14 verified resources.
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.
California handles custody in superior courts across all 58 counties. The Department of Child Support Services runs enforcement through local child support agencies (LCSAs) in every county. Los Angeles County operates the largest family court system in the US. Major metros include LA, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento. LA County's LAFLA, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego are the largest legal aid programs.
National crisis line for suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, or substance use emergencies. Calls are routed to the nearest local crisis center staffed by trained counselors. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish with translation services in other languages. Dial 988 from any phone — no area code needed. Free, confidential, and available to anyone in crisis. Chat online at 988lifeline.org if you prefer not to call.
988 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website
Free, confidential crisis counseling via text message available 24/7. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for anxiety, depression, substance use, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. Responses within minutes. No phone call required — ideal for dads who prefer text or are in a situation where calling isn't possible. Available in English and Spanish. All conversations are confidential.
Text HOME to 741741 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website
24/7 entry point for all mental health services in LA County. Crisis evaluation, inpatient referrals, outpatient program placement, and evening emotional support line. Call 1-800-854-7771 anytime. Bilingual Spanish services available. Serves as the single access point for the entire LA County public mental health system — from crisis stabilization to long-term outpatient care.
1-800-854-7771 · Serving all of Los Angeles County · 24/7 crisis; emotional support 9am-9pm · Visit Website
Gateway to mental health and substance use services for San Francisco residents. 24/7 phone access line at (888) 246-3333 plus walk-in Access Center on Howard Street open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm. Connects callers to crisis support, outpatient therapy, residential treatment, psychiatric services, and peer support. Free or sliding-scale fees based on Medi-Cal eligibility. All SF residents may call regardless of insurance status.
(888) 246-3333 · 1380 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 · Phone 24/7; Walk-in Mon-Fri 8-4:30 · Visit Website
California NAMI state affiliate with 60+ local chapters statewide. Free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education courses, and crisis navigation resources. State helpline at (916) 567-0163 connects callers to the nearest local chapter for in-person support. NAMI programs are led by trained peer specialists with lived mental health experience. Find your local chapter and meeting schedule at namica.org.
(916) 567-0163 · 1851 Heritage Lane, Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95815 · Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website
Largest NAMI affiliate in California serving approximately 70% of LA County across six chapters. Free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education programs, and the Connect with Hope Warmline for non-crisis emotional support. Call (213) 386-3615 or email info@namiglac.org. Meetings held at community sites throughout LA County. Men's-focused groups available. Find schedules and locations at namiglac.org.
(213) 386-3615 · 515 S. Flower St, Suite 1963, Los Angeles, CA 90071 · Mon-Fri, call for hours · Visit Website
Free mental health education, support, and advocacy for San Diego and Imperial Counties. Peer Warmline operates 7 evenings a week from 3:30-11pm for non-crisis emotional support. Free support groups for individuals and families. Call (858) 634-6580 or email info@namisandiego.org. Helpline staffed Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Family-to-Family courses, NAMI Basics, and provider education programs available throughout the year.
(858) 634-6580 · 5095 Murphy Canyon Rd, Suite 320, San Diego, CA 92123 · Helpline Mon-Fri 9-5; Warmline 3:30-11pm daily · Visit Website
Peer-led mental health support groups, family education programs, and a weekday helpline for the greater Sacramento region. Call (916) 890-5467 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or email info@namisacramento.org. Free NAMI Peer-to-Peer recovery classes, Family-to-Family courses, and In Our Own Voice presentations available. Support groups meet at community locations throughout Sacramento County. All programs are free and peer-led.
(916) 890-5467 · 7230 S. Land Park Drive, Suite 115, Sacramento, CA 95831 · Helpline Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website
California's official statewide mental health stigma-reduction campaign funded by the Mental Health Services Act. Offers free toolkits, outreach resources, personal stories, and a searchable directory of mental health programs across the state. Available at eachmindmatters.org. Resources are available in multiple languages. Helps individuals find culturally appropriate mental health services and reduce barriers to seeking help.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Nonprofit connecting individuals with affordable therapy at $40-$70 per session from 2,000+ California licensed therapists. Many specialize in men's issues, divorce, co-parenting stress, and fatherhood challenges. One-time $65 lifetime membership fee to access the network. Search by specialty, insurance, location, and telehealth availability at openpathcollective.org. A practical option for uninsured or underinsured fathers.
Directory 24/7 · Visit Website
Search licensed therapists specializing in men's issues across all California metro areas and counties. Filter results by insurance accepted, sliding-scale fees, telehealth availability, language, and proximity. Profiles include therapist background, treatment approaches, and specialties. Free to search at psychologytoday.com — therapists pay to be listed. A useful starting point for fathers seeking affordable, culturally competent therapy.
Directory 24/7 · Visit Website
24/7 mental health crisis and referral line for San Diego County. Connects callers to county-funded mental health and substance use services including crisis stabilization, outpatient therapy, residential treatment, and peer support programs. Call (888) 724-7240 from anywhere in San Diego County. Free screening and placement. Serves uninsured, Medi-Cal, and some private insurance. Language assistance available.
(888) 724-7240 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website
Major nonprofit providing mental health, substance abuse, and crisis services across LA and Orange counties. Operates the LA County Suicide Prevention Center hotline 24/7. Sliding-scale fees based on income. Call (800) 854-7771 for the crisis line or visit didihirsch.org for outpatient appointments. Multiple clinic sites across the region. Accepts Medi-Cal and most insurance plans.
(800) 854-7771 · 4760 S Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230 · Hotline 24/7; clinics Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website
County behavioral health system for Riverside County offering outpatient clinics, crisis stabilization services, and the 24/7 CARES Line at (951) 686-4357 for mental health and substance use emergencies. Multiple clinic locations throughout Riverside County. Accepts Medi-Cal and offers sliding-scale fees for uninsured residents. Services include individual therapy, psychiatric care, and crisis intervention for adults and families.
(951) 686-4357 · Multiple Riverside County locations · CARES Line 24/7; clinics Mon-Fri 8-5