The Montrose Center is an LGBTQ community center located in Houston, Texas, in the United States. The organization provides an array of programs and services for the LGBTQ community, including mental and behavioral health, anti-violence services, support groups, specialized services for youth, seniors, and those living with HIV, community meeting space, and it now operates the nation’s largest LGBTQ-affirming, affordable, senior living center in the nation, the Law Harrington Senior Living Center. It is a member of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. It is in Neartown (Montrose).

Services & Programs

From housing to health services and more, the Montrose Center is here for you.

The Montrose Center envisions a society in which all LGBTQ+ individuals have the opportunity and the resources they need to realize their full potential. Our team of state-licensed clinicians, masters-level therapists, skilled educators, support staff and dedicated volunteers work together to create healthier futures for our community. We hope you view the Montrose Center as a safe space to grow, learn, and be well.

• Anti-Violence Program Anti-Violence Program
• Case Management Case Management
• Counseling Counseling
• Gender Affirming Services Gender Affirming Services
• Youth Programs Youth Programs
• HIV Services HIV Services
• Housing Assistance Housing Assistance
• Seniors Seniors
• Substance Use Recovery Substance Use Recovery

• About
• Contact Us
• Employment Opportunities
• Get Involved
• Annual Reports & Financial Statements
• Privacy Policies & Disclosures
• Employee Resources

Anti-Violence Program

Services & Programs»Anti-Violence Program

Working to increase access to mental health and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner abuse and sexual assault.

The Anti-Violence program targets and has expertise in serving LGBTQ survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking; as well as all survivors of hate crimes regardless of sexual orientation. The Center does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, ethnicity, creed, national origin, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental ability, religious practice or preference, HIV status, chemical dependency status, marital status, or pregnancy.

Inside Anti-Violence

LGBT Switchboard Houston

Lesbian. Gay. Bisexual. Transgender. We’re answering the call …with no “hang-ups!” The Switchboard is a dedicated 24-hour crisis hotline for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors answered 24 hours a day, […] More »

You are a survivor. Being the target of violence can make you feel like you lost something, maybe even a part of yourself. When you leave a violent home, you may lose a lot, including your home, your family, belongings, and financial stability. We are here to help you regain what you’ve lost, and more importantly, to help you rebuild a life that is safer and more independent.

Survivor Support Services

Crisis Help

The LGBT Switchboard of Houston 713-529-3211 provides crisis counseling and intervention around the clock, even on holidays. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.  (Texas residents only, please.) If you are in immediate physical danger, please call 911. If you are suffering an emotional or domestic crisis, experienced a stranger or non-stranger sexual assault, our trained volunteers and staff are here to listen “with no hang-ups,” and provide you with information and resources that to help you make a change when you’re ready.

Help is available via the 24 hour hotline, walk-in during normal business hours or advocacy with police, medical, prosecutor or court appointments. We can provide an immediate supportive response in order to reduce acute distress, begin stabilization and assist in determining next steps. If you are being abused by a partner, and are transgender or in a same-sex relationship, we can help you find safe shelter (see below).

Advocacy

A violent crime can turn your world upside down. Our trained specialists can help you identify and prioritize your needs, and connect you with helpful resources that you may not be aware of. Additionally, we can inform you of your rights under the law, and can provide referrals for legal consultation and representation when you are ready. If you are under continued threat of violence, we will help you create a safety plan with housing options and legal/law enforcement protections.

Accompaniment

You don’t have to do this alone. Volunteers and staff will accompany you to file a police report, to the hospital for a SANE exam, and to any legal and court appointments. We are here for you.

Counseling

Chronic and/or post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression are common conditions among violence survivors. They can disrupt your job, education, relationships and in some cases be quite debilitating. Our specially-trained licensed master-level therapists can work with you in individual and group* settings to work through and ultimately overcome these symptoms.

*Admittance to group therapy is based upon results of initial intake and assessment.

Compensation

If you are a survivor or an immediate family member/dependent, you may be eligible for Crime Victims Compensation under state and federal laws as well as other benefits to cover loss of earnings, medical, counseling, transportation and other costs. We can help you gather the necessary documentation and guide you through the process.

Education

The Center can provides public education to your group, school, church or business to increase your knowledge of dynamics of sexual violence, causes and consequences and services available.

Emergency Shelter

The Center has very limited private funds for short-term shelter. If you are in an abusive relationship living with your abuser, the Center may be able to help you find emergency shelter, as well as assist with rapid rehousing. Please call the LGBT Switchboard of Houston at 713-529-3211 for information. If you are in immediate physical danger, please call 911.

View our Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Data Use and Disclosure policy here.

Counseling

Services & Programs»Counseling

Because LIFE happens… the Montrose Center is here for you.

The Montrose Center’s LIFE (Living Insightfully for Empowerment) Counseling Program offers professional individual, couples/family and group counseling by licensed master level therapists*, allowing you to explore behavioral and emotional issues, problems and conditions without fear of encountering prejudice, fear, ignorance, homophobia, transphobia or heterosexism.

Our clinicians represent a broad variety of modalities, techniques and expertise, and are passionate about social justice for the LGBTQ+ community and issues that affect us specifically. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you each step of the way to identify issues and help you reach your treatment goals.

Inside Counseling

Group Therapy

A welcoming space where you can learn, share and grow with a like-minded community. Group therapy can help you feel less alone, develop new coping skills, and empower you to […] More »

Individual & Family Counseling

Our team of qualified therapists are here to help The Montrose Center offers professional individual and couples/family counseling by licensed master level therapists* who specialize in treating substance use disorders […] More »

Issues for counseling may include:

Do I have to be LGBTQ to access counseling services?

*You also may be eligible to see a qualified clinical student intern as a lower cost option. All interns are master’s-level students in accredited Social Work, Professional Counseling or Counseling Psychology programs and are supervised by licensed therapists.

No. Services are available to all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Why choose the Montrose Center?

Trust and honesty are the basis of any therapeutic relationship.  We understand that your issues or therapy goals may or may not relate directly to sexual orientation or gender identity. Still, you shouldn’t have to avoid discussing your way of life, relationships and family, or spend valuable therapy time explaining LGBTQ issues, just because your therapist is unfamiliar with them.

How much does it cost?

We work with what you have. The Center accepts most insurance, including Medicare/Medicaid. Discounted fees are offered if you have no insurance and/or limited means. You may also qualify for grant subsidies to cover all or a portion of fees and co-payments based on your income. The bottom line is this: Cost does not have to be a barrier to getting the care you need!  Talk to us before making that decision.
Read more about our fees »

Is there a waiting list?

There are times when the demand for counseling exceeds the availability of qualified therapists. This may delay you getting started.  You may be offered the opportunity to see a qualified student intern for a maximum of twelve (12) sessions. This service is based on the availability of counseling interns, fees are determined on a sliding scale, and taking advantage of it will not affect your place on the waiting list.

Ready to become a client?

All of our intake forms are available for download, and you can even submit them through the website! Click the button below to start the eligibility process. Questions? Feel free to email clientsupport@montrosecenter.org or call (713) 529-0037.

Become a Client

We are open 7 days a week whenever there is a scheduled event taking place. The Center is located in the heart of Houston’s historic Montrose neighborhood at 401 Branard Street.

Weekend & Evening Visitors: Please call the LGBT Switchboard at 713-529-0037  for help and information.

Our Community Center is a self-serve facility. From reservations and payment systems to a “Leave No Trace” clean up policy, we are able to keep rental costs very affordable, with a priority on offering the LGBTQ community a place to socialize, organize, create, worship, practice health and wellness activities and so much more!

Features:

• 6,800 square feet of meeting space – including small and mid-size conference rooms, and a 4,019 square foot event hall
• common kitchenette with sink, temporary storage cabinets, commercial refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and ice machine
• men’s, women’s multi-stall restrooms as well as two non-gender specific single-stall private restrooms
• plenty of seating and tables
• WiFi access
• free on-site parking for up to 120 vehicles, with designated disabled spaces and ample adjacent street parking
• elevator and stair access

Parking

Guests should not block parking spaces marked as handicap or use these spaces without a handicap parking permit. Guests are not allowed to park anywhere outside of designated parking spaces except where emergency and/or maintenance vehicles must do so in order to gain access to the building. This includes parking in the hashed sections next to handicap spaces or blocking handicap ramps. Cars that are found parked this way may be towed.

Community Organizations at the Montrose Center

The Center is home to these organizations and programs:
Hatch Youth – a program of the Montrose Center
HASO (Houston Area Service Organization)
LHI Houston
PFLAG Houston

Office Spaces: The Center also has office space available for long-term leasing. For information about leasing and availability, please call 713.529.0037.