Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has opened its mental health clinics to the public. It now accepts several major insurance plans, giving Galveston County residents a new option for care amid continued regional demand for services.
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Catholic Charities: Hurricane seasons fuel mental health crisis
The expansion, which launched in May to mark Mental Health Month, allows patients to use insurance for counselling services. The clinic continues to offer a sliding-scale payment option ranging from $30 to $100, depending on household size and income.
Jenifer Santos, director of the counseling and behavioral health clinic, noted that recurring hurricane seasons and disaster-related uncertainty often shape mental health needs. This is especially true in coastal communities like Galveston, contributing to ongoing anxiety even outside storm threats.
“We believe that cost should not create a barrier for families and individuals who could benefit from the help of a licensed counsellor,” said Jenifer Santos.
A study indexed in the National Library of Medicine found that after Hurricane Ike in 2008, nearly three-quarters of respondents evacuated. Also about 40 per cent remained displaced for at least one week.
Post-disaster rates of post-traumatic stress disorder reached nearly 6 per cent, and major depressive episodes about 5 per cent. Similarly, generalised anxiety disorder more than 9 per cent.
Santos said patients in the region commonly describe anxiety tied to storm preparedness and safety concerns during hurricane season.
Galveston County residents reported an average of 4.3 days per month of poor mental health in 2024, according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. The county also faces a shortage of mental health professionals, with roughly one provider for every 754 residents.
Financial barriers also remain a major obstacle to mental health care access in Texas. A 2023 Episcopal Health Foundation poll found that about 64 per cent of Texans reported delaying or skipping care because of cost, including mental health services.
Clinic accepts four major insurers while keeping low-cost options
The charity aims to reduce financial barriers and expand access to mental health care. This is for individuals and families seeking support for grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and life transitions.
The clinic now accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Cigna, and Optum. It has also continued to offer sliding-scale fees and some grant-funded no-cost services for qualifying clients.
They served clients through its counselling programme since its founding in 1943 and expanded into school-based services in 2013. The clinic now includes 12 therapists across community, school, and administrative roles.
The charity previously hosted efforts to reduce homelessness in Galveston County for 50 families in February. The organisation has also recently extended service hours and continues to evaluate demand for counselling services.
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, more than 88 per cent of Texans live in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas. The state averages about one mental health provider for every 690 residents.
“Despite these statewide statistics, local efforts continue across Galveston County to expand mental health awareness and support”
Meanwhile, two League City high school students launched a grassroots initiative in November. It focused on helping children manage stress and anxiety.
The group also distributed educational kits containing stress tools, journals, and brain-themed activities. The aim is to normalise conversations about mental health and give families tools to use at home.
In another development, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami closed a shelter for unaccompanied migrant children. They also laid off more than 80 employees after the Trump administration declined to renew an $11 million grant with the agency.