Dad Mental Health Resources: Where to Get Help

Sometimes an article isn't enough. Sometimes you need to talk to someone, find a therapist, or connect with other dads who get it.

This page is a starting point. It's not exhaustive, but it's organized to help you find what you need - whether that's immediate crisis support, professional help, or just a community that understands.

The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional.

Find a Therapist

Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. Here are places to start:

• Psychology Today Therapist Finder - Search by location, specialty, and insurance. Filter for issues like "anger management," "parenting," or "men's issues."
• Brightside Health - Online therapy and psychiatry. Accepts many insurance plans. Good option if you want to start quickly or prefer video sessions.
• Open Path Collective - Sliding scale therapy ($30-$80 per session) for people who can't afford traditional rates. One-time $65 lifetime membership fee.

Tips for finding a good fit:

• It's okay to "interview" therapists. Most offer a free 15-minute consultation.
• If the first one doesn't feel right, try another. Fit matters.
• Look for someone who works with men, fathers, or anger/stress specifically.
• If cost is a barrier, ask about sliding scale rates - many therapists offer them.
• Check your EAP first. Most employers offer an Employee Assistance Program that includes free therapy sessions (usually 3-8). It's confidential - your employer doesn't know you used it. Search "[your company] EAP" or ask HR.

Dad Support Groups

Connecting with other dads who get it can make a real difference. You're not the only one struggling.

• City Dads Group - In-person meetups in major US cities. Free to join. Good for building local connections with other dads.
• r/daddit - Reddit community with over 1 million members. Supportive, anonymous, and active 24/7. Good place to vent or ask for advice.
• Facebook Groups - Search for "dads group" + your city, or try "Dad Mental Health Support" or "Fathers Support Group." Quality varies, but you can find good communities.

If you're more introverted or don't want to share publicly, even lurking in these communities can help you feel less alone.

Recommended Books

These are books that have helped dads understand themselves better and show up differently with their kids. Not theory - practical stuff that works.

• Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham - If you already know you have an anger problem, start here.
• Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy - Reframes "bad" behavior and helps break shame cycles.
• The Whole-Brain Child by Dan Siegel - Brain science made practical. Helps you understand why kids act the way they do.

See our full book recommendations for more picks with detailed descriptions.

Podcasts

For when you want to learn but don't have time to read:

• Good Inside with Dr. Becky Kennedy (clinical psychologist) - Short episodes on specific parenting challenges. Practical, shame-free, and popular for a reason.
• Dad Tired - Focused on fatherhood specifically. Faith-based but practical. Addresses the real struggles of being a dad.
• The Dad Edge (Larry Hagner) - Dads talking to dads about what works. Covers marriage, anger, presence, and the hard parts of fatherhood without sugarcoating it.
• The Daily Dad (Ryan Holiday) - Short daily episodes on fatherhood. Good for the drive home or a quick reset. Less advice, more wisdom.

Free Resources on Steady Dad

If you're not ready for therapy or books, these are good places to start:

• Box Breathing: A Simple Technique to Calm Down Fast - One tool you can use right now.
• The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique - For when anxiety or overwhelm hits.
• What to Say After Yelling at Your Child - Scripts for repair.
• When Parenting Drains You: What Dad Exhaustion Feels Like - When the tiredness goes deeper than sleep can fix.
• Dad FAQ - Common questions answered.