988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Maine

Mental Health · Maine · Free

Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support with trained counselors available by phone, text, or chat. Fathers in emotional distress, having thoughts of suicide, or worried about a loved one can dial or text 988 any time. Counselors listen, de-escalate, and connect callers to local crisis teams and ongoing mental health resources in Maine. Calls are free and no insurance or identification is needed to use the line.

Contact & Details

Phone: 988

Hours: 24/7

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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 Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

More Mental Health in Maine

  • NAMI Maine — National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine chapter offering free education, peer and family support groups, a helpline, and advocacy statewid
  • Maine DHHS – Behavioral Health — State office overseeing publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including community provider networks and crisis programs.
  • Community Health & Counseling – Bangor — Mental health, case management, and home care services across eastern Maine, with outpatient therapy, psychiatric medication management, and
  • Sweetser – Saco — Behavioral health provider serving southern Maine with outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, school-based programs, and crisis respon
  • Kennebec Behavioral Health — Outpatient mental health agency serving central Maine with counseling, psychiatric medication management, substance use treatment, and commu
  • Spurwink – Portland — Multi-service mental health and family support agency offering outpatient therapy, child and adolescent programs, in-home services, and educ

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.