Mental Health in Missouri

13 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 Missouri

Missouri circuit courts hear family matters through family court divisions in each of its 45 judicial circuits. The Family Support Division runs child support enforcement under DSS. Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia are the largest metros. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, and Mid-Missouri Legal Services cover the state.

13 Resources

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Missouri) — Free

Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health distress, or emotional overwhelm. Missouri calls are routed to local crisis centers staffed by trained counselors who can help dads in crisis and connect them to ongoing care. Services are available in English and Spanish with translation for additional languages. No insurance or identification required to receive support.

988 · Statewide · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Crisis Text Line — Free

Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling via text message, with trained crisis counselors available around the clock for anyone in emotional distress. Dads who prefer texting to phone calls can get immediate support without speaking aloud. The service is anonymous and works on any U.S. mobile carrier. Counselors can help de-escalate and connect users to local resources, including Missouri-based providers when appropriate.

Text-based — national · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. NAMI Missouri — Free

Statewide mental health advocacy organization offering free peer support groups, family education classes, helpline referrals, and awareness programs for individuals living with mental illness and their families. Dads and caregivers can find local support meetings and training through the St. Louis office or affiliate chapters. Most programs are free and open to the public. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

314-962-4670 · 1001 Craig Rd, Suite 104, St. Louis, MO 63146 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. NAMI Kansas City — Free

Local NAMI affiliate serving the Kansas City metro with free peer-led support groups, Family-to-Family classes, and mental health resource navigation for those living with mental illness and their loved ones. Dads caring for family members with mental health conditions can access education and support. Most programs are free and open to the public. The Blue Parkway office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

816-471-6264 · 4001 Blue Pkwy, Suite 225, Kansas City, MO 64130 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

5. SAMHSA National Helpline — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 helpline for mental health and substance use disorder referrals, staffed by trained information specialists in English and Spanish. No insurance is required to use the service. Dads can call for referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations in Missouri. The helpline does not provide counseling but connects callers with vetted treatment and recovery resources nationwide.

1-800-662-4357 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Missouri DMH (Department of Mental Health) — Free

State department overseeing mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability services through Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics statewide. Dads seeking publicly funded mental health care can find the nearest CCBHC or crisis provider through the department website. Intake typically requires photo ID and insurance information if available. The Jefferson City office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

573-751-4122 · 1706 E Elm St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Burrell Behavioral Health (Springfield/Southwest MO) — Paid

Major behavioral health provider in southwest Missouri offering crisis services, outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, and substance abuse treatment across multiple counties. Dads can walk in or call to schedule an assessment at the Springfield clinic. Bring photo ID and insurance information to intake; a sliding fee scale may be available based on income. Outpatient services run Monday through Friday, with 24/7 crisis support.

417-761-5000 · 1300 E Bradford Pkwy, Springfield, MO 65804 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; crisis 24/7

8. Truman Medical Center Behavioral Health (Kansas City) — Paid

Kansas City's safety-net hospital system providing psychiatric services, counseling, and crisis stabilization regardless of ability to pay, including inpatient and outpatient care. Uninsured dads and low-income families can access treatment on a sliding fee scale. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any insurance cards to intake. Outpatient clinics run Monday through Friday during business hours, with emergency services available 24/7.

816-404-1000 · 2301 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Places for People (St. Louis) — Paid

St. Louis nonprofit community mental health center providing outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, case management, and housing support for adults with serious mental illness. Dads experiencing homelessness or housing instability alongside mental health challenges can access integrated care. Bring photo ID and insurance information to intake; public benefits are accepted. The Lindell Boulevard office is open Monday through Friday during business hours.

314-615-8560 · 4130 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Adapt of Missouri (Jefferson City) — Paid

Central Missouri behavioral health agency providing counseling, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention for the Jefferson City region, serving adults and families on sliding-scale fees. Dads can schedule an assessment by phone. Bring photo ID and insurance or proof of income to the intake appointment; Medicaid is typically accepted. The Christy Drive office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours with ongoing appointment scheduling.

573-634-2272 · 1909 Christy Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Ozark Center (Joplin) — Paid

Community mental health center serving Joplin and southwest Missouri with counseling, psychiatric care, crisis services, and child/family programs. Dads can call to schedule an assessment or access 24/7 crisis support during emergencies. Bring photo ID and insurance or proof of income to intake; Medicaid and sliding-scale fees are typically accepted. Outpatient services operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours with ongoing crisis coverage.

417-347-7600 · 3006 S McClelland Blvd, Joplin, MO 64804 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; crisis 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Centerpointe Hospital (St. Charles) — Paid

Psychiatric hospital in St. Charles providing inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment for adults and adolescents, including dual-diagnosis programs for co-occurring substance use. Dads in crisis or needing structured care can access intake 24/7 by phone. Bring photo ID, insurance cards, and a medication list if possible. Most major insurance is accepted; inquire about payment options during the initial assessment call.

636-441-7300 · 4801 Weldon Spring Pkwy, St. Charles, MO 63304 · 24/7 · Visit Website

13. BJC Behavioral Health (St. Louis) — Paid

BJC HealthCare system's behavioral health division providing outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, and crisis care across the St. Louis metro for adults, children, and families. Dads can schedule assessments through the central intake line. Bring photo ID, insurance cards, and a list of any current medications to the appointment. Clinics operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours at multiple locations throughout the region.

314-747-7800 · 1430 Olive St, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · 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.