Mental Health in Idaho

9 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 Idaho

Idaho magistrate divisions handle custody matters within the district courts. The Child Support Services division within the Department of Health and Welfare runs enforcement. Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls are the largest cities. Idaho Legal Aid Services provides free family law help for eligible fathers statewide.

9 Resources

1. NAMI Idaho — Free

Mental health education, peer support groups, and advocacy for Idaho families statewide. Fathers caring for a child or partner with mental illness, or working through their own challenges, can find Family-to-Family classes, Connection support groups, and referrals to local affiliates. Call the Boise office, email, or visit the site to find a nearby meeting; most programs are peer-led and free to attend.

208-376-4304 · 4696 W Overland Rd #240, Boise, ID 83705 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Idaho — Free

24/7 free and confidential crisis support with trained counselors, available to Idaho fathers in emotional distress, suicidal crisis, or worried about a loved one. Call or text 988 from any phone for immediate help, safety planning, and connection to local follow-up care. Veterans can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. No insurance required; calls are routed to in-state and regional centers.

988 · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Terry Reilly Health Services – Behavioral Health — Paid

Community mental health services for children, teens, and adults in the Boise-Nampa area, including therapy, psychiatric medication management, and integrated primary care. Fathers can schedule an appointment at the Nampa clinic by phone; services are offered on a sliding fee scale, and Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial insurance are accepted. Spanish-speaking staff available.

208-466-7869 · 211 16th Ave N, Nampa, ID 83687 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Idaho Youth Ranch – Behavioral Health — Paid

Mental health and family services for youth and families across Idaho, including individual therapy, family counseling, trauma-informed care, and residential programs for struggling teens. Fathers can call the Boise office to ask about intake, locations, and sliding-scale options. Medicaid and most insurance are accepted; the agency serves children and parents together whenever possible.

208-377-2613 · 7025 Emerald St, Boise, ID 83704 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Heritage Health – Coeur d'Alene — Paid

Integrated behavioral health and primary care for the North Idaho panhandle. The Coeur d'Alene community health center offers counseling, psychiatric care, substance use treatment, and medical services in one location. Fathers can call to schedule; services are provided on a sliding fee scale, and Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance are accepted. Walk-in urgent care may be available at some sites.

208-664-8616 · 325 E Ironwood Dr, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical – Behavioral — Paid

Hospital-based mental health services for eastern Idaho residents, including inpatient psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and outpatient counseling referrals. Fathers in crisis or seeking evaluation can go to the Idaho Falls emergency department 24/7 or call for information on scheduled services. Most major insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid are accepted; financial assistance may be available.

208-529-6111 · 3100 Channing Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Optum Idaho – Behavioral Health — Free

Managed care organization that administers Idaho Medicaid behavioral health services and the statewide provider network. Fathers with Medicaid can call the member line to find counselors, psychiatrists, and substance use providers, request care coordination, or check coverage for their children. Services are free for eligible Medicaid members; the site lists in-network providers by county.

855-202-0973 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

8. Idaho Federation of Families – Mental Health — Free

Family-run support and advocacy organization focused on children's mental health across Idaho. Fathers raising a child with behavioral, emotional, or mental health needs can get peer-to-peer support, navigation help with schools and Medicaid, and connection to local family groups. Services are free; call the Boise office or visit the site to be matched with a parent support partner.

208-433-8845 · 3100 S Vista Ave #200, Boise, ID 83705 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. St. Luke's Behavioral Health – Boise — Paid

Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services for adults, adolescents, and children in the Boise area, including crisis assessment, short-term hospitalization, and follow-up outpatient care. Fathers or family members can go to the emergency department any time for an evaluation, or call to ask about scheduled services and referrals. Most insurance is accepted; financial assistance programs are available.

208-381-2222 · 190 E Bannock St, Boise, ID 83712 · 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.