotline | 888‑843‑4564 | Peer‑support, information & resources for LGBTQ+ individuals. |
The Trevor Project | 866‑488‑7386 or text START to 678‑678 | Crisis intervention & suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. |
Crisis Text Line | Text HELLO to 741‑741 | Confidential crisis support via text. |
This guide aims to connect Galvestonians with compassionate care. If you provide mental‑health, grief or healing services in Galveston and would like to be listed, please contact Culture Clash Magazine.
[3] [27] [28] Galveston Launches Mental Health Crisis Response Teams - MMHPI - Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
[8] Counseling Services - Catholic Charities Of The Archdiocese Of Galveston-Houston.
[9] Adult Behavioral and Mental Health
[26] Bo’s Place | Bereavement Center Offering Free Grief Support Services – where hearts are healed.
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