Southwest CT Mental Health System

Mental Health · Connecticut · Free

DMHAS-operated mental health services for Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, and surrounding Fairfield County fathers and families. Free or low-cost outpatient therapy, psychiatry, case management, and crisis services for qualifying adults. Call during business hours for screening and intake. Bring photo ID, insurance cards, medication list, and prior treatment records. Part of the state Department of Mental Health system.

Contact & Details

Address: 1635 Central Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610

Phone: 203-551-7400

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 Connecticut

Connecticut's Superior Court handles family matters through regional Judicial Districts and Family Support Magistrate Division locations. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement under DSS. Major cities include Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. Connecticut Legal Services and Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provide civil legal aid, and every courthouse has a court service center offering free forms assistance.

More Mental Health in Connecticut

  • NAMI Connecticut — Free mental health education, peer-led support groups, family classes, and advocacy for Connecticut fathers and families statewide. Programs
  • Community Health Resources – Hartford — Community mental health services for Connecticut fathers and families including outpatient counseling, psychiatry, crisis intervention, and
  • United Services Inc. – Eastern CT — Mental health counseling, family services, and crisis support for fathers and families in eastern Connecticut. Services include outpatient t
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Connecticut — Free 24/7 crisis phone, text, and chat support with trained counselors for Connecticut fathers experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional dis
  • Bridges Healthcare – Milford — Mental health and addiction treatment services for Connecticut shoreline fathers and families, including outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and
  • Silver Hill Hospital – New Canaan — Psychiatric hospital offering inpatient, residential, and outpatient mental health and addiction treatment for Connecticut fathers. Services

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.