Vermont Department of Mental Health

Mental Health · Vermont · Free

State agency coordinating public mental health services, designated community agencies, and crisis intervention across Vermont. Fathers seeking help for themselves or their children can find local providers through the department's directory, apply for services, or file complaints. The Waterbury office handles policy and oversight. Call during business hours for referral guidance or use the online provider map.

Contact & Details

Address: 280 State Dr, Waterbury, VT 05671

Phone: (802) 241-0090

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm

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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 Vermont

Vermont's Family Division of the Superior Court handles all family matters statewide. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DCF. Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, and Essex are the largest towns. Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont (a nonprofit partner) provide civil legal aid, including a joint statewide Family Law helpline.

More Mental Health in Vermont

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Vermont — Free 24/7 confidential crisis support by phone, text, or chat for Vermonters experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance u
  • NAMI Vermont — National Alliance on Mental Illness state chapter offering free education, peer support groups, and advocacy for Vermont families affected b
  • Washington County Mental Health Services — Community mental health center serving central Vermont with outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, children's services, crisis response, and
  • Rutland Mental Health Services — Community mental health agency providing counseling, psychiatric services, children's programs, and crisis support in Rutland and central Ve
  • Veterans Crisis Line — Vermont — Free 24/7 confidential crisis support for Vermont veterans, service members, and their families experiencing mental health emergencies, suic
  • United Counseling Service — Bennington — Designated community agency providing mental health, substance abuse, and developmental services for Bennington and surrounding southwestern

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.