Mental Health in South Dakota

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 South Dakota

South Dakota circuit courts hear family matters in each of its seven judicial circuits. The Division of Child Support operates under DSS. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the largest cities. Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services provide civil legal aid statewide (with special mandates serving tribal communities).

10 Resources

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

Round-the-clock crisis support for South Dakotans experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or acute mental health concerns. Calls and texts to 988 are free and confidential, routed to trained counselors who provide de-escalation, safety planning, and referrals. Fathers in crisis, or worried about a loved one, can call from anywhere. Spanish services and specialized lines for veterans and youth are also available.

988 · Statewide service · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Behavior Management Systems — Paid

Community mental health center in Rapid City offering counseling, substance abuse treatment, and crisis services for adults, children, and families. Fathers can schedule outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, or crisis support through the main office. Bring photo ID, insurance information, and any prior treatment records to intake. Services are offered on a sliding scale for qualifying low-income clients weekdays.

(605) 343-7262 · 650 Cathedral Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. NAMI South Dakota — Free

Education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness across South Dakota. The Sioux Falls office offers peer-led groups, training courses, and referrals. Fathers supporting a loved one or managing their own mental health can join free classes such as Family-to-Family. Email or call for current meeting schedules and to register for upcoming educational program sessions.

(605) 271-1871 · PO Box 88808, Sioux Falls, SD 57109 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Capital Area Counseling Service — Paid

Community mental health center serving Pierre and central South Dakota with counseling, psychiatric care, and case management services. Fathers can access individual therapy, family counseling, and crisis intervention by appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and any existing treatment records to intake. Sliding-scale fees may be available for low-income clients, and Medicaid and private insurance are commonly accepted.

(605) 224-5811 · 803 E Dakota Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. Veterans Crisis Line — South Dakota — Free

Confidential crisis support for veterans experiencing mental health emergencies, available around the clock by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Responders are trained in military culture and can connect callers to local VA resources in South Dakota. Fathers who served, and their family members, can reach out even without enrollment in VA healthcare. Text and chat options are also available for those who prefer not to speak.

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

6. SD Helpline Center — Free

Round-the-clock crisis and referral line connecting South Dakotans with mental health, substance use, and community resources. Staff offer supportive listening, safety planning, and warm transfers to local providers. Fathers in Sioux Falls can also walk in to the main office for in-person help. Have a ZIP code, brief description of the concern, and any medication or provider info ready to make referrals faster.

(605) 339-4357 · 1000 N West Ave Suite 310, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health — Paid

Mental health and substance abuse counseling for families in southeast South Dakota based in Yankton. Services include individual therapy, family counseling, and outpatient substance use treatment for adults and youth. Fathers can schedule intake by phone and should bring photo ID, insurance, and any prior treatment records. Medicaid, private insurance, and sliding-scale fees may be available for qualifying clients.

(605) 665-4606 · 310 W 3rd St, Yankton, SD 57078 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Yankton Mental Health Center — Paid

Community mental health outpatient services for southeast South Dakota residents, including therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and case management. Fathers can call to schedule an intake appointment at the Yankton office. Services may include individual, couples, and family counseling alongside medication management. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a list of current medications to your first visit during weekday hours.

(605) 665-4606 · 310 W 3rd St, Yankton, SD 57078 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. MentalHealth.gov — SD Resources — Free

Federal mental health information hub with a South Dakota-specific resource finder covering treatment locators, crisis lines, and support tools. Content explains warning signs, treatment options, and how to help a loved one. Fathers can use the locator to find community mental health centers, detox programs, and sliding-scale providers in their ZIP code. Site is available around the clock at no cost from any device.

Online resource · 24/7 online · Visit Website

10. Crisis Text Line — Free

Text HOME to 741741 for free confidential crisis counseling and mental health support from trained volunteer counselors. The service is available around the clock nationwide, including all of South Dakota. Fathers who prefer texting over calling, or who need a quieter way to reach out, can chat through SMS and receive safety planning, coping strategies, and referrals to local services based on area and need.

Text HOME to 741741 · Nationwide service · 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.