Are you looking for mental health help in Texas? At LGBTQ and All, we have an extensive database of mental health care providers that can provide treatment options. Recently, we have verified a counselor based in Houston who offers technology-assisted therapy to clients in any part of Texas.
This article will provide some background, fun facts, LGBTQ+ information, and mental health stats about three cities in Texas: Houston, Odessa, and San Antonio.
Houston, Texas
LGBTQ+ Facts
Houston, Texas, has a thriving LGBTQ+ population and features the 4th largest Pride parade in the country, The Houston Gay Pride Parade. This celebration is the largest of its kind in Texas.
Another notable LGBTQ+ event in Houston is Houston Splash. This event is a black LGBTQ+ pride event that draws in a few thousand attendees each year in May. In addition, it is the oldest black LGBTQ+ pride event in Texas, the largest in the Gulf Coast Region, and features five days’ worth of activities celebrating the black LGBTQ+ community.
For nightlife in Houston, the Montrose district is where you can find LGBTQ+-friendly establishments and events.
Mental Health in Houston, Texas
Across the nation, 4.6% of adults (11.4 million) have severe mental health conditions, as reported in These mental illnesses are more prevalent among women than men. In addition, the approximate costs of severe mental illness reached $317 billion nationwide.
In Texas, specifically, this state comes in third for the prevalence of mental health issues. Also, this report indicates a lower number of mental health issues and substance use cases among Texas residents compared to other states.
In Texas, 16.3% of adults (3.3 million) are currently experiencing a mental health condition, compared to 18.6% nationwide. However, regarding youth having severe major depression, Texas ranked somewhere in the middle, with 9% of the younger population (211,000) reporting depression, which often occurs with issues like substance abuse and anxiety.
**Note: This article features language that uses gender dichotomously as that is what is indicated in the research, and it does not talk about any variability. We used the language in these statistics because the study reported this.
Top Features for Houston
Houston is a large metropolitan city found in Texas. It is known for the Space Center Houston, the visitor center at NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex. Other popular attractions include the Theater District, where people can attend the Houston Grand Opera. In addition, there is the Historic District, which features 19th-century architecture and world-class restaurants.
Facts
- Houston is known for having one of the best culinary scenes in the nation.
- It is the fourth most populated city in the United States.
- There are more than 145 languages spoken in Houston.
- The first traditional Hindu Mandir in the country was constructed in Houston.
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are one of the biggest rodeos worldwide.
History/Data
In 1837, The City of Houston was settled once Augustus and John Allen had acquired land. They then established a town at the convergence of Buffalo and White Oak Bayous in 1836. In addition, Houston was the temporary capital of the Republic of Texas, with the city being developed as a regional transportation and commercial destination.
Houston is the most populous city in Texas, with an estimated population of 2.3 million in 2021.
Odessa
LGBTQ+ Facts
Unfortunately, there is a lack of LGBTQ+ resources in Odessa. However, the community is recognizing the need for these resources. For example, newlyweds Bryan and Clint Wilson recognized this gap and moved to Permian Basin from Fort Lauderdale in 2020. They did this so they could open Pride Center West Texas.
In addition to this group, other notable organizations are PFLAG, West Texas Pride, and Out in West Texas.
Odessa’s first Pride Festival started in 2019, along with PFLAG.
Mental Health in Odessa
4.6% of adults (11.4 million) in the United States have serious mental health issues, according to recent reports. In addition, these mental health issues are more common in women than men.
Texas comes in third for the nation’s prevalence of mental health issues. This report also indicates fewer mental health conditions and substance use disorders among Texas residents compared to other states.
In Texas, 16.3% of adults (3.3 million) have a mental health condition, compared to 18.6% in the U.S. However, Texas ranked in the middle for youth with severe major depression, with 9% of the youth population (211,000) experiencing depression.
Top Features for Odessa, Texas
Odessa is a city located in western Texas. One memorable thing you can find in Odessa is Jack Ben Rabbit, an 8-foot-tall statue of a jackrabbit. In addition, 37 Jamboree Jackrabbits surround the city. One popular destination is The Presidential Archives and Leadership Library, which displays presidential memorabilia. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin’s Stonehenge is also a replica of the famous site. Many visitors and locals also enjoy the Odessa Meteor Crater.
Facts
- Odessa was initially founded in 1881 as a water stop and cattle shipping point located on the Texas and Pacific Railway.
- In 1885, Odessa opened its first post office.
- When Ector County was first organized, Odessa became the county seat.
- The town of Odessa was a big inspiration for the acclaimed NBC series Friday Night Lights.
- Roy Orbison’s wife, Claudette, who the song was named after, hailed from Odessa, Texas.
- The Gatlin Brothers grew up in Odessa, Texas, and graduated from Odessa High.
History/Data
In Odessa, there was a further settlement due to Jay Gould’s Texas and Pacific Railroad Company reaching the survey in 1881. In 1886, when the population was only sixty residents, the Texas and Pacific transferred the acreage to John Hoge of Ohio. As a result, the Odessa Land and Townsite Company was created.
In 2021, the population of Odessa was 174,749 residents.
San Antonio
LGBTQ+ Facts
San Antonio, Texas, is a progressive hub with a visible and active queer community. Many people in San Antonio accept it, but LGBTQ+ culture and inclusiveness have a long way to go.
However, a gaybourhood known as “The Strip” is located north of the Downtown in Tobin Hill. In addition, there are areas like the Southtown Arts District, where creatives display their works and attract LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.
Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas
In the United States, 4.6% of adults (11.4 million) across the country suffer from various mental health conditions. These mental health issues are more common in women than men.
Texas, in particular, is third regarding mental health issues. Also, this survey determined fewer mental health issues and substance use disorders for Texas residents than in other states.
In Texas, about 16.3% of adults (3.3 million) have a mental health condition, whereas 18.6% of adults experience mental health issues in the U.S. However, the numbers are better for young people with severe major depression. For example, Texas ranked somewhere in the middle of the list, with 9% of the youth (211,000) experiencing depression, which can come with issues like substance abuse and anxiety.
Top Features for San Antonio
San Antonio is a big city in south-central Texas with a diverse heritage. One of its most famous sites is The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission now preserved as a museum. This attraction displays the infamous 1836 battle for Texas to become independent from Mexico. Another top feature in San Antonio is the River Walk, a long route following the San Antonio River, which features a pedestrian promenade full of cafes and shops. In addition, many people enjoy visiting HemisFair Park’s 750-ft. Tower of the Americas, which looks over the entire city.
Facts
- San Antonio is the most visited city in all of Texas.
- The first Church’s Chicken opened in San Antonio.
- San Antonio contains the nation’s second-oldest park, San Pedro Springs Park.
- The San Antonio Zoo is the third largest zoo in the country.
- The Alamo is the most visited tourist attraction in Texas.
History/Data
San Antonio was officially founded on May 1, 1718. This settlement occurred when a Spanish expedition from Mexico created the Mission San Antonio de Valero. Then this mission was later referred to as the Alamo (in Spanish, translating to “cottonwood”). It was one of five regional missions founded and named after St. Anthony of Padua.
In 2021, San Antonio’s population was estimated at 2,368,207 people.
