About The Harris Center
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What Makes Us Different

As the largest provider in Texas, The Harris Center for Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) strives to provide high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective services so that persons with behavioral health and developmental needs may live with dignity as fully functioning, participating, and contributing members of our community. We do not deny services based on a patient’s inability to pay for any reason, including race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Our Impact

With support from local, state and federal levels, The Harris Center provides high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective services so that persons with behavioral health needs may live with dignity as fully functioning, participating, and contributing members of our community. Each year, we serve tens of thousands of Harris County’s most vulnerable populations with more than a million services in every corner of the County. Our strong community partnerships and support allow us to provide care and contribute to making Harris County a resilient community with a strong safety net.

FAQs

Does my foreign entity need to file an application for registration?

The Texas requirements for registering as a foreign entity can be found in the Texas Business Organizations Code Section 9.001. An entity must file an application for registration, previously known as an application for certificate of authority, if it "transacts business" in Texas. Texas statutes do not specifically define "transacting business;" however, section 9.251 of the BOC lists 15 activities that do not constitute "transacting business." Generally, a foreign entity is transacting business in Texas if it has an office or an employee in Texas or is otherwise pursuing one of its purposes in Texas. The secretary of state cannot give a legal opinion as to whether a particular foreign entity is "transacting business" in Texas. The Contract Services department will ask for documentation of foreign entity registration if the entity named in and/or submitting the bid response or contract has its principle business outside of Texas. If you are unsure whether registration is required, please consult with your legal counsel.

How can I donate to your organization?

We are grateful support and encourage you to donate to The Harris Center Foundation for Mental Health and IDD. To do so, visit theharriscenterfoundation.org

How can I get involved in the organization’s mission?
  • If you or a loved one are living with a developmental disability and would like to show support for this community, contact organizations like The Arc and The Center for Pursuit.
     
  • If you or a loved one are living with a behavioral health condition and would like to show support for this community, contact organizations like Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mentally Illness (NAMI).
     
  • The Harris Center, along with these organizations and others like it work continuously to end stigma and educate the public on behavioral health and IDD.
How can I partner with the organization?
  • If you wish to request The Harris Center’s participation in a community or industry event, please email PublicAffairs@theharriscenter.org.
     
  • If you wish to request that The Harris Center partner on program operations, please contact 713.970.7000.
How much do services at The Harris Center cost?

Fees vary depending on the type of service. Discounts are available based on family size and income, and a sliding scale rate schedule is available.

Download the Charity Cared PDF

Is your organization a governmental entity?

Yes, the Harris Center is an Agency of the State and a unit of local government.

Our paper or yours?

Will the agency use our contract or require us to sign theirs?

The short answer is: It depends. If the agency is paying money we will likely utilize our contracts. There may be times when component parts of your proposal or contract may be incorporated into the agency’s contract as an exhibit, but the agency’s contract will likely be the controlling document. 

What happens if I am not able to meet the insurance requirements?

It will depend on the type of services being provided under the contract. As stated above, all risks are evaluated and determined to be low or high risk for the agency. There are times when the risk is determined to be low so the contract will shift those risk to you in the event of any injury, incident or accident. In the event the risk are high the agency may decline to contract with you notwithstanding the award of a contract. In this instance we would likely notify the next company in line that responded to the procurement notice.

What is a 1295 and when do I submit the document?

"In 2015, the Texas Legislature adopted House Bill 1295 (HB 1295) that requires a written disclosure of interested parties by business entities that enter into certain contracts with governmental entities." The codified law can be found in Texas Government Code section 2252.908. The form is called a Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295) and is filed electronically with the State. The 1295 is required for a contract that (1) requires an action or vote by the board of trustees; (2) has a value of at least $1 million; or (3) is for services that would require a person to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305 of the Texas Government Code. This agency is a governmental unit and has a governing Board of Trustees. Board approval is required for any contract $50,000 and higher. The instructions on how to submit your 1295 will be included within the "Welcome Letter" from the CSD. View the 1295 FAQs.

What is your organization’s mission?

To transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs.

What is your tax ID number?

74-1603950

Where can I find your financial documents?

Click here to access our Annual Reports.

Where does the money go when I donate to your organization?

Donations to The Harris Center Foundation for Mental Health and IDD are used to support The Harris Center in meeting its operational goals and special needs.

Who runs the organization?

The Harris Center is governed by 10 citizens appointed by the Harris County Commissioners Court, as well as an experienced Executive Team.

For more information, Click here.

Why do I have higher insurance limits or additional insurance requirements?

It depends on the type of Service provided through the contract. An example is a construction contract, which has additional requirements because of the variable scopes of work and potential increased liability. The risk of liability is assessed in all contracts and the insurance is adjusted up or down accordingly.

Why do I have to provide a copy of my business entity documents?

As a governmental unit, The Harris Center must ensure that the business entity is appropriately and legally established. This agency is authorized to do business with preferable Texas entities that operate within the territorial borders of the U.S. and are not debarred by any state or federal authority or owe any taxes to the state. The Harris Center utilizes the information to affirm that the business entity is what it represents that it is and appropriate for contracting purposes.

By the Numbers

(FY2022, Sept 1, 2021 – Aug 31, 2022)

Infographic: 1.9M Services Provided
Infographic: 88K Individuals Served
Infographic: +80 Service Locations

The Facts

The Harris Center operates the National Suicide Lifeline hotline–988–for this region covering 45 counties in Texas.

The Harris Center is the largest provider of community based behavioral health and IDD services in the State of Texas.

The Harris Center created and operates the nationally recognized Respite, Rehabilitation and Re-entry Center providing jail diversion, transitional and stabilization services.

Our Story

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1963
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Title II of the 1963 Act, the Community Mental Health Centers Act as amended, furthers the trend toward treating people with mental illness within the community by appropriating federal funds for the construction and staffing of community behavioral health centers.

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1965
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The Commissioners Court of Harris County created the Harris County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center (MHMRC) effective November 19, 1965 and appointed the first Board of Trustees.

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1966
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The first budget was developed in September 1966. Until this time,the Board operated through donations. The budget for one half of 1966 was $7,800 with a $300 loan for expenses and rent.

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1968
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The first services began in August 1968 with the Transitional Treatment House on Bartlett, and in 1969 a behavioral health screening service was added that was the precursor to the Call Center and Crisis Center.

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The 1970s
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The ’70s saw an expansion of services, joining (now) The Texas Council, a new Board of Trustees, changes to the behavioral health delivery system, a physical move to 4040 Milam, and the establishment of the Mental Health Needs Council, a separate children's division, emergency mental health services and lay Advisory Councils.

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The 1980s
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The 80’s included the first child beds for crisis hospitalization, a new relationship with Juvenile Probation, the first two homes for those with IDD, a new performance-based contract and priority population requirements, the Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC) opened, the Northwest Clinic moved to its current location on Dacoma, Dr. Jan Duker appointed as Executive Director, the building at 2850 Fannin was named for Myrtle Fonteno, and the Crisis Unit opened.

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The 1990s
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The ’90s saw expanded children’s programming, the establishment of the Furniture Bank, homeless programs, ADAPT, ACT, and New Start. New facilities were built, managed care made its appearance, and Dr. Steve Schnee was named as the new Executive Director.

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The 21st Century
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Highlights since 2000 include participation in the 115 Medicaid Waiver through DSRIP Projects, CARF Accreditation, CCBHC Certification, a new Chief Executive Officer–Wayne Young, the opening of several facilities, included the Respite, Rehabilitation and Recovery Center at 6160, expanded programming, implementation of integrated primary care services, the reopening of a community clinic, and additional and more robust collaborations with community partners.

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The 21st Century
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NeuroPsychiatric Center opened at 1502 Taub Loop and expanded to a full array of crisis services known as Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Programs (CPEP)

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The 21st Century
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[continued]

MHMRA moves to 7011 Southwest Freeway after the Fonteno Building on Fannin suffers major damage during Tropical Storm Allison that cannot be repaired.

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The 21st Century
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Rosa’s Law enacted in congress which strips the works “mental retardation from federal health and labor policies and replacing with “intellectual disability” and “individual with intellectual disability”. Although the term "mental retardation" has not been removed from the Center, the division is now called Intellectual Disability Services (IDS).

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The 21st Century
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MHMRA recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of the best places to work in Harris County.

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2023
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The Center now operates and provides services under four divisions: Administration, Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Programs, Intellectual/ Disability Services, Mental Health Service (adults, children and forensics). Services are provided in twenty-three locations across the county. The Center employs over 2000 employees and is a multi-million dollar entity within the County serving over 50,000 Harris County residents during 2014 with over 1 million individual services provided.

Our Locations

Administrative Building/Southwest Community Service Center

9401 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074

Hours of Operation:

7:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 
Monday thru Friday

Services:
  • Pharmacy
  • Outpatient Mental Health
  • Children Services
  • Primary Medical Care
  • Intellectual Disabilities & Autism
  • Forensic Mental Health Services
  • Substance Use Disorder Services
NeuroPsychiatric Center (NPC)

1502 Ben Taub Loop Houston, Texas 77030

Hours of Operation:

24 Hours - 7 Days/Week

Services:
  • Psychiatric Emergency
  • Substance Use Recovery
  • Psychiatric Stabilization (Adults and Children)
  • Pharmacy
  • Detox/Substance Use Disorder Services
Northeast Community Service Center

7200 N Loop E Fwy, Houston, Texas 77028

Hours of Operation:

7:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 
Monday thru Friday

Services:
  • Outpatient Mental Health
  • Pharmacy
  • Substance Use Disorder Services
Northwest Community Service Center

3737 Dacoma St, Houston, TX 77092

Hours of Operation:

7:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 
Monday thru Friday

Services:
  • Outpatient Mental Health
  • Pharmacy
  • Substance Use Disorder Services
Respite, Rehabilitation and Re-Entry Center

6160 South Loop East
Houston, Texas 77087

Hours of Operation:

24 Hours - 7 Days/Week*
(The Respite, Rehabilitation, and Re-Entry Center does not accept "walk-in" appointments or provide open community access.)

Services:
  • Forensic Mental Health Services
  • Pharmacy
  • Residential
Southeast Community Service Center

5901 Long Drive
Houston, Texas 77087

Hours of Operation:

7:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 
Monday thru Friday

Services:
  • Outpatient Mental Health
  • Children Services
  • Primary Medical Care
  • Pharmacy
  • Substance Use Disorder Services

Strategic Plans

The Harris Center’s work is driven by our Mission, Vision and Values. It is structured around rolling 3-year strategic plans. In this way, we stay accountable to our stakeholders and ourselves and provide transparency to our progress and good stewardship of public funds.

Download Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2022-2024

 

 

Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2022-2024

Download Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2019-2021

Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2019-2021