Mental Health in Florida

20 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 Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

20 Resources

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Free

National suicide prevention and mental health crisis line available 24/7/365. Call or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Connects to 180+ local crisis centers across Florida and the nation. Available in English, Spanish, and 240+ languages. Veterans press 1 after dialing for VA-trained responders. ASL video chat available for deaf and hard of hearing callers. All calls are free and confidential.

988 (call or text) · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

2. SAMHSA National Helpline — Free

Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health and substance use disorders. Provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations in Florida. Text your ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U) for nearby resources. Call (800) 662-4357 anytime. Available in English and Spanish. Visit samhsa.gov for the online treatment locator and additional mental health resources.

(800) 662-4357 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

3. SAMHSA Treatment Locator (FindTreatment.gov) — Free

Confidential and anonymous online tool for finding mental health and substance use treatment facilities throughout Florida. Search by ZIP code, city, or state. Filter by type of care, payment options including Medicaid and sliding scale, and specific services needed. Includes results for therapy, counseling, and psychiatric services. Visit findtreatment.gov 24/7 or call (800) 662-4357 for personalized referral assistance anytime.

(800) 662-4357 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. NAMI Florida (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — Free

Statewide chapter of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Provides free mental health support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families across Florida. Offers online support groups, Family-to-Family classes, peer-to-peer programs, and crisis information. P.O. Box 302, Tallahassee. Call (850) 671-4445 or email info@namiflorida.org. Visit namiflorida.org for local affiliate locations and program schedules statewide.

(850) 671-4445 · P.O. Box 302, Tallahassee, FL · See website for support group calendar · Visit Website

5. NAMI Broward County — Free

Local NAMI affiliate serving Broward County with free support groups, educational programs, Family-to-Family classes, NAMI Peer-to-Peer courses, and community outreach for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Located at 4161 NW 5th Street, Suite 203, Plantation. Call (954) 316-9907 or email office@namibroward.org. Visit namibroward.org for the current support group and class schedule. All programs are free of charge.

(954) 316-9907 · 4161 NW 5th Street, Suite 203, Plantation, FL 33317 · See website for group schedule · Visit Website

6. NAMI Central Florida (Orlando Area) — Free

Local NAMI affiliate serving greater Orlando and Central Florida. Provides free support groups, mental health education programs, veteran-specific services, and connections to free and reduced-cost clinics for mental health treatment. Located at 150 Cranes Roost Blvd, Suite 2250, Altamonte Springs. Call (407) 253-1900 or email info@namicf.org. Visit namicf.org for the support group schedule and free/reduced-cost clinic directory.

(407) 253-1900 · 150 Cranes Roost Blvd, Suite 2250, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 · See website for group schedule · Visit Website

7. NAMI Southwest Florida (Fort Myers Area) — Free

Local NAMI affiliate serving Southwest Florida with free support groups, family education programs, and mental health advocacy. Offers peer-led recovery and support groups and connections to local treatment resources. Located at 8191 College Pkwy, Suite 201, Fort Myers. Call (239) 337-9024 or email info@namiswfl.org. Visit nami.org to find the current support group schedule and program calendar for the Fort Myers and Naples area.

(239) 337-9024 · 8191 College Pkwy, Suite 201, Fort Myers, FL 33919 · See website for group schedule · Visit Website

8. Florida 211 — Mental Health Referrals — Free

Free statewide 2-1-1 helpline available 24/7 connecting Floridians with local mental health services, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, and community resources. Dial 211 from any phone anywhere in Florida for immediate assistance finding help near you. Also available online at fl211.org. Trained specialists provide confidential referrals in multiple languages. A fast way for fathers in crisis to find free local mental health and support services.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Crisis Text Line — Free

Free, 24/7 text-based mental health support connecting you with a trained crisis counselor anytime you are in crisis or need emotional support. Text HOME to 741741 to start a confidential conversation. Covers anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, abuse, grief, and any emotional distress. Ideal for fathers who prefer not to call. Visit crisistextline.org for more information. Available in English and Spanish. All texts are private and confidential.

Text HOME to 741741 · 24/7 · Visit Website

10. Florida Mental Health Hotline — Free

Free mental health crisis support hotline available 24/7 for Florida residents experiencing mental health emergencies, emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or needing immediate support and referrals to local treatment providers. Call (866) 903-3787 anytime from anywhere in Florida. Trained counselors provide crisis intervention and can connect you with nearby mental health services. Visit mentalhealthhotline.org for additional Florida-specific resources.

(866) 903-3787 · 24/7 · Visit Website

11. Veterans Crisis Line (via 988) — Free

Specialized crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Dial 988 then press 1 to connect with VA-trained responders specializing in PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, and reintegration challenges. Also available via text to 838255 or online chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Available 24/7/365 at no cost. All contacts are confidential. Serving active duty, National Guard, Reservists, and veterans of all eras throughout Florida and nationwide.

988 (press 1) or text 838255 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

12. Florida Veterans Support Line — Free

Statewide support line for Florida veterans and their families operated by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. Connects veterans to community resources, mental health services, employment assistance, and peer support through trained Hope Navigators. Call 1-844-693-5838 anytime 24/7. Hope Navigators also available at (833) 438-4673. Visit floridavets.org for additional resources. Free and confidential for all Florida veterans, active duty, Guard, Reservists, and family members.

(844) 693-5838 (1-844-MyFLVet) · 24/7 · Visit Website

13. James A. Haley Veterans Hospital — Mental Health (Tampa) — Free

Major VA medical center providing comprehensive mental health services including individual and group therapy, PTSD treatment, substance abuse programs, and psychiatric care for veterans in the Tampa Bay area. Offers inpatient and outpatient treatment with telehealth options. Located at 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa. Call (813) 972-2000 ext. 5602 to access mental health services. Enrollment in VA healthcare required. Telehealth available statewide.

(813) 972-2000 ext. 5602 · 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 · Mon-Fri (call for specific hours) · Visit Website

14. Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center — Mental Health (Miami) — Free

VA medical center providing comprehensive behavioral health services including individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, PTSD treatment, substance use programs, and crisis intervention for South Florida veterans. Located at 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125. Call (305) 575-7000 ext. 13914 to access mental health services. VA healthcare enrollment required. Telehealth appointments available for eligible veterans across South Florida.

(305) 575-7000 ext. 13914 · 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125 · Mon-Fri (call for specific hours) · Visit Website

15. Orlando VA Medical Center — Mental Health — Free

VA medical center serving Central Florida veterans with mental health services including individual therapy, psychiatric care, PTSD programs, and substance use treatment at the Lake Nona campus. Offers both in-person and telehealth appointments for eligible veterans. Located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando. Call (407) 631-1000 to access mental health care. VA healthcare enrollment required. Visit va.gov/orlando-health-care for current hours and services.

(407) 631-1000 · 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827 · Mon-Fri (call for specific hours) · Visit Website

16. Jacksonville VA Clinic — Mental Health — Free

VA outpatient clinic providing mental health services including individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychiatric care for veterans in the Jacksonville and Northeast Florida region. Part of the North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System. Located at 1536 North Jefferson Street, Jacksonville. Call (904) 475-5800 for appointments. VA healthcare enrollment required. Visit va.gov/north-florida-health-care for telehealth options and the full list of available services.

(904) 475-5800 · 1536 North Jefferson Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 · Mon-Fri (call for specific hours) · Visit Website

17. Thriving Mind South Florida — Free

Managing entity for publicly funded mental health and substance abuse services in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Provides free mental health crisis services including 24/7 Mobile Crisis Response Teams for children and adults. Connects individuals to a network of treatment providers for therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care. Call (305) 858-3335 or toll-free (888) 248-3111. Office hours Mon-Fri 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Crisis teams available 24/7. Visit thrivingmind.org to find providers.

(305) 858-3335 · Office: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Crisis teams: 24/7 · Visit Website

18. Men's Counseling Florida — Paid

Therapy practice specializing exclusively in men's mental health across Florida. Services include stress and anxiety counseling, career counseling, relationship issues, fatherhood challenges, and life transitions. All sessions available via telehealth throughout Florida. Free initial phone consultation. Located at 777 Brickell Ave, Suite 500, Miami. Call (305) 928-6538 or email info@menscounselingflorida.com. Visit menscounselingflorida.com to schedule your free consultation.

(305) 928-6538 · 777 Brickell Ave, Suite 500, Miami, FL 33131 · By appointment (telehealth statewide) · Visit Website

19. Psychology Today — Men's Support Groups in Florida — Paid

Searchable directory of therapist-led men's issues support groups in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Broward, and across Florida. Topics include fatherhood challenges, relationships, communication, divorce recovery, emotional well-being, and work stress. Filter by location, insurance accepted, and session format. Visit psychologytoday.com/us/groups/florida to search. Both in-person and online group options available throughout Florida for men seeking peer support.

Online directory 24/7 · Visit Website

20. NAMI Florida — Free/Reduced-Cost Clinics Directory — Free

NAMI Central Florida maintains a directory of free and reduced-cost mental health clinics across Florida. Includes community health centers, university clinics, and nonprofit providers offering sliding-scale therapy for uninsured or underinsured individuals. Visit namicf.org/free-reduced-clinics-for-mental-health 24/7. Call (407) 253-1900 for help navigating the directory. A valuable first stop for fathers in Orlando and beyond who need affordable mental health care in Florida.

(407) 253-1900 · Online directory 24/7 · 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.