Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) - Behavioral Health

Mental Health · Arizona · Free

Arizona's Medicaid agency overseeing behavioral health services for AHCCCS members through Regional Behavioral Health Authorities and contracted health plans across the state. Covers outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, medication, crisis intervention, and inpatient stabilization. Members can self-refer or be referred by a primary care provider. Bring AHCCCS ID card, photo ID, and medication list to initial behavioral health intake.

Contact & Details

Address: 801 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Phone: 602-417-4000

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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About Mental Health for Fathers

Mental health services in the US range from free crisis lines and public community mental health centers to private therapy and inpatient care. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline operates 24/7 nationwide and is free and confidential. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) connects callers with local treatment resources for mental health and substance use. Community Mental Health Centers exist in every state and serve people regardless of ability to pay, usually on sliding-scale fees. Medicaid covers mental health care in all states, and the ACA requires insurance plans to cover mental health at parity with medical care. Fathers are particularly at risk for undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and substance issues around separation and custody disputes — this directory surfaces crisis lines, low-cost therapy, support groups specifically for men, and state mental health authorities.

Mental Health in Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

More Mental Health in Arizona

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Arizona) — Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or mental health emergencies. Arizona
  • Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in Arizona for free, confidential crisis counseling by text message. Trained volunteer crisis counselors r
  • NAMI Arizona — Statewide affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness providing free peer-led support groups, Family-to-Family and Basics education
  • NAMI Southern Arizona (Tucson) — Local NAMI affiliate serving Tucson and Pima County with free peer-led support groups, Family-to-Family and Basics education classes, helpli
  • SAMHSA National Helpline — Free, confidential 24/7 federal helpline for mental health and substance use disorder treatment referrals. Trained information specialists r
  • Solari Crisis & Human Services — Arizona's primary statewide crisis line provider offering 24/7 telephone crisis intervention, mobile crisis team dispatch for in-person stab

Mental Health — Common Questions

I'm in crisis right now — who do I call?
Dial or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7 nationwide. Veterans press 1. For non-crisis mental health support, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
How do I find a therapist I can afford?
Community Mental Health Centers (every state has them) charge on sliding-scale based on income. Medicaid covers therapy in all states. Private insurance must cover mental health at parity with medical care. Psychology Today's therapist finder lets you filter by insurance. Open Path Collective offers
0–$80 sessions.
Can therapy hurt my custody case?
Almost always no — judges view voluntarily-sought mental health treatment as responsible parenting. Therapists must keep sessions confidential (with narrow exceptions: child abuse disclosure, imminent self-harm). Court-ordered evaluations are different from voluntary therapy.
Is there support specifically for men?
Yes. Face It Foundation, HeadsUpGuys, Men's Sheds, and Man Therapy run men-focused programs. Many community mental health centers run men-only groups. Fatherhood programs often include peer support as part of their model.