Founded in 1985 by a dedicated group of Galveston physicians, Teen Health Center, Inc. began with a simple but powerful mission: remove the barriers that keep young people from getting the care they deserve.

With an all-volunteer team and a deep belief in the potential of Galveston’s youth, our first clinic opened its doors in 1986 across the street from Ball High School. What started as a small, hopeful effort quickly grew. By August 1991, the clinic moved inside Ball High, allowing students to access care right where they learned—and that same year, we welcomed our very first salaried nurse practitioner.

Our expansion continued in 1992 with the opening of a second clinic at Central Middle School, staffed by its own full-time nurse practitioner. Each step in our history reflects the same commitment we hold today: meeting young people where they are, removing obstacles, and making compassionate, high-quality care part of their everyday lives.

Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, and our commitment to removing every barrier to care, nearly all services at Teen Health Center, Inc. are completely free. We do not accept insurance, Medicaid, or payment for services. The only cost a student may ever encounter is a $5 participation physical, kept intentionally low so no one is left out.

This model reflects who we are at our core: a place where every child and teen is welcomed, cared for, and supported… simply because they deserve nothing less.

GISD staff are welcome at Teen Health, too! For just $25, staff can take care of many of their healthcare needs during their planning period.

Teen Health Center employs highly qualified providers who are trained in effective, evidence-based practices.

Our staff includes:

  • Pediatrician

  • Physician Assistants

  • Licensed Master's-Level Therapists

  • Psychologist

  • Contracted Psychiatrists

Our Providers

Board of Directors

The Teen Health Center, Inc. Board of Directors is made up of community leaders who are dedicated to ensuring the organization's long-term viability. Their role is to adopt sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as to make sure the Teen Health Center, Inc. has adequate resources to advance its mission.

  • Taylor Adams, LCSW

    Board President

    Owner, Healing in Motion Therapy

  • Samantha Malchar, LSSP

    Board Treasurer

    Parent, Former School Psychologist

  • Rebecca Castro, LCSW

    Board Secretary

    Manager of Social Work at UTMB Health

  • Sue Johnson

    Board Member

    Founder and Director, Nia Cultural Center

  • Paulina Molina

    Board Member

    Vice President, Hometown Bank

  • Leon Philips

    Board Member

    Owner, FatCat Entertainment

  • Janet Zaborowski, LPC, LCDC

    Board Member

    Owner, Return Mindfully Therapy

 

Donations

Please consider making a donation to the Teen Health Center, Inc. to support our efforts to offer free medical and mental health care to Galveston youth. Click the "Donate" button below to make a donation via PayPal's secure service. Tax-deductible donations are also gratefully accepted at any clinic or by mail at the address listed below.

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