Mental Health Resources
GENERAL INFORMATION
In most situations, however, we are restricted from using Head Start funding to pay for counseling services for children, parents, or other family members regarding their own mental health needs. We are required to link parents to community mental health providers if services are desired.
Enrolled pregnant women are an exception and Early Head Start would be the payor of last resort for mental health services.
Parents or family members experiencing a serious mental illness (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression) living in the top 21 counties may be referred to Texas Panhandle Centers – Behavioral and Developmental Health at 806-359-6699 (Amarillo) or 1-800-692-4039 (Regional). In Childress, call Helen Farabee Centers at 940-937-3644. In Parmer, Castro, Swisher, or Briscoe counties, call Central Plains Center at 806-293-2636.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the creation of a toll-free COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line by Texas Health and Human Services at 833-986-1919. Texas residents can speak with a mental health professional for help dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or worry 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If either parent is working, their employer may have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which typically provides up to 3 free, confidential sessions with a mental health provider to eligible employees/family members. Not all companies have an employee assistance program, but it is worth investigating through the human resources department.
Medicaid is accepted by most mental health providers. If families have other health insurance, they will want to check their mental health coverage and any approved list of providers to use. For families without coverage, some providers (such as Family Support Services in Amarillo) may offer a sliding scale based on ability to pay.
Another option that has proven helpful for some families is seeking counseling through their religious affiliation (if applicable). Some religious organizations have a strong commitment to helping families get counseling services.
Texas Panhandle Centers (serving 21 counties in the Texas Panhandle) |
Central Plains Center (serving Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Brisco) |
Helen Farabee Centers (serving Childress county) 800-621-8504 |
Family Support Services
7136 I-40 Frontage Rd
Park West Bldg B Amarillo, TX 79106
806-342-2500 |
Service to At-Risk Youth (STAR)
1500 S. Taylor
Amarillo, TX 79101
806-359-2005
|
412 N. Main
Borger, TX 79007
806-274-2297
111 S. Keamy
Amarillo, TX 79101
806-341-0200
315 Rock Island
Dalhart, TX 79022
806-244-7297
618 S. Birge St.
Dumas, TX 79029
806-935-2828
Deaf Smith Co. Crisis Center
218 W. 3rd
Hereford, TX 79045
806-363-6727 |
Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR)
711 E. Park
Hereford, TX 79045
806-363-7695
|
Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR)
2300 Primrose Lane
Pampa, TX 79065 806-662-9666 |
Tralee Crisis Center 310 S. Cuyler Pampa, TX 79065 806-669-1131 |
Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR)
410 S. Eton
Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3601 ext. 241 |
Panhandle Crisis Center
301 S. Ash
Perryton, TX 79070
806-435-5008
|
Outreach Office
511 SW 11th
Spearman, TX 79081
806-435-5008 ext. 120
Contact us today for more information.
Contact Randy Smiddy at (806) 677-5450 [email protected] or Pam Coneway at (806) 677-5452 [email protected] if you have any questions or need more information. We also have some parenting resources if a family is interested in a self-help approach or more general information.