Missouri Mental Health Resources for Single Mothers (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

Use this hub to find real, immediate, and affordable mental health help in Missouri. Everything here links to official state/federal pages or established nonprofits. We include exact phone numbers, current income limits, timelines, and step‑by‑step actions so you can move fast.

Quick Help Box (read this first)

• Call or text 988 for free 24/7 crisis support anywhere in Missouri. Ask the counselor to connect you to local services after the call. Missouri 988 — What to Expect and DMH 988 FAQ.
• If you’re pregnant or up to 12 months after delivery and need mental health help, call the free Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1‑833‑852‑6262 (English/Español; interpreters in 60+ languages). HHS/HRSA Maternal Mental Health Hotline FAQ.
• Find your county’s 24/7 Missouri crisis hotline (Access Crisis Intervention/ACI):
  St. Louis region: 800‑811‑4760 (Behavioral Health Response) | Kansas City/NW MO: 888‑279‑8188 (CommCARE) | SW MO: 800‑247‑0661 (Ozark Center) | Central MO: 800‑833‑3915 or 800‑395‑2132 (Compass Health/Burrell). Full county map and hotlines: Time2Act Crisis Lines.
• Postpartum or perinatal support and referrals (non‑crisis): Postpartum Support International HelpLine 1‑800‑944‑4773, text 800‑944‑4773 (EN) or 971‑203‑7773 (ES). PSI Get Help.
• Need a same‑day walk‑in behavioral health screening? Check your nearest Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) below, or call your local Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). MO BHCC Locations and DMH: CMHC Directory.
• If cost is the barrier, apply for MO HealthNet (Medicaid) today. Pregnant women up to 196% FPL, Show‑Me Healthy Babies up to 300% FPL, and adult expansion to 133% FPL (with 5% disregard). Current dollar amounts below. Apply: 855‑373‑9994 or online. MO DSS Income Limits and Apply for Healthcare.

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Find local treatment: FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA locator) and DMH: Locating Services.
• Managed care plan contacts (MO HealthNet): Healthy Blue 833‑388‑1407, Home State Health 855‑694‑4663, UnitedHealthcare 866‑292‑0359, Show Me Healthy Kids 877‑236‑1020. DSS Managed Care FAQs.
• Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) to therapy/psychiatry: Fee‑for‑Service line 866‑269‑5927; plan‑specific lines below. NEMT Overview + Numbers.
• Need a health center with sliding‑fee counseling? Use Missouri Primary Care Association — Find a Health Center and ask for behavioral health/sliding‑fee. HRSA requires FQHCs to discount fees on a sliding scale for ≤200% FPL. HRSA Sliding Fee Policy.
• State maternal mental health projects your OB/pediatrician can use: Maternal Health Access Project (provider consult & care coordination). Providers call 844‑538‑2279. Share this with your clinic. MO Child Well‑Being — MHAP and DSS: MHAP Hot Tip.

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Why this topic is urgent in Missouri

Missouri’s Pregnancy‑Associated Mortality Review reports show an average of about 70 women die each year during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, with an estimated 80% of pregnancy‑related deaths preventable. Mental health conditions (including substance use disorders) are a leading underlying cause. Recent multi‑year reports confirm mental health and cardiovascular disease as top drivers, with stark disparities for Black mothers. See key findings and dashboard: MO DHSS PAMR and DHSS news releases (2018–2022 data).

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Table 1 — Crisis and Immediate‑Help Numbers (Statewide)

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How to get help right now (and what to expect)

Step 1 — If it’s urgent, contact 988 or your local ACI line

• Call or text 988. You’ll reach a trained crisis specialist in Missouri who can listen, help you create a safety plan, and connect you to local services. You can also ask for language interpretation. Missouri 988 explains the call flow and options (e.g., Veterans line). Missouri 988 — Get Help, DMH 988 FAQ.
• Prefer a regional hotline you can save in your phone? Use the ACI county map to find your area’s number (St. Louis: 800‑811‑4760, KC/NW: 888‑279‑8188, SW: 800‑247‑0661, Central: 800‑833‑3915 or 800‑395‑2132). Time2Act map with numbers.

Reality check: You may be on hold a few minutes during peak times, but Missouri’s crisis system is designed to answer quickly and, when needed, send mobile crisis teams or direct you to a walk‑in crisis center. DMH Crisis Services.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t get through or don’t feel safe waiting, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for immediate safety. You can also drive or be driven to the nearest Behavioral Health Crisis Center (addresses in Table 3). MBHC BHCC Locations.

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Paying for care: getting coverage fast (MO HealthNet, SMHB, Marketplace, Sliding‑Fee)

Start here: If you’re uninsured or underinsured, apply for MO HealthNet (Medicaid) or Show‑Me Healthy Babies (SMHB). Missouri updates income thresholds annually; below are the current (effective 4/1/2025) limits for the most relevant programs. MO DSS Income Limits.

Table 2 — 2025 Eligibility Thresholds (selected programs)

How to apply today:

• Online, by phone (855‑373‑9994), fax, mail, or in person at an FSD Resource Center. Upload docs: mydssupload.mo.gov. Apply for Healthcare and FSD Contact/Find an Office.
• Processing timelines: MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women must be processed within 15 days; most other categories within 30–45 days (90 days if disability). If you hear nothing after 45 days, contact FSD. DSS “Know Your Rights” timelines and Apply — processing note.
• Postpartum coverage: Missouri provides 12 months of postpartum Medicaid/CHIP coverage statewide (approved Nov. 14, 2023). CMS/HHS release.

Important details for SMHB: If you qualified under SMHB due to income (ME 95), you get SMHB postpartum coverage; if approved for SMHB based on immigration ineligibility (ME 96), coverage includes prenatal/delivery and one postpartum visit. Review SMHB policy for specifics. DSS SMHB Policy.

Behavioral health coverage under MO HealthNet: Outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and counseling are covered when medically necessary. The provider manual updates removed copays for behavioral health services in 2023 updates (providers bill Medicaid). Check your plan for authorizations. MHD Behavioral Health Services and provider bulletin summary.

Marketplace plans (if you’re over Medicaid limits): 2025 maximum out‑of‑pocket limit is $9,200\ast \ast (individual)/\ast \ast$18,400 (family); if you qualify for cost‑sharing reductions, your OOP cap can be as low as $3,050 (≤200% FPL) on silver plans. Use the KFF calculator to estimate costs. HealthCare.gov OOP limits 2025 and Beyond the Basics CSR OOP table, KFF Marketplace Calculator.

Sliding‑fee counseling at Community Health Centers: FQHCs must offer discounts for ≤200% FPL and cannot deny care due to inability to pay. Find a center and ask for behavioral health. HRSA Sliding Fee Policy and MO PCA Find a Health Center.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your application stalls, use FSD chat/phone, request a fair hearing if deadlines pass, and contact your managed care plan’s member services for help scheduling behavioral health within network. Know Your Rights (hearing info and timelines) and Managed Care Enrollment Helpline 800‑348‑6627.

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Where to be seen: Missouri’s community behavioral health network

Start with Missouri’s Community Mental Health Centers (many are Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics/CCBHCs). They must provide or coordinate counseling, psychiatry, crisis care, case management, peer/family support, and more. The state demonstration focuses on making care available quickly in all 114 counties. DMH CCBHCs and SAMHSA CCBHC model.

• Many BH providers offer “Same‑Day Access” screenings. Example: BJC Behavioral Health’s walk‑in hours M–F (St. Louis/Florissant/Farmington). Expect a brief screening and a scheduled assessment/psychiatry later; waits vary with demand. BJC Same‑Day Access.
• CCBHCs are expected to provide 24/7 crisis response; mobile crisis should be able to respond promptly when needed, and clinics are required to get people into care quickly. SAMHSA CCBHC criteria & FAQs.

What to bring: Photo ID (if you have one), insurance card (if any), a list of meds, and proof of address/income if you’ll use sliding‑fee or need help applying for MO HealthNet. DMH can assist or refer. DMH Services & Resources (contact lines).

What to do if this doesn’t work: If the first clinic has a wait, ask for “rapid access” or a warm hand‑off to another CMHC/CCBHC. You can also use FindTreatment.gov to search additional providers, including telehealth options.

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Table 3 — Behavioral Health Crisis Centers (examples you can walk into)

Tip: If you’re not sure which center serves you, call 988 and ask for the nearest walk‑in crisis center. Missouri 988.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a center is at capacity, ask for the next nearest BHCC or request a mobile crisis team via 988. DMH Crisis Services.

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Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health (pregnancy through 12 months postpartum)

Top actions:

• Call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1‑833‑852‑6262 any time for immediate support, safety planning, and referrals in Missouri. HHS/HRSA Hotline.
• If you prefer a peer‑led, non‑crisis route, contact PSI at 1‑800‑944‑4773 (EN/ES) or text (EN 800‑944‑4773 / ES 971‑203‑7773). PSI Get Help.
• Insurance coverage: Missouri now covers postpartum for 12 months through Medicaid/CHIP. If you’re pregnant and uninsured with income up to 196% FPL, apply for MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women; if income is up to 300% FPL and you’re uninsured with no maternity coverage, SMHB may approve you. HHS/CMS Postpartum Expansion and MO DSS Income Limits.
• Important SMHB note: If you qualified under SMHB because of immigration ineligibility (ME 96), coverage includes prenatal/delivery and one postpartum visit. DSS SMHB Policy.
• Missouri DHSS perinatal depression resources and TEL‑LINK 800‑835‑5465 can help you find local care. DHSS Perinatal & Postpartum Depression pages.
• Your providers can also use the Maternal Health Access Project (MHAP) for same‑day psychiatry consults and care coordination. Share this with your OB/midwife/pediatrician: 844‑538‑2279 (for providers). MHAP.

Reality check: It may take a few days to get a therapy intake. If your mood is worsening, use 988, your ACI line, or walk‑in at a BHCC. MBHC BHCC Locations.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about telepsychiatry/teletherapy appointments through your managed care plan (see plan phone numbers above). If you’re over Medicaid income, compare Marketplace plans with CSR discounts (reduced OOP). HealthCare.gov OOP limits and CSR details.

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Getting to your appointments (no car, gas money tight, or far distance)

If you have MO HealthNet, you can get free Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) to covered behavioral health care (counseling, psychiatry, medication management):

• Fee‑for‑Service Medicaid: 866‑269‑5927 (schedule at least 3 days ahead; urgent care and hospital discharge trips can be same day). NEMT FAQ.
• Managed Care (Mon–Fri 7a–6p): Healthy Blue 888‑597‑1193, Home State Health 855‑694‑4663, UnitedHealthcare 844‑529‑1801, Show Me Healthy Kids 877‑236‑1020. NEMT overview with plan numbers.

Pro tip: Download the “MTM Link Member” app to tap “I’m Ready” when finished so your ride knows to pick you up. NEMT Participant FAQs.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your ride is late or doesn’t show, call 866‑269‑5944 (Where’s My Ride). File complaints at 866‑436‑0457 if you have recurring issues. DSS NEMT Provider Change Memo (MTM).

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Housing, safety, and practical support that affect mental health

• If your housing is unsafe or you’re at risk of eviction, ask your CMHC/CCBHC whether you qualify for the DMH Rental Assistance Program (RAP) for one‑time help (deposits, first month’s rent, late rent/utilities). You must be linked to a DMH‑contracted behavioral health agency. DMH Housing — RAP.
• For domestic violence safety planning, legal aid, and shelter, call 800‑799‑7233 or start at DHSS’s curated safety resources under Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies. Find Support.
• Food and diapers: Apply for WIC and SNAP; find diaper banks listed by DHSS/partners. Find Support (WIC/SNAP/Diaper Banks).

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 for local shelters/utility assistance, and ask your CMHC case manager about PATH (homeless outreach) or community‑operated peer support programs funded by DMH. DMH Locating Services.

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Diverse Communities: tailored routes to care

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: 988 offers affirming support; ask the counselor for an LGBTQ‑affirming connection if you don’t hear a specific option. For youth/young parents, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 support at 866‑488‑7386, text START to 678‑678, or chat online. Trevor — Get Help.
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Missouri 988 supports VideoPhone and ASL‑fluent crisis specialists; see the VideoPhone option from Missouri 988. Missouri 988.
• Veteran single mothers: Contact the VA Women Veterans Call Center at 855‑VA‑WOMEN (855‑829‑6636) for mental health/women’s services and referrals; also ask about VA childcare support during appointments. (Contact through VA Women Veterans resources at va.gov.)
• Single mothers with disabilities (self or child): Ask your CMHC for Targeted Case Management and respite; if your child has developmental concerns, request a First Steps referral (state early intervention). Find Support (First Steps link).
• Immigrant and refugee moms: You can get crisis help regardless of status via 988 (with interpreters). SMHB covers uninsured pregnant women up to 300% FPL even if immigration status is ineligible (ME 96), but postpartum is limited to one visit in that case. SMHB Policy.
• Tribal citizens: If you are AI/AN, you may also access tribal/IHS facilities and behavioral health programs. Use the IHS locator to find care. IHS Locations/Find Health Care.
• Rural moms with limited providers: Use telehealth through your MO HealthNet plan and ask your clinic about Mobile Crisis Response if you cannot travel. NEMT covers long‑distance trips if medically needed. NEMT, DMH Crisis Services.
• Single fathers caring for kids: All resources here apply to you too. Programs serve all caregivers; use your county CMHC and the state resources above. DMH Services.
• Language access: 988 offers English/Spanish and interpretation in 250+ languages; MO HealthNet managed care plans provide free language services. Missouri 988 and Managed Care FAQs.

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Resources by Region (a few big anchors)

• St. Louis City/County: Behavioral Health Response (crisis 800‑811‑4760); Same‑Day Access via BJC Behavioral Health; BH Urgent Care at SSM/Places for People (314‑257‑7430). Time2Act crisis lines, BJC SDA, Places for People contact.
• Kansas City/Jackson County: CommCARE ACI (888‑279‑8188); ReDiscover BHUCC (816‑988‑2739); Swope Health Behavioral Health (816‑922‑1070). Time2Act, MBHC BHCC, Swope Locations.
• Springfield/Greene County: Burrell BHCC (417‑893‑7735); Burrell crisis lines 800‑494‑7355 (SW MO) / 800‑395‑2132 (Central). MBHC BHCC, Burrell Contact.
• Columbia/Boone County: Burrell BHCC (573‑777‑7522). MBHC BHCC.
• Joplin/Jasper/Newton/McDonald: Ozark Center ACI (800‑247‑0661). Time2Act Crisis Lines.
• Cape Girardeau/Southeast: BHCC (573‑803‑4155); MOCARS regional line 800‑356‑5395. MBHC BHCC, Time2Act.

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Table 4 — Applying for MO HealthNet quickly (steps, docs, timelines)

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Table 5 — ACI Regional Hotlines (save yours)

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Real‑world examples (scenarios)

• “I’m in Springfield. I can’t stop crying, my baby is 3 months, and I don’t have a sitter.”
  • Action: Call 1‑833‑852‑6262 (maternal hotline) for immediate support and referrals. If you want in‑person help today, go to Burrell’s Springfield Behavioral Crisis Center (800 S. Park) or call 417‑893‑7735 first. Arrange NEMT if you’re on MO HealthNet (866‑269‑5927).
• “I live in St. Charles. I lost my job and can’t afford therapy.”
  • Action: Apply for MO HealthNet online or via 855‑373‑9994. If pregnant, you should get a decision within 15 days. Until coverage is active, ask BJC Behavioral Health for Same‑Day Access screening and request sliding‑fee options at a nearby Community Health Center via MO PCA’s locator.
• “I’m in rural Shannon County. The nearest therapist is far.”
  • Action: Use 988 for support and ask for Mobile Crisis Response if needed. Schedule NEMT rides for therapy days; if your home is unsafe, ask your CMHC about DMH’s rental assistance (RAP).

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting with Google only and missing faster state routes. Use 988, the ACI hotlines, or a BHCC for same‑day help.
• Waiting to apply for MO HealthNet. Apply now; pregnancy determinations target 15 days. If you’re over MPW income and uninsured, ask for SMHB right away.
• Skipping transportation help. If you have MO HealthNet, NEMT can take you to counseling/psychiatry. Schedule at least 3 days ahead (sooner is better).
• Not asking for sliding‑fee. FQHCs must discount fees for households ≤200% FPL. Ask at check‑in.
• Assuming postpartum coverage ends at 60 days. Missouri now covers 12 months postpartum through Medicaid/CHIP.

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FAQs (Missouri‑specific)

1. Is there truly someone local when I call 988?
   Yes. Calls/texts/chats from Missouri are routed to in‑state centers; specialists can connect you to local services and mobile crisis teams if needed.
2. How fast can I be seen?
   BH crisis centers are 24/7 (or extended hours). Many CMHC/CCBHCs offer “Same‑Day Access” screenings and aim to start services quickly; mobile crisis is available 24/7.
3. Will Medicaid cover therapy and medication?
   Yes. MO HealthNet covers medically necessary behavioral health (counseling, psychiatry). Copays for behavioral health were removed per provider manual updates. Check your managed care plan for any prior auths.
4. What income counts for pregnancy coverage?
   MPW covers up to 196% FPL (see dollar table). If over income and uninsured without maternity benefits, SMHB covers up to 300% FPL.
5. Do I need proof of pregnancy to apply?
   No. DSS states you do not need to submit a doctor’s note or test to qualify for MPW.
6. How long will my application take?
   If pregnant, expect up to 15 days; others generally 30–45 days (90 days if disability). If no update after 45 days, contact FSD or request a fair hearing.
7. Is postpartum Medicaid really 12 months now?
   Yes. Missouri implemented full 12‑month postpartum coverage statewide (approved by CMS 11/14/2023).
8. I live far from clinics. Can I use telehealth?
   Yes. Ask your plan/provider for teletherapy/telepsychiatry; NEMT can also help you reach in‑person care when needed.
9. Are there services just for moms with depression/anxiety after birth?
   Yes: Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1‑833‑852‑6262), PSI (1‑800‑944‑4773), and provider‑to‑psychiatrist support via MHAP (your provider calls 844‑538‑2279).
10. How do I find my local office or get live help with forms?
    Use the DSS office map, phone 855‑373‑4636, or start a chat from the site to schedule an appointment at a nearby FSD Resource Center.

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Table 6 — Handy Contacts (keep this list)

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Application Checklist (have these ready)

• Photo ID (if you have one), Social Security number(s), Missouri address.
• Proof of income (recent paystubs, unemployment benefits, child support received).
• If applying for SMHB, confirm you are uninsured and do not have access to employer coverage with maternity benefits; income up to 300% FPL.
• Banked on transportation? Save the NEMT phone line and your plan’s NEMT number.

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What we improved vs. typical search results

We reviewed the top pages commonly shown for “Missouri Mental Health Resources for Single Mothers.” Most list general hotlines but skip dollar amounts, income thresholds, postpartum 12‑month coverage specifics, ACI region hotlines, direct BHCC addresses, transportation numbers, and processing timelines. This guide fills those gaps with:

• Current (4/1/2025) DSS income limits and exact dollar figures.
• Verified 12‑month postpartum coverage details (CMS approval).
• County‑specific ACI hotlines and BHCC walk‑in sites you can use today.
• NEMT scheduling instructions and plan phone numbers.
• Sliding‑fee policies required at HRSA‑funded health centers.

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri Department of Social Services, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, CMS/HHS, SAMHSA, and established nonprofits. It is produced based on our Editorial Standards (sources verified, links tested, and policy changes tracked). We are independent researchers, not government employees, and we do not provide legal advice or case‑specific decisions.

Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Found an error or a broken link? Email info@asinglemother.org. We respond within 48–72 hours.

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Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit levels, phone numbers, and web pages can change after publication. Always confirm details with the relevant Missouri agency or health plan before you act. If you are in danger or in a medical emergency, call 911. For mental health crises, call or text 988.

Security note: For your privacy and safety, avoid posting personal health information in public forums or sending sensitive documents over unsecured email. When applying online, use official Missouri or federal websites only (addresses ending in .mo.gov, .gov, or well‑established nonprofit domains cited above).

🏛️More Missouri Resources for Single Mothers

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