Personal Counseling
Anxiety & Depression
Chemical Health
To learn about youth substance use in Denton County, click here.
The website TheParentToolkit.com. has created a webpage where you will find you’ll find practical advice for guiding your child toward a healthy life at every age. Parenting and health experts as well as real parents share the latest tips and tools for raising drug-free kids.
Eating Disorders
- 1 in 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. (National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) guide, Eating Disorders: Facts About Eating Disorders and the Search for Solutions)
- An estimated 10 to 15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are male. (Carlat, D.J. Camargo. Review of Bulimia in Males. American Journal of Psychiatry)
- 90 % of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, The Center for Mental Health Services, offices of the US Department of Health and Human Services)
- It is estimated that currently 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder. (ANAD Ten Year Study. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
Helpful Websites
Personal Safety
Being personally safe is a lifestyle choice. Your overall safety depends on reducing the opportunity for a criminal to be successful. This is done by how you live your life and the choices that you make each and every day.
Did you know?
- Nationwide, in seven out of ten acts of violence, the victim know their attacker as a friend, significant other, spouse, co-worker, or casual acquaintance. 50% of all sexual assaults occur in the home.
- One out of every three crimes happens to someone between the age of 12 and 24.
- 3 out of 10 people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives, whether they drink or not.
Incidents of violence can occur anywhere at anytime. Trust your gut feeling that something may be wrong. Following are some guidelines that may help reduce potential vulnerability. Remember though, whether you choose to use the suggestions or not, no one has the right to harm you.
Safety at Home/In the Dorm
- Be aware of your surroundings. Be familiar with who is coming and going—who belongs and who doesn’t. Immediately report suspicious activity to your parents, dorm resident assistant, or call 911 right away.
- Always lock your doors and windows, even if you are home. If you live in an apartment or dorm, don’t prop open security doors. Don’t let anyone you don’t know into the building, either.
- Don’t hide spare keys outside. They are found too easily.
- If you call 911, try to stay on the line with the dispatcher and give them as much information as you have. If you cannot stay on the line, police will be dispatched to the location the call was made from. Calls from cell phones may not be able to be located.
- Check IDs when repair people, meter readers, solicitors, etc. come to your door. Do NOT hesitate to refuse admittance and call the company and check them out.
- Do not leave notes on your door for others saying you are gone, since it advertises your absence.
- If you suspect your home or dorm room has been broken into, don’t go in. Go someplace else and call 911.
SAFETY WHEN DRIVING
- Pay attention when you drive. Car crashes are the #1 killer of young people.
- The top factors in vehicle crashes for 15-19 year olds are: speed, inexperience, and driver distraction.
- Put the phone down. It’s illegal to text while driving, no exceptions!
- It is also illegal to surf the internet or change the GPS while driving!
- Slow down. In bad weather, even driving the speed limit may be dangerous.
- Seatbelts are the most effective safety devices in vehicles. Wear one every time you get in a car and make your passengers buckle up, too. It’s the law!
- Keep passengers to a minimum. Teens who add 1 passenger increase the risk of dying in a car crash by 39%; adding 2 increases the risk by 86%; adding 3 increases the risk 282%.
- Keep your car maintained and keep your gas tank at least half full.
- If you have car trouble, raise the hood and stay in your vehicle. Call 911 for assistance. If someone other than law enforcement offers assistance, don’t get out. Ask them to call 911 for you.
- Do not stop to help a stalled vehicle. Instead, go to a safe place and report the stalled vehicle to 911. Never pick up hitchhikers or give rides to strangers.
- If you are being followed, don’t go home. Drive to the nearest 24-hour gas station, convenience store, or any place with people around and call 911.
- Park in well-lit, public areas.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car when parked anywhere, including your home or dorm parking lot! Ipods, phones, GPS units, stereo equipment, computers, gym bags, backpacks, purses/wallets, and sunglasses are all tempting to thieves.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Have your keys ready to unlock the car door and enter without delay. Lock the car door immediately after getting in.
- If you leave keys with a parking attendant or at a service station, leave only the car key (not a house or dorm room key).
- Don’t program your home address in your GPS. Use a nearby store or gas station instead, so if your GPS is stolen, criminals can’t use it to find you.
New Driver Limitations
- For the first 6 months, only one passenger is allowed and driving is not allowed at all between midnight and 5 AM.
- For the second 6 months, no more than three passengers are allowed. Night restrictions are lifted.
- If you have a provisional license (age 16 to 18), it’s illegal to use a cell phone while driving.
Safety on the Street
- Stay on populated, well-lit streets. Try to exercise, or walk to class, with a friend.
- Walk confidently. Let someone know where you will be or the route you will be taking.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Make it difficult for anyone to take you by surprise. Don’t wear headphones. If you must wear them, keep the volume low, so you can hear your surroundings.
- Trust your instincts. Do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation. Forget the rules of etiquette and social norms. Be willing to make a scene, if necessary.
- Most rapes are not committed by strangers, but by men who know their victims.
- If you are in a situation where you feel you are in imminent danger, fight! Don’t hesitate! Use your self defense tactics or improvise weapons to stop the attacker and get away.
- Remember, there is a difference between self defense (protect yourself, stop attack, get away) and assault (continuing to fight after attacker has stopped to inflict harm.)
- If you have gotten a ride from a friend, ask the driver to wait and until you are safely inside.
- Limit the amount of cash you carry.
- Be willing to give up your purse/wallet. If confronted, toss the purse/wallet away from you, giving you a chance to escape.
Safety Online
- Be careful when using computer internet or on-line services. Use caution in providing personal information. Being flooded with e-mail can be annoying; having a chat room participant show up at your door uninvited can be terrifying.
- Never agree to meet face-to-face with someone you met on-line by yourself and never in a private place.
- Don’t use your real name, or post your date of birth, address, home town, phone numbers, school information, class/sports schedules, etc. on internet sites.
- Never post provocative photographs on line and be careful what information you use in blogs. Remember a good rule of thumb: Don’t post anything online that you wouldn’t want your mom, pastor, or boss to see! Once on the internet, it lasts FOREVER!
- Make sure you know who people are before accepting them as “friends” on line.
- Never give out your password to anyone! Your best friend today may be your worst enemy next week.
- Report on-line harassment or threats to parents, teachers, and police.
- Be alert to identity theft. Do not give out personal or financial information to unsolicited emails or unsolicited phone calls. If you get an email saying there is a problem with your account, contact the company directly with numbers you have at home in your files. NEVER reply to these emails!
- Scams are very common online. You cannot win a lottery you did not enter, most reputable people do not overpay for items, and if someone asks you to wire money…don’t do it!
Alcohol and Drugs
- Do not use alcohol or drugs. Everyone knows that “hard core” drugs are illegal. However, using prescription drugs (not prescribed to you), synthetic drugs (like synthetic marijuana), and bath salts are all illegal and their use can cause death.
- More teens are killed by alcohol than all other illegal drug combined.
- It is illegal to even possess alcohol if you are under the age of 21.
- If you are under 21 and attempt to buy alcohol, you will lose your driver’s license for 90 days.
- Having an open bottle of alcohol in your car is illegal, no matter how old you are!
- Binge drinking is associated with higher risk-taking, such as drug abuse, sexual activity with multiple partners, fighting, and doing poorly in school.
- Fighting is considered disorderly conduct-a misdemeanor.
- The majority of sexual assaults and crimes on college campuses involve alcohol.
- If you are at a party where alcohol or drugs are involved, make sure to use the “buddy system.” Never leave an impaired friend alone.
- “No” means “No”! Being drunk does not excuse any unwanted sexual contact. A criminal sexual contact charge is a felony that can affect your entire life, especially if you are required to register as a predatory offender.
- Never drink and drive.
- It is illegal for anyone under 21 to have any amount of alcohol in their systems. If you are arrested for “Not a Drop”, your license will be suspended.
- Just by driving, you have consented to be tested for impaired driving. Refusal to do so is a misdemeanor and your license will be suspended for one year.
- 3,000 people under 21 are arrested for DWI each year. If you are involved in a crash, you can lose your license until you are 18! A DWI will stay on your record for life.
Safety Resources
| Texas Department of Criminal Justice | http://tdcj.state.tx.us/ |
| National Crime Prevention Council | http://www.ncpc.org |
| NetsSmartz | http://www.netsmartz.org |
| Stay Safe | http://www.staysafeonline.org |
| Street Drugs | http://www.streetdrugs.org |
| US Dept of Justice | http://www.cybercrime.gov |
Law Enforcement Resources
| Carrollton Police Department | http://cityofcarrollton.com/index.aspx?page=281 |
| Federal Trade Commission | http://www.ftc.gov |
| Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force | https://www.icactaskforce.org/Pages/Home.aspx |
| US Postal Inspector | https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov |
| US Secret Service | http://www.secretservice.gov/ |
Resources
Individual and Family Counseling
Counselors, social workers, or psychologists work with clients and their families in different ways to help them progress toward goals.
CCD/Family Tree Program
Farmers Branch, Dallas, & Lewisville
800-897-7068
Families may qualify for up to six free sessions if no current/open CPS case exists. Sliding scale payment may be available for those who qualify. Medicaid accepted. Bilingual available.
Child & Family Guidance Center
Dallas (Near Harry Hines and Regal Row)
214-351-3490
M-F 8-5, and Saturdays by appointment.=
Counseling, skills training, anger management classes, and divorce education classes at Harry Hines location. Bilingual available. Medicaid accepted, and sliding scale payment possible.
Las Colinas Counseling
Irving (Near MacArthur and Kinwest)
972-910-8388
Individual, couples, and family counseling. Private pay only. No bilingual available.
Metrocare at Midway
Addison (Near Midway and Keller Springs)
214-689-5196
Ages 5+ counseling, as well as skill streaming groups for substance use. Bilingual available. Medicaid and sliding scale payment accepted.
PCC Pastoral Counseling Center
Designated churches in Irving, Coppell, Carrollton
214-526-4525 (Main office in Dallas)
Services may include individual & group child & adolescent counseling, assessments for ADHD, & “For Kids’ Sake” divorce seminars for parents. Spanish and Chinese bilingual available. Northstar and sliding scale payment accepted.
Rapha Christian Counseling
Irving (Near Beltline and Gateway)
972-257-0449
Counseling and education for children, adolescents, and families, including play therapy and addiction counseling. No bilingual available, and no Medicaid accepted. Sliding scale payment upon request for those who qualify.=
Sigma Counseling
Carrollton (Near Josey and Country Club)
214-820-6222
Counseling, substance use treatment, probation programs, group counseling, and assessment/ evaluation. Medicaid accepted. One receptionist speaks Spanish. No bilingual counselors.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is intended to use children’s natural form of expression to help them prevent or resolve difficulties.
Center for Play Therapy UNT
Denton (Near Welch and Prairie)
940-565-3864
Individual & group play therapy, activity therapy, sandtray, & parent training and consultations. Counseling is typically provided by supervised graduate students. Bilingual available. Sliding scale payment accepted. No Medicaid accepted.
The Counseling Institute of Irving
(Near MacArthur and Walnut Hill)
972-550-8369
Individual counseling for children, teens, and adults, as well as play therapy, assessment, and reports. No bilingual available. Medicaid not accepted. Sliding scale for those who qualify.
Paws for Reflection Ranch
Midlothian (Near Montgomery and Joe Wilson)
972-775-8966
Play therapy for children ages 3-8. Animal-assisted therapy and equine therapy available. Sliding scale payment is possible. No bilingual available. Medicaid not accepted.
SMU Center for Family Counseling
Plano (Near Tennyson and Democracy)
972-473-3456
Talk and activity-based counseling for adolescents, play therapy for children as young as age two, family counseling, & parent education. Counseling is typically provided by supervised graduate students. Bilingual available. Sliding scale payment accepted. Medicaid not accepted.
Drug Treatment & Support
Treatment and support types vary according to individual needs.
Al-Anon Carrollton
Carrollton (Near Beltline and IH 35)
972-242-5267
Peer-led support group for families and friends of people who abuse alcohol. Not a counseling service. Evening and weekend meetings.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Carrollton
Carrollton (Near Beltline and IH 35)
972-242-5267
Peer-led support group for people who abuse alcohol. Not a counseling service. Meetings M-F and weekends.
Dallas Challenge Programs
Dallas (Near Tyler St. & Sunset Ave.)
214-942-5166
Outpatient substance abuse treatment for ages 13-17, drug testing, alcohol & drug education, individual and group family counseling, & home visits. They also have a truancy enforcement center at another location. Medicaid & sliding scale payment accepted. Bilingual available. Can make referrals to other resources, as well.
Drug Test Your Teen
Dallas (Near Josey and Dennis)
214-797-8378
Parent information and products for at-home drug testing. They do not participate in court-ordered drug testing.
Excel Center Lewisville
Lewisville (Near W. Main St. & N. Valley Pkwy.)
972-906-5522
Treatment for underlying or co-occurring mental health issues/diagnosis may address substance use concerns. Mental health services for adolescents ages 12-18. Some Medicaid plans accepted. No sliding scale or bilingual services.
Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse – Substance Abuse Helpline
Based in Dallas
214-522-8600
Matches callers’ needs with drug identification, education classes, treatment, & support groups.
Grupo Norte Alcóholicos Anónimos
Dallas (Near Harry Hines & Walnut Hill)
214-350-1157
Peer-led support group in Spanish for people who abuse alcohol. Not a counseling service.
Imagine Programs
Plano (Near Avenue K and E. Park Blvd.)
972-423-6007
Assessment, intensive outpatient counseling, and music/art therapy for adolescents with chemical dependency. Medicaid accepted and sliding scale payment available. Bilingual available.
Metrocare at Midway
Addison (Near Midway and Keller Springs)
214-689-5196
Skill streaming groups for substance use. Bilingual available. Medicaid and sliding scale accepted.
Narcotics Anonymous, CFB Group
Farmers Branch (Near Valley View & IH 35)
English 972-699-9306; Spanish 1-888-600-6229
Peer-led support group for people who abuse narcotics. Not a counseling service.
Nueva Vida (Al-Anon en español)
Dallas (Near Merrell and Monroe, off Harry Hines)
214-392-9378
Peer-led support group in Spanish for families and friends of people who abuse alcohol. Not a counseling service. Call for meeting times.
Seay Behavioral Health Hospital
Plano (Near Dallas N. Tollway & Parker)
972-981-8301
Ages 12-17 day program and outpatient services for substance abuse. No Medicaid accepted. Bilingual through translator line only.
Shoreline Treatment Centers
Taft (Near Corpus Christi)
800-628-3265
Closed (locked) residential chemical dependency treatment facility. Serves ages 13-17. No Medicaid, but may be able to take some CHIPS & Medicaid Superior plans. Bilingual available.
Sigma Counseling
Carrollton (Near Josey and Country Club)
214-820-6299
Counseling, substance use treatment, probation programs, & assessment/evaluation. Medicaid accepted. No bilingual counselors available.
Sundown Ranch
Canton (Near I 20 and Highway 19)
903-479-3933
Serves adolescents with chemical dependency and co-occurring mental health disorders. No Medicaid or sliding scale accepted. Some bilingual staff.
The Right Step- DFW
Euless (Near W. Euless Rd. and Westpark Way)
844-877-1786
Residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment. Assessment by phone 24/7. Some Medicaid plans accepted, call to verify. No sliding scale options. Bilingual available.
Waterford Academy
Flower Mound and Richardson locations
866-439-0355
Marijuana Intervention classes for adolescents and their parents, Thursdays 7-8pm. Can pay by the class. Free assessment and drug screening. Day program and outpatient services available.
Eating Disorders
Treatment and support types vary according to individual needs.
Children’s Health Medical Center Plano
Plano (Near Preston and Hedgcoxe)
214-456-8899
Inpatient and outpatient counseling and education programs, as well as medical care. Medicaid accepted. Bilingual available.
Overeaters Anonymous
Farmers Branch, Lewisville, Dallas, Plano
Download list for phone numbers, sites, and meeting times. Peer-led support group for people with compulsive eating. Not a counseling service.
Walker Wellness Clinic
Dallas (Near Preston and Churchill Way)
214-549-2901
Standard outpatient program includes individualized therapy and nutrition counseling. Programs may include life skills, family programs, and additional services. Weekend program available. No Medicaid, sliding scale, or bilingual.
ADD/ADHD Evaluations
Many pediatricians and family physicians perform ADD/ADHD evaluation. These centers also provide evaluation.
Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center
North Dallas (Near Preston and Campbell)
972-250-1700
ADHD assessment, coaching, counseling, and skills groups. Medicaid not accepted. One Spanish-speaking therapist. Sliding scale considered for counseling, but not for testing.
Metrocare Westside Family Center
S. Dallas (Near IH 30 and N. Westmoreland Rd.)
214-331-0107
Multiple services for early childhood mental health and disabilities. Medicaid accepted, and Metrocare plan available based on income. Bilingual available.
Pregnancy
Baylor Carrollton MOMS Program
Carrollton (Near Josey Ln. and E. Hebron Pkwy.)
972-512-7272
Pregnancy testing, medical referrals, and assistance with Medicaid application process. Bilingual available. Not a counseling service.
Psychiatric Assessment/Evaluation
If an individual is in danger of hurting himself/ herself or others, hospitals may require the individual to remain at the facility for further evaluation and/or treatment. Facilities may have procedures in place during assessment or intake, such as securing phones and personal items.
Baylor Medical Center at Carrollton
Carrollton (Near Josey and Cheyenne)
972-492-1010
For assessment, go to the emergency room. Staff will call the behavioral health mobile crisis team who will provide assessment. Staff may provide referrals to treatment facilities. Medicaid accepted. Translator line available.
Children’s Health Hospital Dallas
Dallas (Near IH 35 and Medical District Drive)
214-456-8899
For immediate assessment, go to the emergency room. Assessment may take 3-5 hours. Inpatient services are mostly for young children, but they do see few adolescents with rare disorders. Some Medicaid plans accepted. No sliding scale. Bilingual staff/interpreters available,
Hickory Trail Hospital
DeSoto (Near I 20 and N. Hampton Rd.)
972-298-7323
Assessment available 24/7 free of charge. Medicaid accepted. On-site treatment for many mental health conditions. Spanish bilingual translator line available. Bilingual staff at times.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital
Plano (Near Dallas N. Tollway & Parker Rd.)
972-981-8008
Call to arrange an appointment, walk in M-F 8am-5pm, or for immediate evaluation, go to the emergency room. Seay treatment center is near.
Medicaid accepted. Bilingual translator line used.
Crisis Hotlines
Phone numbers for crisis assistance and connections/referrals to resources.
ADAPT USA Mobile Crisis- Texas
866-260-8000 all hours, every day
Aimed at helping individuals resolve immediate mental health crises, it offers telephone and face-to-face services and connections to resources. Bilingual available.
Friends of the Family
800-572-4031 all hours, every day
Offers support and advocacy to people affected by rape, sexual abuse, and/or domestic violence. May be able to provide legal referrals and shelter. Spanish bilingual available.
Turning Point Rape Crisis
800-886-7273 all hours, every day
Offers immediate support and connections to law enforcement and medical personnel to people affected by sexual violence directly or indirectly. No bilingual staff members at this time.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255 all hours, every day
Connection by phone to a trained counselor at a crisis center. “Call if you feel you are in crisis whether or not you are thinking of killing yourself.” No bilingual available.
Support Groups
Some support groups may be peer-led, whereas others may be programs offered by professionals.
Betty Ford Five Star Kids Program
Irving/Las Colinas (Near Hwy 161 and Hwy 114)
972-751-0363
Support for children, usually ages 7-12, who love someone who is recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Call for available programming. No child is turned away for inability to pay. Some bilingual.
Grief and Loss Center- Sam’s Place
Dallas (Near Abrams and E. Mockingbird)
214-452-3105
Provides an opportunity for grieving children and teens to meet with peers. Groups and individual counseling for loss of loved one, including parental deportation or incarceration. Meet in age-appropriate groups with trained facilitators. Services are free of charge. Spanish and sign language available.
GriefWorks Children’s Grief Support
Dallas (Near Dallas Parkway and Harvest Hill)
972-960-9981
Free program for children ages 5-18 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Sliding scale payment available for counseling. Call to ask about bilingual services.
Single & Parenting
Meeting sites and times vary. Call for details.
800-395-5755
Seminars and support groups for single parents.
Youth First
Dallas (Near Dallas N. Tollway and Harry Hines)
214-879-0400
LGBTQ-focused youth program free of charge that addresses the challenges youth face with family and peers. Social clubs, support groups, event nights, and programs for youth; parent support groups. Some Spanish bilingual volunteers on some nights.
Shelters & Abuse
Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support
214-946-4357 Hotline answered 24/7
Dallas emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling center, case management, legal services, parenting classes, and domestic violence education. Bilingual available.
Irving Family Advocacy Center
Irving (Near O’Connor and Irving Blvd.)
972-721-6521
Responds to the needs of families and victims of crime, including domestic violence services. For families in Irving or victims of crimes which occurred in Irving. Bilingual available.
My Friend’s House Youth Shelter
972-424-4626 office number
24/7 housing and care in Plano for children ages newborn to 17 who have been through abuse, neglect, abandonment, or who have been removed from home by CPS or are awaiting foster placement. Siblings can stay together. Provides food, clothing, medical and dental care, counseling, and education. Programming available to assist runaway and homeless youth. Eight free family counseling sessions may be available to families, regardless of whether they are involved in shelter services, in order to try to prevent runaway and homeless situations. Transitional living program for ages 18-21. No bilingual available.
Mosaic Family Services
Dallas (N. Central Expressway at N. Fitzhugh)
214-821-5393; or 214-823-4434 crisis line 24/7
Counseling, shelter, advocacy, and legal representation for refugees, asylees, and international survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Case management for asylees to get health benefits. Life skills classes and youth substance abuse program available. Services available in several languages.
Promise House
214-941-8578; or 866-941-8578 answered 24/7
Dallas emergency shelter, transitional living, pregnant and parenting teen services, crisis intervention, and individual, group, and family counseling for runaway and at-risk youth. Spanish bilingual available.
The Family Place
214-941-1991 Hotline answered 24/7
Dallas emergency shelter, transitional housing, crisis counseling and play therapy, childcare with programming for traumatized children, legal aid, incest recovery program, and on-site K-2 school. Supervised child visitation/monitored exchange and batterer intervention and prevention program may be subject to fees. Bilingual available.
Report suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation at 800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org