NAMI Dane County (Madison)

Mental Health · Wisconsin · Free

Dane County NAMI affiliate providing free peer support groups, Family-to-Family classes, NAMI Basics for parents of children with mental illness, advocacy, and resource navigation. Fathers can call the Madison office to register for classes or find a nearby support group. Serves all of Dane County. No insurance or diagnosis required to participate. Walk-ins welcome during business hours for general information.

Contact & Details

Address: 2702 International Ln, Suite 214, Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 608-249-7188

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

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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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

More Mental Health in Wisconsin

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Wisconsin) — Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support from trained counselors. Wisconsin calls are routed to local crisis centers for
  • Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling delivered entirely by text message with trained volunteer counselors. Fathers w
  • NAMI Wisconsin — Statewide mental health advocacy organization offering free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education classes, helpline referrals, and
  • NAMI Greater Milwaukee — Milwaukee-area NAMI affiliate providing free peer support groups, Family-to-Family classes, In Our Own Voice presentations, and resource nav
  • SAMHSA National Helpline — Free, confidential 24/7 helpline operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration providing referrals to local ment
  • Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division — Operates Milwaukee County's 24/7 Crisis Line, mobile crisis response teams, crisis stabilization, and outpatient behavioral health services

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.