Up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S. has a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder — and in Texas, more than two-thirds of kids who need treatment never get it. The biggest barriers are cost, not knowing where to go, and stigma. This guide removes the first two.
Clarity Child Guidance Center: the first call for kids 3–17
Clarity is the only nonprofit in South Texas dedicated entirely to children’s mental health. Their campus in the Medical Center has a 24/7 crisis department, a 74-bed inpatient hospital, partial hospitalization (intensive daytime therapy), and outpatient therapy including art, play, and music therapy. The key fact: they treat children regardless of the family’s ability to pay. About 60% of the kids they serve are uninsured, underinsured, or low-income.
- Call: (210) 616-0300 — if it’s not a crisis, ask for a FIRST STEP appointment (a one-time consultation to figure out what your child needs)
- Address: 8535 Tom Slick, San Antonio, TX 78229
CHCS children’s services
The Center for Health Care Services serves children and adolescents as well as adults, with outpatient counseling and case management on a sliding scale.
- Children and adolescent intake: 210-261-3350
- Main line: 210-261-2427
Free counseling through your child’s school (TCHATT)
TCHATT (Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine) at UT Health San Antonio provides free virtual mental health counseling and medication appointments for students. It’s accessed through your child’s school counselor — ask the counselor about a TCHATT referral. No cost to the family.
Rise Recovery: for teens and substance use
Rise Recovery runs a youth program (ages 12–17) for teens struggling with or recovering from substance use — recovery support groups, peer coaching, and activities.
- Call: 210-227-2634
- Address: 2803 Mossrock Road, San Antonio, TX 78230
If your child is in crisis right now
- Clarity 24/7 crisis services: (210) 616-0300
- Call or text 988 — the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7
- Text HOME to 741741 — the Crisis Text Line, which many teens prefer
Signs your child might need help
You know your kid. Watch for lasting changes: withdrawing from friends and family, big drops in grades, sleeping far more or far less than usual, loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, talk of hopelessness or worthlessness, or self-harm. Trust your gut — an evaluation at Clarity or CHCS costs nothing and can change the trajectory.
FAQ
My child doesn’t have insurance. Can we still be seen? Yes. Clarity’s stated policy is to treat children regardless of ability to pay, and CHCS uses a sliding scale. TCHATT is free through the school.
Do I need a referral from our pediatrician? No. You can call Clarity or CHCS directly. A pediatrician referral can help, but it’s not required.
What ages does Clarity serve? Ages 3 to 17. For 18+ (including college students), CHCS adult services and the crisis lines above are the right starting point.
Is what my teen tells a counselor confidential? Counselors keep sessions confidential with standard safety exceptions (risk of harm to self or others, abuse). Ask the provider about their confidentiality policy at intake so you and your teen both understand it.
