24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
A shift in mood can come from stress, depression, anxiety, substances, medications — or a medical problem. Most mood changes don’t need an ER. But if safety is a concern, it’s an emergency.
Call 911 or go to the ER immediately if you or your loved one:
Talks about suicide, wanting to die, or feels unable to stay safe
Has intent to self-harm, has already self-harmed, or is making preparations (giving things away, saying goodbye, researching ways to die)
Threatens or intends to harm someone else
Is seeing/hearing things that aren’t there, extremely paranoid, severely disorganized, or not in touch with reality (possible psychosis)
Has extreme agitation, panic, or mood swings that are unsafe, violent, or out of control
Is confused, not acting like themselves, or the mood change follows a head injury, overdose, or sudden medical symptoms
If there’s immediate danger, call 911. If there’s a mental health or substance-use crisis and you need urgent support, you can also call/text 988 (24/7).
Get same-week help (doctor, therapist, or urgent evaluation) if mood changes:
Last 2+ weeks with persistent sadness, anxiety, or loss of interest in daily life
Include major sleep/appetite changes, frequent panic, or you can’t function at work/school/home
Come with increased alcohol/drug use or stopping substances and feeling worse
Are new/worsening in teens, or include risky behavior, rage, or withdrawal from everyone
Happen during pregnancy or postpartum (especially with severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or inability to sleep)
If you’re unsure where to start, 988 can help you decide what to do next and connect you to local support.
When mood changes usually do not require an ER
Most mood shifts — even painful ones — are best handled through primary care and mental health care (therapy, medication management, and supportive follow-up). The ER isn’t the best place for long-term treatment — it’s for immediate safety and urgent medical stabilization.
When mood changes can signal a medical problem
Sometimes “mood” symptoms are driven by the body (medication side effects, intoxication/withdrawal, infection, dehydration, sleep deprivation, hormonal or metabolic problems, head injury). If the change is sudden, severe, or very out of character, it’s reasonable to seek urgent evaluation.
What Post Oak ER can do (Houston)
If you come in for an emergency mood change, Post Oak ER can:
Perform a rapid safety assessment and medical evaluation
Check vital signs and screen for medical contributors (when clinically appropriate)
Provide stabilization and supportive care
Help determine the safest next level of care, including arranging higher-level behavioral health support if needed
If you feel unsafe right now: call 911 or text/call 988.
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.