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 South Carolina
South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.
6 Resources
1. NAMI South Carolina — Free
Mental health education, peer support groups, and advocacy serving fathers, families, and caregivers statewide. NAMI SC hosts free classes and connects callers with local affiliates for ongoing support. Call the Columbia office, email, or visit online to find a group near you. No diagnosis is required to attend peer meetings. Programs are confidential and open to anyone affected by mental illness.
803-733-9592 · PO Box 1267, Columbia, SC 29202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
2. Mental Health America of Greenville County — Free
Mental health education, screening, and referral services for Upstate fathers and families. Staff offer free anonymous screenings, community workshops, and referrals to local counselors at the Main Street office. Call or walk in during weekday hours to access resources. Parents can also request family-focused education to understand a child's diagnosis and navigate school-based supports.
864-467-3344 · 429 N Main St #102, Greenville, SC 29601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
3. Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center — Paid
Community mental health services including individual counseling, psychiatry, and crisis support for Charleston and Dorchester County fathers and families. Sliding-fee and insurance-based care is available at the Charlie Hall Boulevard location. Call to request an intake appointment during weekday hours. Bring a photo ID, insurance information, and a list of current medications to your first visit.
843-852-4100 · 2100 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
4. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – South Carolina — Free
24/7 free crisis support line with trained counselors serving South Carolina fathers and residents in any kind of emotional distress. Call or text 988 to reach a trained counselor any hour, any day. Support is confidential and available even if you are not in immediate danger. Veterans can press 1 after dialing. Online chat is also available through the 988 Lifeline website.
988 · 24/7 · Visit Website
5. Tri-County Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse — Paid
Behavioral health counseling and substance abuse treatment for Lowcountry fathers and residents. Services include individual and group counseling, DUI and drug-court programs, and referrals at the Cosgrove Avenue facility. Call or visit weekdays to schedule intake. Bring a photo ID, insurance information, and any court paperwork requiring treatment documentation to your first appointment.
843-747-1862 · 2225 Cosgrove Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
6. Crisis Text Line – South Carolina — Free
Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling from trained volunteer counselors. The service is confidential and works anywhere in South Carolina on any mobile carrier. Texting is a useful option for fathers who cannot talk on the phone due to privacy concerns or noisy surroundings. A counselor will respond and help you create a safety plan if needed.
741741 · 24/7 · Visit Website