Consumer Engagement

Part of Via Hope’s role is to increase consumer voice in the public mental health system, and many Via Hope initiatives relate directly to people in recovery. There are several advocacy and support organizations that represent mental health consumers, also known as peers, people in recovery, or service recipients in Texas, along with national groups with representation in Texas.

Statewide and national mental health advocacy and support organizations in Texas include:

Texas Catalyst for Empowerment
Texas Catalyst for Empowerment is group of consumer leaders from across Texas who have been working to form and grow a new grassroots, statewide consumer-run organization.  The goal of TCE is to be a consumer run, consumer led organization with representation from all regions in Texas.  TCE Mission: Being a catalyst through our united voice for empowering a culture of recovery and wellness for people who have lived experience with matters of mental health. TCE Vision: All Texans empowered to lead fulfilled lives where everyone's uniqueness and individuality is respected and celebrated.

Mental Health America of Texas
MHAT is an advocacy and education organization with local affiliates throughout the state.  MHAT oversees the Texas Parents as Teachers program, the Texas Suicide Prevention Council, Via Hope Texas Mental Health Resource, and provides policy advocacy on mental health issues. Via Hope is a partnership between Mental Health America of Texas and NAMI Texas.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Texas
NAMI Texas is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with mental illness. NAMI has local affiliates throughout the state. Via Hope is a partnership between Mental Health America of Texas and NAMI Texas.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Texas
DBSA provides support, advocacy, education, and training for individuals living with mood disorders. For a list of Texas affiliates, visit the DBSA Texas website.

National Empowerment Center  
The mission of the National Empowerment Center Inc. is to carry a message of recovery, empowerment, hope and healing to people who have been labeled with mental illness. They are a consumer/survivor/ex-patient-run organization and live a personal journey of recovery and empowerment. NEC has a toll-free information and referral line. A Spanish speaking information specialist is also available. They have a great deal of information about topics such as advance directives, shock treatment, schizophrenia, self-help groups in your area, legal services in your area, meditation and self-help techniques, coping with depression, and more. You can reach them by phone at: Toll free: 800-POWER2U (800-769-3728); Outside the U.S.: 978-685-1494; Local: 978-685-1494. They are not a crisis line and do not provide counseling over the phone. If you are in a crisis, they can refer you to help and supports in your area.

National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery
NCMHR's mission is to ensure that consumer/survivors have a major voice in the development and implementation of health care, mental health, and social policies at the state and national levels, empowering people to recover and lead a full life in the community.

Department of State Health Services Local Mental Health Authority Database
To learn more about DSHS community mental health services that are available in your area for adults or children, you can contact your local mental health authority. You will also be able to access the local information and referral line, which is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These 24-hour phone lines also serve as local mental health crisis lines.