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.
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.
More Mental Health in New York
Crisis Text Line — Free, confidential 24/7 crisis counseling via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for anxiety, depr
NYC 988 / NYC Well — NYC's comprehensive mental health and substance use helpline. Free, confidential 24/7 counseling, crisis support, referrals, and appointment
NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) — New York State agency overseeing mental health services statewide. Find licensed providers, crisis services, community programs, and inpatie
NAMI New York State — State affiliate of NAMI with 50+ local chapters across New York. Free peer support groups, NAMI Family-to-Family education, NAMI Peer-to-Pee
NAMI NYC Metro — NAMI affiliate serving New York City with free peer support groups, Family-to-Family classes, and mental health education programs. Multiple
Psychology Today — NY Therapist Finder — Directory of licensed therapists, psychologists, and counselors across New York State. Filter by insurance accepted, specialty, gender, loca
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.