Top Counseling and Mental Health Support for Abuse Survivors in Houston
2025 Houston guide to top counseling and mental health resources for abuse survivors. Find trauma-informed therapists, support groups, and free or low-cost counseling in Houston, Texas.
Introduction
Survivors of abuse—whether domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or emotional/psychological abuse—often carry deep wounds. Access to trauma-informed therapy, counseling, peer support, and mental health resources is essential to healing. Below is a curated list of trusted organizations, programs, and clinics in Houston (2025) that specialize in working with abuse survivors.
What to Look for in Support Services
When seeking mental health help as a survivor, prioritize those that:
Are trauma-informed (understand dynamics of abuse, PTSD, complex trauma)
Guarantee confidentiality & safety, with discretion in communication
Offer free, sliding-scale, or low-cost services for survivors
Have cultural, language, and accessibility competence
Connect to other wraparound services—legal, housing, case management
Key Counseling & Mental Health Resources in Houston
Below are leading providers and programs in Houston that serve survivors of abuse:
1. Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)
HAWC’s counseling program offers safe, therapeutic spaces specifically for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. (Houston Area Women's Center)
Services are free or subsidized for survivors. (Find Help)
Hotline: 713-528-2121 (also for counseling and crisis support) (Houston Area Women's Center)
2. Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)
Offers psychological trauma counseling as part of its domestic violence intervention programs in Houston. (avda.org)
AVDA also provides advocacy, legal referrals, and support services. (avda.org)
3. The Resilience Center
Provides abuse counseling (physical, emotional, sexual) with clinicians experienced in trauma. (The Resilience Center of Houston)
4. The Lovett Center
Offers trauma-informed therapy in Houston, which covers experiences of abuse, domestic violence, and trauma. (The Lovett Center)
5. Daya Houston
Culturally specific services for survivors (especially South Asian communities). Counseling, legal, housing, and advocacy integrated. (Daya, Inc.)
6. UTHealth Houston Trauma & Resilience Center
Serves survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, and disasters via tele-mental health and in-person care. (McGovern Medical School)
7. Harris Center for Mental Health & IDD
Offers a 24/7 Crisis & Access Line and mental health services accessible to individuals in crisis. (Harris Center for Mental Health)
8. Thriveworks Houston (Domestic Abuse Therapy)
Private counseling service with therapists experienced in domestic abuse and trauma. They accept insurance and offer standard fee options. (Thriveworks)
9. Catholic Charities / Samaritan Counseling Center
Part of the UTH system list of counseling providers: bilingual, sliding scale or insurance-based therapy. (McGovern Medical School)
Support Groups, Peer Networks & Specialized Programs
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Greater Houston — free support groups for mental health, helpful for survivors dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, or mood issues. (Wikipedia)
Hope & Healing Center — runs a free, 16-week faith-based support group for female survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or abuse. (Hope and Healing Center and Institute)
Children’s Assessment Center (CAC) — for child survivors of sexual abuse and their families; provides therapeutic and trauma-informed care. (Cach Houston)
How to Choose the Right Support Provider
Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Is the provider trauma-informed and abuse-competent? | You need someone who understands abuse dynamics and safety needs. |
What is the cost, fee structure, or insurance acceptance? | Financial access is critical. |
Do they offer confidentiality and safe communication options (e.g. discreet phone, telehealth)? | Safety from abuser is paramount. |
Are they culturally / linguistically competent? | Comfort, trust, and understanding improve therapy. |
Do they coordinate with legal, housing, or advocacy services? | Integrated support strengthens recovery. |
Tips for Beginning Therapy as a Survivor
Reach out using safe devices and communication (use incognito tabs if needed).
Ask potential therapists about their experience with domestic violence, trauma, and abuse survivors.
Start with short sessions to test fit and safety.
Always clarify how they handle crisis or self-harm situations.
Use therapy alongside peer support, legal help, and community resources.
Keep a safety plan in place in case sessions trigger strong reactions.