Mental Health in Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

10 Resources

1. NAMI Rhode Island — Free

Mental health education, peer-led support groups, and advocacy for Rhode Island fathers and family members affected by mental illness. The Providence-based chapter offers free family-to-family classes, connection groups, and referrals statewide. Call or email to ask about current schedules and meeting formats. No diagnosis required to attend; just bring yourself and be ready to share or listen at your own pace.

401-331-3060 · 882 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. RI BHDDH – Behavioral Healthcare — Free

State department of behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and hospitals coordinating mental health and substance abuse services for Rhode Island fathers and families. The Cranston office connects residents to community providers, certifies programs, and oversees crisis response. Call or visit the website to locate services. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid information, and any existing treatment records.

401-462-2339 · 14 Harrington Rd, Cranston, RI 02920 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – RI — Free

Free 24/7 crisis support for Rhode Island fathers and families experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or substance-related crises. Trained counselors answer calls and chats in English and Spanish and can connect callers to local mobile crisis teams. No appointment or insurance needed. Dial 988 from any phone or visit the website to chat; share as much or as little about your situation as you feel safe with.

988 · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Family Service of RI – Counseling — Paid

Individual and family counseling services for Rhode Island fathers, children, and couples at the Providence office on Hope Street. Clinicians address stress, parenting challenges, grief, trauma, and relationship issues, with sliding-scale and insurance billing. Call for intake and an initial appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, and a brief summary of concerns to share at your first visit.

401-331-1350 · 55 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Children's Friend – Mental Health — Paid

Behavioral health services for children and families throughout Rhode Island, with the main office on Summer Street in Providence. Clinicians support fathers and caregivers with child therapy, trauma-informed care, and parenting guidance alongside early childhood programs. Call to begin intake. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid information, custody paperwork if applicable, and relevant school or medical records.

401-276-4300 · 153 Summer St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Butler Hospital – Outpatient Psychiatry — Paid

Outpatient psychiatric care and specialized mental health programs for Rhode Island adults, including fathers managing mood, anxiety, trauma, or addiction-related conditions. Located on Blackstone Boulevard in Providence, Butler offers medication management, therapy, and specialty clinics with a referral. Bring photo ID, insurance cards, a list of current medications, and records from any prior providers to your first visit.

401-455-6200 · 345 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Comprehensive Community Action – Mental Health — Paid

Behavioral health services for Cranston and surrounding communities, offering counseling, psychiatric care, and case management to fathers and families on a sliding-scale or insurance basis. The Doric Avenue office provides integrated care alongside other community action programs. Call for intake and bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, proof of residency, and a brief history of prior treatment if applicable.

401-467-9610 · 311 Doric Ave, Cranston, RI 02910 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Thundermist Health – Behavioral Health — Paid

Integrated mental health services for Rhode Island fathers and families with main offices in Woonsocket and West Warwick. Clinicians coordinate therapy, psychiatric care, and substance-use support with primary care under one roof, accepting Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance. Call to schedule intake and bring photo ID, insurance cards, a list of current medications, and records from any prior providers to your first visit.

401-767-4100 · 450 Clinton St, Woonsocket, RI 02895 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. RI Parent Support Network — Free

Peer support for Rhode Island parents, including fathers, raising children with mental health, behavioral, or developmental challenges. The Cranston-based network trains parents with lived experience to mentor others, host groups, and help families navigate schools, courts, and treatment systems. Call to connect with a peer specialist. No paperwork required to start; bring your questions and any notes on your child's situation.

401-467-6855 · 1210 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Crisis Text Line – RI — Free

Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling available to Rhode Island fathers and family members. Trained volunteer counselors respond via secure text to people in emotional distress, offering support for anxiety, depression, relationship stress, loss, and suicidal thoughts. No account or insurance is needed. Keep texting at your own pace; the counselor will stay with you until you feel calmer or linked to local help.

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.