Mental Health in Montana

10 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 Montana

Montana district courts handle family matters in each of its 56 counties across 22 judicial districts. The Child Support Services Division operates under DPHHS. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman are the largest cities. Montana Legal Services Association is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with extensive online self-help for pro se litigants.

10 Resources

1. NAMI Montana — Free

Statewide affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offering free peer support groups, family-to-family education classes, advocacy, and referrals for Montanans living with mental health conditions. Fathers can join a men's group, attend family courses, or call the office for local meeting information. Services are confidential and open to anyone — no diagnosis or insurance required to participate.

406-443-7871 · 554 Toole Ave, Missoula, MT 59802 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Montana — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for any Montanan in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, staffed by trained counselors. Dial or text 988 from any phone; Spanish and ASL options are available, plus a dedicated veterans line (press 1). Counselors listen, help de-escalate, and connect callers to local mobile crisis teams, emergency rooms, or outpatient follow-up as needed.

988 · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Western Montana Mental Health Center — Paid

Community mental health provider covering Missoula and surrounding western Montana counties with outpatient therapy, psychiatry, case management, crisis response, and substance use services. Fathers can self-refer or be referred by a doctor; the center accepts Medicaid, most insurance, and offers a sliding scale. First-time clients complete an intake interview to match them with the right clinician.

406-532-1100 · 1315 Woody St, Missoula, MT 59802 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Center for Mental Health – Billings — Paid

Behavioral health agency serving the Billings area and south-central Montana with outpatient counseling, medication management, case management, and crisis services for adults, children, and families. Dads struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or parenting stress can call for intake. The center accepts Medicaid and most commercial insurance and offers sliding-fee options for uninsured clients.

406-252-5658 · 1245 N 29th St, Billings, MT 59101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Pathways Treatment Center – Kalispell — Paid

Inpatient and outpatient mental health program on the Kalispell Regional campus serving the Flathead Valley and northwest Montana. Offers assessment, short-term stabilization, group therapy, and discharge planning for adults in crisis. Fathers worried about a loved one can call the assessment line 24/7; most commercial plans and Medicaid are accepted. Bring ID, medications, and insurance card for intake.

406-756-4474 · 200 Heritage Way, Kalispell, MT 59901 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch — Paid

Billings-based provider offering residential, outpatient, and community-based mental health services for children, adolescents, and their families across Montana. Programs include therapeutic group homes, school-based therapy, and family counseling. Fathers worried about a child's behavior, trauma history, or mental health can call for an assessment; referrals also come through schools, courts, and Medicaid.

406-655-7500 · 1732 S 72nd St W, Billings, MT 59106 · 24/7 residential · Visit Website

7. Helena Indian Alliance – Behavioral Health — Free

Culturally grounded outpatient behavioral health for Native American individuals and families in the Helena area, with services informed by tribal traditions and elder input. Fathers can access individual counseling, substance use treatment, and family support without being an enrolled tribal member in many cases. Call for intake; the Alliance works with IHS, Medicaid, and sliding-fee resources.

406-442-9244 · Helena, MT 59601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Shodair Children's Hospital – Helena — Paid

Montana's specialty psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents, offering 24/7 inpatient acute care, residential treatment, outpatient therapy, and genetic services in Helena. Fathers concerned about a child in mental health crisis can call the admissions line any time for assessment. Most commercial insurance and Medicaid are accepted; discharge planning connects families to community follow-up providers.

406-444-7500 · 2755 Colonial Dr, Helena, MT 59601 · 24/7 inpatient · Visit Website

9. AWARE Inc. – Anaconda — Paid

Nonprofit providing mental health, developmental disability, and autism services across southwest Montana with its Anaconda headquarters. Fathers of children with developmental differences can access case management, in-home support, therapy, and community programs. Services are covered by Medicaid waivers and other funding; intake starts with a phone call to confirm eligibility and the appropriate program.

406-563-5424 · Anaconda, MT 59711 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Montana Crisis Text Line — Free

Free 24/7 text-based crisis support for Montanans experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, suicidal thoughts, or any emotional crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from any cell phone to reach a trained volunteer counselor who will listen and help you find next steps. The conversation is confidential and ideal for dads who find it easier to text than talk by phone; no signup required.

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.