Mental Health for Commercial Fishermen in Texas
Boat captains, crew, independent fishermen. This page combines the culture-specific resources for your profession with Texas-specific insurance and therapist options.
Why this combination matters
Highest fatality rate of any US occupation. High isolation + financial volatility + masculine culture = high depression + drinking rates. In Texas, the partial mental health parity enforcement, un-expanded Medicaid, and local provider density shape what's actually accessible — which is why generic 'find a therapist' advice so often fails men in your profession.
National resources for fishermen
Profession-specific support that works in every state:
Texas-specific resources
These Texas organizations know both fishermen culture AND Texas's insurance landscape:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Texas routing)
All 988 calls route to local Texas centers. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Texas state crisis / behavioral health resources
Texas Medicaid STAR. No expansion leaves large gap. Strong state crisis lines.
Veterans Crisis Line (988 Press 1)
Relevant for many of your peers even if you're not a veteran.
Texas insurance realities
For fishermen in Texas: USCG licensure has physical/mental fitness standards; work with your maritime medical examiner, not primary care, on documentation.
Texas parity: Partial parity — federal law applies but state enforcement weaker · Medicaid: Medicaid NOT expanded — coverage gap for many working adults
Free tool
Not sure what's going on?
The PHQ-9 is the depression screener your doctor uses. Private. Printable for your appointment.
Take the PHQ-9 →