17 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.
Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.
Call or text 988 any time for free, confidential support during mental health or suicidal crises. Available 24/7 in Illinois. Trained crisis counselors answer calls and texts around the clock at no cost. Fathers dealing with divorce stress, custody battles, job loss, or thoughts of self-harm can reach out without fear of judgment. Spanish-speaking counselors are available. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
988 · Statewide · 24/7 · Visit Website
State-run emotional support line operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Text TALK to 552020 or call for free emotional support, stress management help, and referrals to local mental health providers. Launched during the pandemic, the line continues serving Illinoisans dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and grief. Fathers facing difficult life transitions can reach a counselor without cost or insurance.
1-866-359-7953 · Statewide · Phone Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Text 24/7 · Visit Website
Chicago chapter of NAMI offering support groups, education programs, and an information/referral helpline for individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI Chicago hosts free weekly peer support groups for adults, family support groups for loved ones, and educational programs like Family-to-Family and NAMI Basics. Fathers navigating mental health challenges while managing custody or co-parenting can find community and practical guidance here.
312-563-0445 · 1801 W Warner Ave, Suite 202, Chicago, IL 60613 · Helpline Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Statewide NAMI office providing advocacy, education, and support programs for those affected by mental illness. Connects callers to local affiliate chapters throughout Illinois. Programs include NAMI Family Support Group, Peer-to-Peer, and In Our Own Voice presentations. Fathers living with or supporting a family member with mental illness can get referrals to local chapters and learn about available classes and support networks.
217-522-1403 · 101 N Wacker Dr, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling via text message available 24/7. Ideal for men who prefer texting over calling, the Crisis Text Line connects you with a trained counselor within minutes. Fathers dealing with acute stress, anxiety, depression, relationship breakdowns, or trauma can reach out discreetly at any time. All conversations are confidential and the service is available nationwide at no cost.
Text-based — national · 24/7 · Visit Website
Free, confidential 24/7 helpline for mental health and substance use referrals in English and Spanish. No insurance required to call. SAMHSA's National Helpline connects callers to local treatment centers, support groups, and community organizations. Fathers struggling with addiction, depression, or co-occurring disorders can get immediate referrals and guidance on next steps without providing any personal identifying information.
1-800-662-4357 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website
Call 988 then press 1, or text 838255, for dedicated crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Available 24/7 with no cost or insurance requirement. Staffed by trained counselors who understand military culture, the Veterans Crisis Line also offers online chat. Veteran fathers in Illinois facing suicidal thoughts, PTSD episodes, or acute mental health crises can reach help immediately at any hour.
988 (press 1) · National · 24/7 · Visit Website
Illinois' largest community mental health provider serving over 17,000 people annually with psychiatric care, housing support, employment services, and wellness programs throughout the Chicago area. Thresholds uses a recovery-oriented approach with individualized treatment plans. Sliding fees and Medicaid are accepted. Fathers dealing with serious mental illness, co-occurring disorders, or housing instability can call 773-572-5500 to learn about intake and available programs.
773-572-5500 · 4101 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
County-operated behavioral health clinics providing psychiatric care, counseling, and substance abuse treatment for Cook County residents. Cook County Health operates multiple mental health clinics across Chicago and the suburbs serving patients regardless of insurance status. Sliding-fee scales are available. Fathers in need of therapy, medication management, or crisis stabilization can call for an intake appointment at the clinic nearest them.
312-864-0200 · 4800 W Chicago Ave, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60651 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
Community behavioral health center on Chicago's West Side providing mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and crisis intervention. Bobby E. Wright serves Garfield Park and surrounding West Side neighborhoods with a full range of outpatient and intensive services. A sliding fee scale makes care accessible for uninsured or low-income fathers. Call to schedule an intake evaluation and learn about available therapy and psychiatric services.
773-722-7900 · 9 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60612 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Comprehensive behavioral health organization providing mental health services, crisis intervention, and substance abuse treatment across Chicago's north and northwest sides. C4 offers individual therapy, group counseling, psychiatric medication management, and crisis stabilization. Multiple Chicago locations make services accessible. Fathers seeking affordable mental health or substance use care can call for an intake appointment and ask about sliding-fee options.
773-769-0205 · 4740 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
Northern Illinois behavioral health provider offering mental health counseling, psychiatric services, and crisis stabilization for adults and adolescents in the Rockford region. Rosecrance accepts most insurance plans and offers sliding fee scales. A 24/7 crisis line is available for urgent mental health needs. Fathers in northern Illinois seeking therapy, medication management, or crisis support can call to schedule an intake evaluation.
815-391-1000 · 1021 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Central Illinois community mental health center providing outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, and crisis intervention for the Peoria area. The Human Service Center serves adults and youth with depression, anxiety, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. A 24/7 crisis line is available. Sliding-fee scales accommodate low-income clients. Fathers in Peoria, Pekin, or surrounding areas can call to schedule an intake assessment.
309-671-8000 · 228 NE Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61602 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; crisis 24/7 · Visit Website
Community mental health center providing counseling, psychiatric care, crisis services, and substance abuse treatment for the Decatur area. Heritage Behavioral Health serves adults and children in Macon County with outpatient therapy, medication management, and 24/7 crisis response. Sliding-fee scales and Medicaid are accepted. Fathers in Decatur dealing with mental health, addiction, or trauma can call to request an intake appointment.
217-362-6262 · 151 N Main St, Decatur, IL 62523 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; crisis 24/7 · Visit Website
Funds and coordinates mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability services for Champaign County residents. The CCMHB allocates public funding to local treatment providers, making it a key resource for connecting residents to appropriate care. Fathers in Champaign-Urbana seeking referrals to mental health counseling, addiction treatment, or developmental disability services can contact the board to find the right local provider.
217-367-5703 · 1776 E Washington St, Urbana, IL 61802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
Western suburban Chicago nonprofit providing outpatient mental health counseling, psychiatric evaluation, and group therapy on a sliding scale in Berwyn and surrounding suburbs. Pillars serves adults, families, and youth with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. Evening and Saturday hours make services accessible for working fathers. Call or visit to request an intake screening and discuss insurance or sliding-fee payment options.
708-745-5277 · 6918 Windsor Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-8pm; Sat 9am-1pm · Visit Website
Federally qualified health center providing integrated behavioral health and primary care services for underserved communities in the Peoria area of central Illinois. Services include depression and anxiety counseling, substance use support, and care coordination embedded within primary care visits. A sliding fee scale is available based on household income. Call to schedule an appointment and bring proof of income and insurance if available.
309-827-2026 · 600 E War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL 61614 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm