A local veteran is proving that service doesn’t stop after taking off the uniform. Retired army veteran Matthew “Sarge” Blackwell is using rugby to rally the community and support combat Veterans through camp hope. We’ll tell you how this growing tournament is aiming to raise $20,000 this year. He joined Houston Life with the PTSD of America events and marketer Bill Tatar who explained why this is more than just a Ruby tournament.

Mental health struggles can affect anyone, but it is not always easy to recognize when everyday stress becomes something more serious. Mental Health Expert Edgar Tello shares the warning signs families should not ignore, how to start supportive conversations without judgment and where Houstonians can turn for affordable mental health support. We also discuss the difference between normal stress and a true mental health crisis, plus why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available.

At Oasis Aesthetics & Wellness in Sugar Land, the future of wellness is increasingly holistic — blending advanced aesthetic technology with treatments designed to support not only how patients look, but how they feel.

Ricky Armstrong had been interim director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which monitors county lockups that mainly hold people awaiting trial, since February.

A new report is raising concerns about the mental health of teen girls across Texas, with experts warning that many are struggling in silence—and not getting the support they need. Research from the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas highlights a troubling trend: nearly 3 in 5 teen girls say they feel persistently sad or hopeless. Despite that, only a small percentage are receiving professional help.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled conversion therapy is free speech. Some LGBTQ+ advocates say the ruling applies to gender-affirming therapy, too, while others say the courts won’t protect them.

Seven months after escaping the Target shooting, an Austin mother and daughter navigate trauma, fear and unexpected growth.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion that says that a 2023 law that bans gender-transitioning medical care to minors also applies to mental health care.

We talk about mental health, but too often the Black community can sometimes be left out of the conversation. During Black History Month, we’re shining a light on The Harris Center on the signs of depression that can be easy to miss, how stigma shows up in families, and why early support can change a child’s entire future.

Stella Olise of the Harris Center explains how depression can look different in Black girls and how families can recognize the signs.

The groups that operate Texas’ 988 system face a convergence of challenges this year, from expiring federal money to heavier workloads since the Trump administration eliminated the special option for LGBTQ youth.

Congressman Al Green is being joined by officials from FIEL to discuss an order from a federal judge to release a missing teenage boy from a detention center.

The Coping Resource Center in Houston offers a program using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) to address sleep issues linked to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

Family violence incidents are being reported at an alarming rate in the Houston area.

Investigators are still working to learn what led up to a horrific tragedy in Brazoria County where a mother is accused of shooting her four children, killing two of them.

Mark and Kym Hilinski, founders of Hilinski's Hope Foundation, join KPRC 2+ to share that more than 170 colleges and universities and over 70 high schools and organizations will be participating in the sixth annual Student-Athlete Mental Health Week (SAMHW), the organization’s flagship event featuring collective action dedicated to addressing the mental wellbeing of student-athletes and honor those who lost their lives.

They say laughter is the best medicine, which is why shows like “Shrinking” on Apple TV+ are exactly what the doctor ordered. With seven Emmy nominations this year, including Outstanding Comedy Series with Black among the nominated writers, “Shrinking” is redefining how comedy can tackle grief and healing with both honesty and heart.

Texas is making strides to improve mental health care access for children through the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, a state-funded initiative launched in 2019.

In the aftermath of the Hill Country floods, communities are collectively grieving, and parents face the challenge of helping children return to school while managing their trauma.

State officials have initiated construction on the Lubbock Psychiatric Center, a $121 million, 50-bed maximum-security mental health hospital funded as part of Texas' $2.5 billion overhaul of its mental health care system.

The Theta Pod, a wellness treatment offered by Align Theta Center in Magnolia, combines light, sound, vagal nerve stimulation, and vestibular motion therapies into a single 30-minute session for relaxation and mental health improvement.

First responders who continue to search for missing people in the floodwaters are also suffering, as they face burnout and emotional fatigue in the face of such tragedy. To help combat mental health issues in first responders, there are a variety of state-wide and national resources that are available.

In the aftermath of the devastating floods in Central Texas, several companies are reaching out to offer free mental health services to the impacted communities.

Some losses knock the wind out of you and then keep on knocking. The kind that split life into before and after. That’s what so many Central Texas families are facing right now after the devastating floods on the Fourth of July.

A Cypress man was taken into custody after firing shots at deputies responding to his residence.

A woman with a firearm has caused a standoff on the North Freeway, leading to a shutdown of traffic.

The conference will explore men’s roles in adult caregiving, mental health and community building through workshops and discussions.

The facility will bring mental health resources closer to the largely rural region that’s home to nearly 436,000 people.

Hope, renewal, and inspiration are at the heart of Inspiration Ranch, a Magnolia nonprofit that is now struggling to recover from storm damage.

Houston artists Kim Pham and Ally Ham, use their personal experiences with grief, disability, and mental illness to create powerful artwork and advocate for healing through art therapy. The exhibit, hosted at Reeves Art+Design, brings together 20 artists and supports the nonprofit All Girls Love, which provides creative therapy for women overcoming trauma.

While families across Houston gather for barbecues and ceremonies this Memorial Day, one local veteran is spending the day remembering — and rebuilding.

Texas lawmakers are poised to make it easier to suspend disruptive students. But some teachers and school psychologists say discipline alone won’t meet the mental health needs at the root of their behavior.

Burnout is increasingly affecting employees across industries, with the World Health Organization recognizing it as an "occupational phenomenon" that depletes energy and efficacy.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare will announce progress on addressing the county's mental health incarceration crisis, highlighting efforts to divert over 340 individuals from jail to treatment services since January 1.

Conroe Independent School District students are uniting to demand action following the tragic death of a classmate.

Students are concerned the legislation could silence supportive teachers, dismantle safe spaces, lead to overenforcement and prevent honest conversations about identity.

Kenny Lacy, urged parents to discuss mental health with their children, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing signs of mental distress.

Four people tied to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office committed suicide recently, calling attention to ongoing mental health struggles among law enforcement.

When Galib Chowdhury lost his job with the Houston Police Department and was given a prison sentence for shooting his wife in the face, it proved people were straying away from the stigma and listening to growing conversations about domestic violence.

Many times people know that they want help, but think it’s inaccessible to them. At Legacy Community Health, they see the problems in accessing health care and are working to close that gap no matter if it’s for physical or mental health.

Locking Arms Community Connect, hosted by the Women’s Resource Center Inc. and its partner organizations, is scheduled for March 31st at 6:00 p.m. at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center.

This week has been a devastating one for law enforcement in Harris County, as three members of the Sheriff’s Office have died by suicide.

A new law was meant to uphold standards at homes where substance abusers are trying to rebuild their lives. But compliance is proving difficult.

Assaults on teachers in Texas have risen by 18% over the past two school years, with over 3,500 staff members injured by students, raising concerns about school safety and the availability of mental health resources.

The Harris Co. Sheriff’s said it all started when a 22-year-old son was “enraged” and throwing bricks at the window while there were several other relatives inside.

Dr. Meagan Houston with Human Behavior Health shares insight on edibles' impact on mental health after police say a teenager shot his mother and sister in north Houston over the weekend.

Officials say the motive for the change to the rule requiring mental health providers to receive cultural diversity or competency training for license renewals has been misunderstood.

Court records reveal a harrowing account of the events that unfolded in their home, highlighting a history of mental health struggles and past incidents.

Despite a long waitlist, the number of children served in the YES Waiver program has declined because of provider shortages.

KPRC 2 found handwritten letters Athir Murady wrote to the judge as he awaits trial in the murder of Harris County Precinct 4 Corporal Maher Huesseini.

Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General said parental stress has become a public health issue. We wanted to get you some more tips on how to beat holiday burnout and get back into the swing of the New Year.

On Tuesday, KPRC 2 covered three Houston firefighters who suffered significant injuries responding to a massive apartment fire in the Sunnyside area.

The state’s 988 suicide had the nation’s fifth highest rate of abandoned calls in August, the latest data available, amid a multi-million funding deficit that could worsen as federal dollars expire this year.

Texas received $203.4 million in 2021 to help build community mental health programs at libraries and churches, among other efforts. Those funds expire Dec. 31.

If you've been feeling more unmotivated than usual this holiday season, you're not crazy and you're not alone.

A man is in police custody after allegedly assaulting a Federal Aviation Administration employee at Hooks Airport.

While the need for help is clear, many don't seek therapy either due to cost or stigma. As a result, AI chatbots have jumped into the mix offering to be a Substitute Freud. But how well can it do a therapist's job?

Texas prohibits people with assault convictions, among other felonies, from becoming social workers. A new lawsuit says the ban is unconstitutional.

In Union County, North Carolina, the political climate is stirring up anxiety among voters.

The national licensing board announced it will consider folding the proposed skills test into an existing exam amid worries the additional hurdle would discourage applicants.

Lawmakers and child care centers are pushing for a statewide mental health system for toddlers.

Authorities are piecing together what led up to a murder-suicide in north Harris County

Tra' Slaughter will sell fine pieces and raise money for StellaNova at Hardy and Nance Studios

Recent data from the CDC highlights a troubling trend: Both teenage boys and girls are reporting increased mental health challenges, including experiences of violence and suicidal thoughts.

Texas hasn’t increased Medicaid rates for inpatient health care at private hospitals in 16 years, falling behind other states.

The family of 36-year-old Marine veteran Juan Merlos, who disappeared from Cut and Shoot, Texas, on August 20, is desperately searching for him.

A program in Harris County is working to heal the emotional wounds of children and teens in their care. Their juvenile probation department's campus in Seabrook has partnered with the Houston Humane Society, airing animals in need, with young people also yearning for acceptance, connection, and healing from past traumas.

Other states look to Texas as the state psychology board pushes against the new national licensing requirements.

Dr. Shana D. Lewis, a licensed professional counselor and wellness coach, wants busy parents to know it’s ok to take a break and focus on yourself for a change. She recently shared some tips to help anyone power through stress on “Houston Life.”

17-year-old Joscey works with her doctors, a physical therapist and a pain psychologist to control her chronic pain which started when she was 12 years old. It left her unable to attended school, she couldn’t walk and had to give up her favorite sport basketball.

The service is free for students, and paid for by the school system

As we go back to school a lot of focus turns to children’s wellbeing and mental health. According to the CDC, anxiety and depression affect almost 10% of kids 3 to 17 years old.

New developments are emerging in the effort to help millions of people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, including our veterans.

Future Texas therapists must complete internships to start their careers, but there’s not enough providers to mentor all of the students.

Health care contractor Turn Key serves nearly 70 counties across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansas and Montana.

Harris County Judge Kelli Johnson was taken to a mental health facility Thursday evening after she allegedly became combative with authorities during a welfare check at her home, sources confirmed with KPRC 2 Investigates.

Under a Harvard Medical School pilot program, church members and leaders will work as interns before counseling on their own, referring more serious cases to medical providers.

A guide to some of the professions that make up the mental health workforce.

KPRC 2 Investigates looks into the tragic story of Robin Puryear, whose death might be tied to suicide, shedding light on the importance of suicide prevention. We are stressing the need to recognize warning signs and reach out for help through resources like the national crisis hotline, 988.

Houston has not been known for being immune to severe weather events, but we've always prided ourselves on community resilience, and ongoing struggles like power outages and severe weather events are putting them to the test.

County jails are often referred to as the largest mental health facility in the area.

Fifth Ward native Sheletta Brundidge returned to her hometown to raise awareness about the importance of interior door locks for families who have children with special needs.

As Houston experiences an intensifying heat wave, the elevated temperatures can lower serotonin levels, leading to increased irritability and stress.

The construction begins after lawmakers have allocated $2.5 billion to modernize and increase access to inpatient psychiatric care in Texas.

How can we possibly keep up with all these challenges at the same time and keep our children safe during the summer break when many of us have to work and not stay as vigilant on our children?

We're all guilty of scrolling mindlessly on social media, but in light of the U.S. Surgeon General calling for a warning label on social media apps as you'd find on a cigarette box, it warrants some self-reflection.

While primary care is experiencing its own workforce shortage, the profession is shouldering more mental health screenings to help bridge the behavioral health provider gap.

Thousands of people are discharged from Texas mental health hospitals yearly, and so-called step-down programs like clubhouses can help them integrate back into the community.

The state’s flood plan shows which Texans are most at risk of flooding and suggests billions of dollars more are needed for flood mitigation projects.

Since 2019, accidental drug deaths have been rising in Texas, with the number tripling in Travis County.

The facility has 240 single-person rooms, a basketball gym and outdoor courtyards. It’s part of a $2.5 billion overhaul of the state’s mental health hospital system.

The mental health workforce shortage is more acute in rural areas, adding to rising patient loads in hospital ERs.

Following the tragic discovery of the body of Kay-Alana Turner, a woman who may have been experiencing a mental health crisis and fled from deputies, a dialogue has ignited regarding interactions with individuals facing similar challenges during mental health crises.

Prosecutors say Gwendolyn Gibbs, 72, the owner of Daybreak Rehabilitation Center, submitted fake claims to Medicare from 2007 until 2016 by pretending her patients were sicker than they really were.

According to the American Psychological Association, more than one in five people believe their work environment has harmed their mental health. #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAwareness

More than 40% of the state’s population is Hispanic, but its mental health provider population is more than 80% white.

The court re-sentenced Gallo to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter.

Faced with a nagging mental health provider shortage, the state psychologists’ licensing board is looking into whether the state should devise its own exam to get professionals licensed more quickly.

Many independent school districts, including the largest ones, do not allow chaplains to serve as counselors, which is now allowed under a new Texas law.

Family violence incidents are being reported at an alarming rate in the Houston area.