Children's Hospital New Orleans – Behavioral Health

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 Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code) rather than common law. Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provide civil legal aid.

More Mental Health in Louisiana

• NAMI Louisiana — Mental health education, peer support groups, family programs, and advocacy for fathers and families across Louisiana. Services include the
• Louisiana Department of Health – Behavioral Health — State-administered mental health services, crisis intervention, and community behavioral health programs serving Louisiana fathers and famil
• Metropolitan Human Services District – NOLA — Community mental health and substance abuse services for adults and children in the greater New Orleans area, including fathers needing outp
• Northwest Louisiana Human Services District — Publicly funded behavioral health services including outpatient mental health, substance abuse, and crisis response in the Shreveport and no
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Louisiana — Free 24/7 crisis support hotline staffed by trained counselors for Louisiana fathers and family members experiencing suicidal thoughts, emot
• VIA LINK – Crisis Line — Free 24/7 crisis, information, and referral helpline serving southeast Louisiana including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and surrounding parishe

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