Mental Health in North Dakota

6 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 North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

6 Resources

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — North Dakota — Free

Free and confidential 24/7 crisis support for North Dakota fathers experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or mental health emergencies. Call or text 988 from anywhere in the state to connect with trained counselors who can also refer you to local services. Spanish and translation support available. Share your ZIP code, a brief description of what you are feeling, and any current safety concerns.

988 · Statewide service · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. NAMI North Dakota — Free

Education, peer-led support groups, and advocacy for North Dakota individuals and families affected by mental illness, including dads navigating depression, anxiety, or a loved one's diagnosis. The Bismarck office is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm at (701) 258-8201. Visit naminorthdakota.org for the group calendar. Services are free. Be ready to share your ZIP code and whether you are seeking a group, class, or referral.

(701) 258-8201 · PO Box 3215, Bismarck, ND 58502 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Veterans Crisis Line — North Dakota — Free

Confidential 24/7 crisis support for North Dakota veterans, service members, and their families experiencing mental health emergencies. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online through veteranscrisisline.net. Responders include fellow veterans who can coordinate follow-up with the Fargo VA. Have your branch of service, VA facility if known, and any current safety concerns ready when you call.

988 (press 1) · Nationwide service · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. The Village Family Service Center — Paid

Counseling, family therapy, and mental health services for fathers and families across Fargo and eastern North Dakota, including individual therapy, co-parenting support, and budgeting counseling. The 25th Street office is open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm. Call (701) 451-4900 to schedule. Sliding-scale fees apply; most insurance accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and any current medication list to the first session.

(701) 451-4900 · 1201 25th St S, Fargo, ND 58103 · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm · Visit Website

5. Crisis Text Line — North Dakota — Free

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in North Dakota for free and confidential 24/7 crisis counseling delivered entirely by text message. Trained volunteers can help fathers in distress who are not ready to speak on the phone. Service is available nationwide and supports English and Spanish. Share your ZIP code, what is happening, and whether you have a safe place to be during the conversation.

741741 · National text service · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. BetterHelp — Online Counseling for ND — Paid

Online therapy platform connecting North Dakota residents with licensed counselors via video, phone, chat, and messaging from anywhere in the state. Sign-up is available 24/7 at betterhelp.com. Weekly subscription fees apply and some insurance or employer EAPs may offset cost. Useful for dads with nontraditional schedules or rural addresses. Have an email, payment method, and a short intake about your goals ready.

Online platform · 24/7 online · 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.