Mental Health in Arkansas

11 verified resources.

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 Arkansas

Arkansas circuit courts hear family law matters in all 75 counties, with the Office of Child Support Enforcement under the Department of Finance and Administration. Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville are the largest metros. Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services provide free civil representation to eligible fathers statewide.

11 Resources

1. NAMI Arkansas — Free

State affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offering free education, peer-led support groups, and advocacy for Arkansans living with mental illness and their families. Fathers can call the Little Rock office for group schedules, family-to-family classes, and local resource referrals. Groups meet in person and online, and staff can suggest crisis lines and clinicians when immediate care is needed.

501-661-1548 · 1012 Autumn Rd #1, Little Rock, AR 72211 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Ozark Guidance – NW Arkansas — Paid

Community mental health provider serving northwest Arkansas with outpatient counseling, psychiatry, substance use treatment, and crisis services for adults, youth, and families. Fathers in Washington and Benton counties can call the Springdale intake line to schedule an assessment. Bring photo ID, insurance card or Medicaid information, a medication list, and contact details for any current or past providers.

479-750-2020 · 2400 S 48th St, Springdale, AR 72762 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Arkansas — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support staffed by trained counselors for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis. Arkansas fathers in any county can call or text 988 from any phone and be connected to a local or national crisis center. Counselors can also coordinate with mobile crisis teams and local providers for follow-up care when needed.

988 · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Arkansas Crisis Center — Free

Statewide 24/7 crisis line staffed by trained volunteers offering confidential support for mental health emergencies, suicidal thoughts, and emotional distress. Fathers anywhere in Arkansas can call anytime to talk through a crisis, safety plan, or get referred to local counseling, shelter, or inpatient care. All calls are free and private, and callers do not need insurance to use the line.

888-274-7472 · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Southwest Arkansas Counseling & MH Center — Paid

Community behavioral health provider serving Miller, Hempstead, and surrounding counties with outpatient therapy, psychiatry, case management, and crisis services for adults and children. Fathers in the Texarkana area can call the clinic to schedule an intake assessment. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, a list of current medications, and records or contact info for prior mental health care.

870-773-4655 · 2904 E St, Texarkana, AR 71854 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Western Arkansas Counseling Center — Paid

Regional community mental health center covering the Fort Smith area with outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, children's programs, and crisis response. Fathers in Sebastian County and nearby can call to schedule an assessment during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, a list of current medications, and any past treatment records to help the clinician plan care.

479-452-6650 · 3111 S 70th St, Fort Smith, AR 72903 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Birch Tree Communities – Little Rock — Paid

Provides residential and outpatient mental health services for adults with serious mental illness, including supported housing, psychiatric rehabilitation, and community support teams. Fathers in central Arkansas can call the Little Rock office to ask about intake, referrals, and current program openings. Have insurance or Medicaid information, prior provider names, and a summary of treatment history ready.

501-978-5589 · Little Rock, AR 72205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Families Inc. – NW Arkansas Counseling — Paid

Outpatient counseling practice in Bentonville offering individual, family, and child therapy along with psychiatric services across northwest Arkansas. Fathers can call to schedule an intake for themselves, their kids, or the whole family. Most insurance plans and Medicaid are accepted, so have insurance details, a medication list, and any prior provider contact info ready when setting up the first visit.

479-521-9612 · 615 SW 14th St, Bentonville, AR 72712 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Rivendell Behavioral Health – Benton — Paid

Private psychiatric hospital in Benton providing inpatient and outpatient mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults, including crisis stabilization and substance use treatment. Fathers can call 24/7 to request a no-cost assessment for themselves or a family member. Bring photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications, and any prior discharge paperwork to help the intake team.

501-316-1255 · 100 Rivendell Dr, Benton, AR 72019 · 24/7 admissions · Visit Website

10. Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare — Paid

Youth-focused psychiatric hospital in Little Rock offering inpatient, residential, and outpatient behavioral health care for children and teens, including acute crisis stabilization. Fathers concerned about a child's safety can call 24/7 to request a free assessment. Bring photo ID, the child's insurance or Medicaid card, a medication list, and any school, therapy, or prior hospital records to intake.

501-223-3322 · 11501 Financial Centre Pkwy, Little Rock, AR 72211 · 24/7 admissions · Visit Website

11. Centers for Youth & Families – Mental Health — Paid

Central Arkansas nonprofit providing counseling, psychiatric care, and behavioral health programs for children, teens, and families, including trauma-informed services. Fathers in the Little Rock area can call to schedule an intake for individual or family therapy. Most insurance and Medicaid are accepted, so have insurance details, a medication list, and contact info for past providers ready at intake.

501-666-8686 · 6501 W 12th St, Little Rock, AR 72204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

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.