For immediate crisis support, call 911 or our 24-hour crisis and substance use helpline: (800) 316-9241.
Child Psychiatrist in San AntonioMental Health Care for Every Stage of Childhood.
At The Center for Health Care Services, we provide comprehensive mental health services for children and adolescents across Bexar County, from early childhood through the teenage years. Our team is here to help your child and your family get the support you need, regardless of your background, insurance status, or ability to pay.
The Center provides support and resources for children and adolescents, from infancy through adolescence (ages 0–20). Our team meets each child where they are, providing trauma-informed and person-centered care tailored to the needs of every child and teenager.
There is no single cause for mental health disorders; they can be caused by a mixture of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Anxiety
Children may have fears or worries occasionally. However, when they begin to disrupt daily life, school, and other activities, it may be due to an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can be centered on several things — a fear of social settings, being away from home, or a sense of impending doom. Children and adolescents who have a family history of mental health disorders may be more prone to developing one.
Depression
Sadness or hopelessness can occur in children and teens, but when those feelings begin to interfere with daily life and overall wellbeing, it may be due to depression. In children and adolescents, depression may lead to physical symptoms such as aches and pains, restlessness, or distress.
Other symptoms include poor attention, harmful behaviors toward themselves or others, changes in sleep patterns or diet, and no longer participating in usual activities. Research suggests children are more likely to develop depression when they experience trauma or stress, are maltreated, bullied or rejected by other children, or when their own parents have anxiety or depression. In some cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a common childhood mental health disorder, usually signalled by difficulty paying attention, an inability to control impulsive actions, and being overly active. Children and adolescents with ADHD may face increased difficulty focusing at school, at home, or in relationships with friends, family, and schoolmates. ADHD can have various causes, such as genetics, brain injuries, environmental factors like exposure to toxic substances, or premature birth.
Behavioral disorders
One of the most prominent behavioral disorders in children and adolescents is conduct disorder, often seen alongside ADHD. Children with conduct disorder may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends, and show more aggressive or destructive behavior toward others and/or property — including lying, physical confrontations, and vandalism.
The Center's ECI program assures that families with young children with developmental delays have the resources and support they need to reach their goals. ECI includes Specialized Skills Training, case management, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language, caregiver education, and support services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or medical conditions leading to developmental delays.
Serving these Bexar County school districts
San Antonio ISD
East Central ISD
Harlandale ISD
Somerset ISD
Southside ISD
In a different Bexar County district? You can still make a referral — it will be forwarded to the ECI program serving your school district. If a baby is having difficulty learning to sit up, walk, or talk, or is showing other signs of developmental delay, ECI can help. Parents can refer their child for a free developmental assessment.
Healthy Outcomes through Early Prevention and Early Support — behavioral intervention services, training, case management, counseling, and support for children and their caregivers.
Clinic, home, and community-based mental health services for youth referred by the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department or the County Magistrate.
A field-based program providing intensive home-based counseling and case management to youth diagnosed with a mental illness who are currently supervised by the Probation Department. Referrals come directly from Bexar County Juvenile Probation.
For children and adolescents who need a higher level of care than standard outpatient services, we offer intensive services designed to stabilize and support youth experiencing significant behavioral or emotional challenges.
Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver
Expanded services meant to reduce out-of-home placements and inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations through family support services, counseling, and additional community support.
LOC-4 Intensive Family Services
Focuses on a child's strengths and what works for their family, building skills that foster success to reduce out-of-home placements and hospitalizations. Typically for children who have experienced multiple psychiatric hospitalizations or are at risk of school exclusion.
Transition Age Youth (TAY)
For Bexar County residents aged 16–20 with a DSM-V diagnosis who want a more active role in their treatment: assessment, skills training, counseling, intensive case management, medication support, psychiatric evaluation, caregiver training, and wraparound facilitation.
CHCS POWER Program
Serves young adults who have begun experiencing confusion, unusual thoughts, behavior others find difficult to understand, hearing or seeing things others don't, withdrawing from family or friends, or becoming suspicious of other people.
Family support
A child's mental health does not exist in isolation — it is deeply connected to the health of the whole family. At CHCS, family involvement is central to everything we do. We offer family therapy, psychoeducation, and care coordination to help families understand their child's diagnosis, develop effective coping strategies, and build stronger, healthier relationships at home.
We know that supporting a child with mental health challenges can be overwhelming. Our team is here to support you and your child.
The Center for Health Care Services accepts many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. We offer a sliding fee scale for individuals who qualify, and we will never refuse services based on inability to pay.
Financial assistance is determined based on your income and family size. To apply, complete a Financial Assessment at the time of enrollment and provide:
Proof of insurance
Proof of residency
Proof of income
Find children's mental health services in San Antonio
Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. Whether you are concerned about your child's development, behavior, or emotional wellbeing, our team is here to help you take the next step.
To enroll your child in services and begin the screening process, call 210-261-CHCS (2427).
Outpatient Behavioral Health Services are open to the residents of Bexar County.
Adult Outpatient Services are open to Bexar County residents who are 18 or older with a mental health diagnosis on our priority list as determined by Texas Health and Human Services.
Child/Adolescent Outpatient Services are open to those 3 years or older with a mental health diagnosis or at risk of out of home/out of school placement.
What if I don’t qualify for services here?
If you do not qualify for our services a clinician will provide you with an appropriate referral or resources to see someone else in the community.
How do I pay for services? What insurance do you accept?
The Center for Health Care Services accepts many insurance plans including Medicaid and Medicare. Payment of your estimated consumer portion is expected at the time services are provided. This includes deductibles, copays, and any other predetermined fees due for this visit. CHCS will not refuse services to a person based on inability to pay. You may qualify for financial assistance toward your payments. This qualification will be determined based on your income and family size. To determine the appropriate monthly fee, you must provide the required documents and complete a Financial Assessment. Please be prepared to show proof of insurance, proof of residency, and family income upon check-in.
