Texas children face a growing mental health crisis, with more than 1.2 million youth under 18 reporting at least one mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problem, according to the “Kids Count 2023” study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation—approximately 1 in 5 Texas youth. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that suicide was the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-34 years of age, with firearms being the most common method used in suicide deaths in the United States. Bexar County has experienced tragic child suicide deaths in 2025, including the death of 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos.
Youth and families in Bexar County face significant barriers to mental health care, including timely access, lengthy waitlists, and a limited quantity of mental health providers. According to the 2025 Bexar County Community Health Needs Assessment report released in October 2025, quality mental health care was selected as a priority resource by 43% of survey respondents, but fewer than half—21%—said they had good access to it. Studies by the National Institute of Health show a delay of about eight to 10 years between onset of mental illness symptoms and when professional treatment occurs for youth in the U.S.
When a child exhibits red flags such as difficulty attending school, intense verbal or physical aggression, little interest in engaging with peers, persistent anxiety when separating from a caregiver, self-harming behaviors, or prolonged sadness, parents should seek professional evaluation. Clarity Child Guidance Center, the only nonprofit mental health treatment center in South Texas offering a full continuum of care for children ages 3 to 17, serves an average of over 6,000 children and teens annually. It offers a 74-bed inpatient mental health hospital, 24/7 walk-in Crisis Services department, intensive daily treatment, outpatient therapy, psychological assessments, care coordination, and recreational therapy.
Parents should partner with their child’s primary care physician, who can help rule out medical conditions and provide mental health referrals. Schools also serve as key partners by identifying behavioral concerns. Families can request formal psychological assessments or consultation with licensed mental health providers. When a child is in danger of harming themselves or others, parents should call 911 or take them to the Crisis Services department of any local mental health facility.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://sanantonioreport.org/how-bexar-county-parents-can-help-children-in-mental-health-crisis/