The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

06/05/2026

🎨✨ What an incredible way to close out Mental Health Awareness Month!

The 4th Annual Hope Connection Art Show & Contest was our biggest and most inspiring yet! With over 100 amazing pieces of art submitted by our talented clients and staff, creativity truly took center stage.

This event is more than an art show—it’s a powerful reminder that creativity can connect us, uplift us, and even help save lives. Every dollar raised from the art show's annual silent auction supports su***de prevention education in our community.

A huge thank you to everyone who shared their art, supported the cause, and helped make this event unforgettable, including:

Angela Hucles
Prosumers International
Rebecca Schatte
The Harris Center's IDDteamELITE

05/27/2026

FRIDAY 5/29: The 4th Annual Hope Connection Art Show & Contest will be taking place at our 9401 Southwest location from 12-3PM! 💜

This art show features work from Harris Center clients and staff, and this year had a record amount of submissions! There will be over a hundred pieces to look through, and you might even get to take your favorite piece home in an auction benefitting our Zero Su***de team.

Join us to support our local artists and help spread su***de prevention efforts across Harris County. We hope to see you there!

05/26/2026

Join us for the 2026 Criminal Justice Conference: Proactive Advocacy for Individuals with IDD on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM. This free virtual conference focuses on strengthening safety nets to prevent unnecessary criminal justice involvement for individuals with IDD.

We’re proud to share that Dr. Evanthe Collins, Vice President of the IDD Services Division at The Harris Center, will present on When People with IDD are Denied Services: The Consequences They Face. Dr. Collins joins an esteemed group of experts presenting on a variety of important topics focused on education and advocacy.

Register today! Screenshot the QR code to scan the link from your phone or visit: https://ow.ly/yPTr50Z2t6P

05/11/2026

We’re hiring! 📣

Join the HR team at The Harris Center as our Senior Total Rewards Manager and help shape compensation and retirement strategies that support more than 2,500 employees serving Harris County.

This leadership role oversees compensation programs, retirement plans, market analysis, executive/physician compensation, and total rewards strategy in one of the country's largest behavioral health and IDD organizations.

If you’re experienced in compensation, public sector HR, and strategic leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today: https://www.theharriscenter.org/harris-careers

05/08/2026

As Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Child & Adolescent Services (CAS) team across all of our service locations. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to supporting young people have been on full display this week and make a lasting impact every day beyond it.

CAS team, your work is so appreciated! You continue to create safe spaces, uplift voices, and remind children and families that their mental health matters. We’re grateful for the difference you make all year long. 💚

Pictured are members from our 9401 clinic event, but this week has been full of fun at all of our children's clinics! If you are interested in Child & Adolescent Services, we are here for you. Call our Access Line at 713-970-7000 to learn more and get connected.

05/07/2026

It's Children's Mental Health Awareness Day!

Today, our Child & Adolescent Services team has transformed the first-floor lobby at our Southwest location to show up for children’s mental health! With games, balloon art, prizes, music, and more, their passion for supporting young people is shining bright in such a visible and meaningful way. Thank you, CAS! 💚

Mental health affects all ages, but children’s needs are often overlooked. Kids are navigating new experiences every day, which can feel overwhelming. As adults, it’s important to create safe spaces where they can talk openly, without fear or shame. By encouraging honest conversations and validating their feelings, we show kids that it’s okay to have big emotions. Navigating emotions isn't always easy, but it's much healthier than ignoring or hiding them away.

04/28/2026

Tiffanie Williams Brooks, Director of Child & Adolescent Services, reminds us that counseling isn’t just for crisis moments - it’s a key part of everyday mental wellness. Counseling can help manage stress, anxiety, sadness, and life changes before they feel overwhelming.

Signs it may be time to seek help include changes in mood, sleep, or appetite. Your first session is simply a conversation: no pressure, no judgment, and you go at your own pace.

Mental health care is just as important as physical health care. Talking about it helps break the stigma. Support is available for children, teens, and adults in clinics, schools, and the community: call our Access Line at 713-970-7000 for more information on how to get connected.

Thank you to KPRC2 / Click2Houston for helping us spread this important message! Watch the full segment here: https://ow.ly/Q3EN50YRbE7

04/24/2026

Help shape the future of sexual health education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The University of Houston, in partnership with The Harris Center, is looking for participants to join a focus group exploring needs, preferences, and experiences related to sexual health education for people with IDD.

Who can participate?
• Adults with IDD (ages 18–29)
• Caregivers of individuals with IDD
• Service providers who work directly with individuals with IDD

What to expect:
• A 60–90 minute focus group with others in your role
• A safe, private space to share your thoughts and experiences

Compensation:
Participants will receive a $15 Amazon e-gift card after completing the session.

Your voice can help improve programs across Texas and beyond.

Interested or have questions?
Contact Jody Gardner, LCSW
📧 jgardne2 [at] cougarnet.uh.edu

Please share to spread the word about this important research participation opportunity.

04/03/2026

Our offices will be closed today, April 2nd, in observance of the spring holiday/Good Friday. We will open back up on Monday, April 6th.

Spring is a reminder that growth doesn’t rush, and healing blooms in its own time even after a long winter. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to one of our crisis line counselors at 713-970-7000 or by texting/calling 988. 🌼

Artwork created by one of our talented clients.

04/02/2026

Today is World Autism Awareness Day 💙

At The Harris Center, we are proud to support individuals and families in the autism community through compassionate care, resources, and lifelong services. Autism is not something to fear. It is a natural variation of how people think, learn, and experience the world, and individuals with autism bring unique strengths and perspectives to their families and communities.

Take a moment to watch this KHOU 11 News segment featuring our own Dr. Gena Reine, who speaks with a local mother about navigating autism, the importance of early diagnosis, and the support available through The Harris Center. Together, we’re building understanding, inclusion, and brighter futures.

Watch:

Dr. Gena Reine with The Harris Center for Mental Health & IDD, and Destiny Mireles, mom of three children with autism, share signs, resources, and support.