Useful Free or Low-Cost Community Resources in/near Houston
For families whose insurance coverage is limited, or who are on Medicaid, these free/low-cost services can fill gaps — especially for early intervention, mental health, or social supports.
Family support, early childhood & parenting resources
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Healthy Families Houston — A free, evidence-based home visitation program offered by the local health department. It supports parents (especially first-time parents) and young children to strengthen family bonds, support healthy child development, and connect families to needed community resources. Houston Health Department
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Texas Home Visiting / HOPES (and other similar programs under the broader state “Family Support Services” umbrella) — These programs offer free services to families with young children (birth to 5) including parenting education, early support, and home-visiting services. Family Support Services
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ParentingHelp.org — A statewide resource (services accessible to Texas families) that links to free parenting supports, including home-visiting, positive-parenting training, and programs aimed at helping families build healthy, supportive home environments. Parenting Help
Early intervention & pediatric support for developmental needs
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD — Early Childhood Intervention (ECI):
Offers early intervention services (often at little-to-no cost, depending on income and insurance) for children with developmental delays or disabilities. Services may include therapy (sometimes similar to occupational therapy), developmental
assessments, parenting support, and more. Many families pay little or nothing, and the program accepts Medicaid, CHIP, and most insurance carriers.
Harris County Resources for Children and Adults (HCRCA):
This county-level agency offers free prevention and early-intervention services, youth & family support services, programs for at-risk youth, integrated health services, and support for children involved with protective services. Families with limited means — or those who need support beyond what a private OT practice might offer — could find helpful wraparound services.