NAMI Ohio

Mental Health · Ohio · Free

Statewide mental health advocacy organization offering free education programs including Family-to-Family and NAMI Basics, peer-led support groups, and a helpline connecting Ohioans to local mental health resources and services. Call 614-224-2700 or email namiohio@namiohio.org Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. NAMI Ohio coordinates 35+ local affiliates serving all regions of Ohio — find your local chapter at namiohio.org.

Contact & Details

Address: 1225 Dublin Rd, Suite 210, Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-224-2700

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Email: namiohio@namiohio.org

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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 Ohio

Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and Community Legal Aid cover the state.

More Mental Health in Ohio

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Ohio) — Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ohio has dedicated 988 call centers staffed
  • Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling via text message available 24/7. Trained crisis counselors respond in real time
  • NAMI Franklin County (Columbus) — Local NAMI affiliate serving Columbus and Franklin County with free peer-led support groups, Family-to-Family education classes, and mental
  • NAMI Greater Cleveland — Free mental health support, education, and advocacy for the Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio area. Offers peer-led support groups for in
  • NAMI Southwest Ohio (Cincinnati) — Serving the greater Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio area with free peer-led support groups, Family-to-Family educational programs, and crisis
  • SAMHSA National Helpline — Free, confidential 24/7 helpline providing referrals to local mental health and substance use disorder treatment services across Ohio. Avail

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.