wellness
Local Free Mental Health Services and How to Access Them
Lubbock residents can reach no-cost counseling and stress management programs at established sites without insurance or referrals in many cases.
How we reported this
Lubbock residents facing stress can access free mental health services at two main locations that expanded intake hours in January 2026.
Calls to local crisis lines rose 18 percent between 2024 and 2025, according to Lubbock County records, as more people sought help for work pressure and daily routines near Texas Tech University.
StarCare on 19th Street
StarCare Specialty Health System at 1950 19th Street provides walk-in screenings on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site sits two blocks west of the Lubbock County Courthouse and offers up to six free sessions focused on breathing techniques and short-term coping plans.
Staff direct visitors to group meetings held in the same building on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. No appointment is required for the first visit, though callers can reserve a slot by dialing the main line at 806-740-8300.
County health department options
The Lubbock County Health Department runs a second free program from its office at 904 Broadway, three blocks south of the downtown post office. Participants receive stress management toolkits that include printed guides and access to weekly phone check-ins lasting 20 minutes each.
Data from the department shows 420 people used these services in the first quarter of 2026, with most living in the Tech Terrace and Arnett Benson neighborhoods. Sessions remain open to anyone over 18, and materials are available in English and Spanish.
Residents can start by calling 211 from any Lubbock phone to confirm current hours and confirm eligibility before heading to either address. Those who prefer in-person steps should bring a photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early to complete a short form at the front desk.