SF Dept of Public Health — Behavioral Health Access

Mental Health · California · Free

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.

Contact & Details

Address: 1380 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: (888) 246-3333

Hours: Phone 24/7; Walk-in Mon-Fri 8-4:30

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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 California

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.

More Mental Health in California

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — National crisis line for suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, or substance use emergencies. Calls are routed to the nearest local crisis
  • Crisis Text Line — Free, confidential crisis counseling via text message available 24/7. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for anx
  • LA County Dept of Mental Health — ACCESS Hotline — 24/7 entry point for all mental health services in LA County. Crisis evaluation, inpatient referrals, outpatient program placement, and even
  • NAMI California — California NAMI state affiliate with 60+ local chapters statewide. Free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education courses, and crisis
  • NAMI Greater Los Angeles County — Largest NAMI affiliate in California serving approximately 70% of LA County across six chapters. Free peer support groups, Family-to-Family
  • NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties — Free mental health education, support, and advocacy for San Diego and Imperial Counties. Peer Warmline operates 7 evenings a week from 3:30-

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.