Mental Health in New York

15 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 New York

New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Legal Services NYC provide substantial family law aid.

15 Resources

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Free

National mental health crisis line. Call or text 988 anytime for suicidal thoughts, mental health emergencies, or substance use crises. Available in English, Spanish, and more. 24/7/365 with no cost to the caller. Connects you to a trained local crisis counselor. Chat also available at 988lifeline.org. Veterans can press 1 for a specialized Veterans Crisis Line counselor after dialing.

988 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

2. Crisis Text Line — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 crisis counseling via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or any emotional distress. Response typically within minutes. All conversations are confidential. Available from any mobile phone — no data plan or smartphone required. Also accessible online at crisistextline.org.

Text HOME to 741741 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

3. NYC 988 / NYC Well — Free

NYC's comprehensive mental health and substance use helpline. Free, confidential 24/7 counseling, crisis support, referrals, and appointment scheduling for NYC residents. Call (888) 692-9355 or visit nyc988.cityofnewyork.us. Available in 200+ languages. Counselors can connect you to licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and substance use treatment. No insurance needed. Text or call anytime.

(888) 692-9355 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

4. NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) — Free

New York State agency overseeing mental health services statewide. Find licensed providers, crisis services, community programs, and inpatient resources through the OMH provider directory at omh.ny.gov. Call (518) 474-4403 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Office at 44 Holland Avenue, Albany. The OMH directory covers all 62 NY counties and includes outpatient clinics, crisis centers, and residential programs.

(518) 474-4403 · 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12229 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

5. NAMI New York State — Free

State affiliate of NAMI with 50+ local chapters across New York. Free peer support groups, NAMI Family-to-Family education, NAMI Peer-to-Peer courses, and mental health advocacy. Helpline at (518) 462-2000 connects callers to the nearest local chapter. Office in Menands. Ideal for fathers dealing with depression, anxiety, or supporting a family member with a mental health condition.

(518) 462-2000 · 150 Broadway, Suite 406, Menands, NY 12204 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

6. NAMI NYC Metro — Free

NAMI affiliate serving New York City with free peer support groups, Family-to-Family classes, and mental health education programs. Multiple support groups meet each week across all five boroughs. No registration required to attend a support group. Programs are available in English and Spanish. Visit the NAMI NYC Metro website or call NAMI NY at (518) 462-2000 to find a group near you.

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

7. Psychology Today — NY Therapist Finder — Paid

Directory of licensed therapists, psychologists, and counselors across New York State. Filter by insurance accepted, specialty, gender, location, and telehealth availability. Includes men's mental health specialists, PTSD, trauma, divorce, and anxiety therapists. Free to search at psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/new-york. Each profile includes background, fees, and contact info. No account needed to search.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

8. NAMI Long Island — Free

Free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education courses, and mental health advocacy for Nassau and Suffolk County residents. Located at 1983 Marcus Ave., Suite 204, Lake Success. Call (516) 226-0043 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Weekly support groups available for individuals and family members. Provides education on managing conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

(516) 226-0043 · 1983 Marcus Ave., Suite 204, Lake Success, NY 11042 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

9. NAMI Westchester — Free

Free support groups and family education for Westchester County residents dealing with mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Located at 100 Clearbrook Rd., Elmsford. Call (914) 592-5458 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. NAMI Family-to-Family education courses and Connection peer support groups offered regularly throughout the year.

(914) 592-5458 · 100 Clearbrook Rd., Elmsford, NY 10523 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

10. Open Path Collective — NY Affordable Therapy — Paid

Nonprofit network connecting individuals with therapists offering sessions at

0-$80 for those who can't afford standard rates. Over 500 New York-based therapists including men's issues specialists, trauma, depression, and anxiety. One-time $65 membership fee to access reduced-rate therapists. Search by location, insurance, and specialty at openpathcollective.org. Book appointments online 24/7.

Book online 24/7 · Visit Website

11. NYC DOHMH — Mental Health Resources — Free

NYC Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene provides free mental health first aid training, licensed provider directories, and crisis intervention resources for all five boroughs. Call 311 to access services or find a provider. Resources include cultural health information, substance use support, trauma counseling referrals, and links to NYC Well for 24/7 counseling and crisis support.

311 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

12. Vibrant Emotional Health (formerly MHA of NYC) — Free

Major NYC behavioral health nonprofit operating the 988 Lifeline, NYC Well, and community mental health programs. Free crisis counseling, psychiatric care referrals, and community education. Located at 50 Broadway, 19th Floor. Call (212) 614-6320 during business hours. For 24/7 crisis support, dial NYC Well at (888) 692-9355. Serves all NYC boroughs with multilingual counselors.

(212) 614-6320 · 50 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10004 · 24/7 crisis; office Mon–Fri 9–5 · Visit Website

13. Erie County Mental Health — Buffalo — Free

County mental health system serving Buffalo and Western New York. Offers outpatient clinics, 24/7 crisis services, community support programs, and residential care. Crisis Services hotline at (716) 834-3131 is available around the clock. Office at 95 Franklin St., Buffalo. Sliding-scale fees apply. Call to find the nearest outpatient clinic or get a referral to a licensed provider in Erie County.

(716) 834-3131 · 95 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202 · Crisis: 24/7; offices Mon–Fri 8–5 · Visit Website

14. Monroe County OMH — Rochester Mental Health — Free

County mental health services for the Rochester area and Monroe County. Provides outpatient treatment, crisis intervention, community support programs, and care coordination. Located at 111 Westfall Rd., Rochester. Call (585) 753-6040 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for referrals. For mental health emergencies after hours, contact Lifeline at (585) 275-5151. Sliding-scale fees for low-income residents.

(585) 753-6040 · 111 Westfall Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

15. Thriveworks — NY Men's Counseling — Paid

National counseling practice with NY offices specializing in men's mental health, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions. Accepts most major insurance plans. In-person and telehealth appointments available. Call (855) 234-4640 or book online at thriveworks.com. Evening and weekend hours available. Multiple locations across New York including NYC, Albany, and more.

(855) 234-4640 · Multiple NY locations · Mon–Sun flexible hours · 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.