Crisis Resources for Fathers

If You're in Crisis Right Now, Start Here

You don't have to be "suicidal" to use these resources. If you're overwhelmed, can't sleep, can't function, or just need someone to talk to at 2 AM — these lines are for you.

Immediate Crisis Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988
Available 24/7, free, confidential
988lifeline.org
Trained counselors who understand crisis situations
If you're a veteran, press 1 after calling 988 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741
Available 24/7, free, confidential
crisistextline.org
If you'd rather text than talk, this is your resource

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988, press 1
Text 838255
veteranscrisisline.net
Specialized support for veterans and service members
Available 24/7

Mental Health Helplines

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-4357
samhsa.gov/find-help
Free, confidential, 24/7
Treatment referrals for mental health and substance abuse
Information and support in English and Spanish

NAMI Helpline

1-800-950-6264
nami.org/help
Monday–Friday, 10 AM–10 PM ET
Mental health information, referrals, and support
Can connect you with local NAMI chapters and support groups

Therapy Options

When the immediate crisis passes, ongoing support matters:

Psychology Today Therapist Finder

psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Filter by insurance, location, and specialization
Look for "men's issues," "divorce," "custody" specializations
Read profiles, check availability

Open Path Collective

openpathcollective.org

Sessions for $30–$80
No insurance required
One-time membership fee of $65

BetterHelp

betterhelp.com

Online therapy from your phone or computer
Sliding scale based on financial need
Convenient for unpredictable schedules

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to your nearest ER or call 911 if:

You have a plan to hurt yourself
You've taken pills, cut yourself, or otherwise harmed yourself
You feel you cannot keep yourself safe
You're hearing voices or experiencing a break from reality

The ER will stabilize you and connect you with follow-up care. There is no shame in this.

Warning Signs in Yourself

Watch for these and take them seriously:

Thinking your children would be "better off without you" — this is a lie your brain tells you in crisis
Giving away possessions
Withdrawing from everyone
Increased substance use
Inability to sleep for days
Inability to eat
Feeling numb or disconnected
Rage that feels uncontrollable

Safety Planning

Create a safety plan now, before you need it:

Warning signs: What does the start of a crisis feel like for you?
Coping strategies: What helps? Exercise, calling someone, going for a drive, cold shower?
People to call: List 3 people with phone numbers
Professional resources: Therapist's number, 988, Crisis Text Line
Making your environment safe: Remove or lock up anything you could use to hurt yourself

You Are Not Alone

Custody battles push fathers to the edge more often than anyone acknowledges. The isolation, the financial pressure, the fear of losing your children — it's a perfect storm. But you are not the first father to feel this way, and reaching out for help is the strongest thing you can do.

Your children need you here. Period.