Mental Health Resources for Single Mothers in North Carolina (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

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Quick help (read this first)

• Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling. Spanish available (press 2). Veterans press 1. Average answer time in NC is under 14 seconds. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Call the NC Peer Warmline at 855‑733‑7762 (855‑PEERS‑NC) to talk with a trained peer (not crisis, just someone who gets it). 24/7, free, confidential. (ncdhhs.gov)
• If you can’t safely wait, go to a Behavioral Health Urgent Care center near you or ask for a CIT officer via 911. Find crisis options here: NC Crisis Services (centers, mobile crisis, more). (ncdhhs.gov)
• Need coverage to see a therapist or psychiatrist? NC Medicaid now covers adults 19–64 up to 138% FPL. Apply online at ePASS (NC’s Medicaid application portal). Copays are at most $4 if any. Processing can take up to 45 days. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• Don’t have insurance and can’t afford meds? Check NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program or a local Medication Assistance Program (MAP) site. Statewide info: Medication Assistance Program (NC DHHS). 1‑866‑331‑1348. (medassist.org, ncdhhs.gov)
• Not sure where to start? Dial 2‑1‑1 or 888‑892‑1162 to reach NC 211 for 24/7 help finding clinics, counseling, food, housing and more in your county. Or submit a request at NCCARE360 Get Help. (nc211.org, nccare360.org)

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What this guide does differently (based on the top search results)

Most search results for “North Carolina mental health resources for single mothers” list hotlines and a few general links. Here’s what they miss and what you’ll find below:

• Clear, state‑specific income limits, dollar amounts, and timelines for Medicaid and coverage options. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• Direct crisis lines by region (who to call in your county at 2 a.m.). (ncdhhs.gov)
• Postpartum‑specific supports with official data on prevalence and what’s covered for 12 months after birth. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov, schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov)
• Concrete plan B options if a path fails (appeals, alternative clinics, medication assistance, peer supports). (ncdhhs.gov)
• Tables you can scan in seconds (numbers, phones, counties covered) and direct links you can click without hunting.

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If you’re in crisis or near it

Start with the option that gets you help the fastest.

Crisis numbers you can use right now

Sources: NC DHHS Crisis Services and 988 program pages. (ncdhhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you can’t get through or wait times are long, call 911 and ask for a “CIT officer” (police trained in mental health response). Then call your regional LME/MCO crisis line to activate mobile crisis after the immediate danger passes. (ncdhhs.gov)

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Who to call in your county (24/7 LME/MCO crisis lines)

North Carolina’s behavioral health system is organized by regions. Use the numbers below for crisis help, mobile crisis, same‑day triage, and to find in‑network providers.

Source: NC DHHS LME/MCO Directory (updated 2025). (ncdhhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask the operator for the nearest “Behavioral Health Urgent Care” location and open hours; if transport is a barrier, request mobile crisis. If lines are busy, call 988 while you wait. (ncdhhs.gov)

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Coverage that pays for counseling, psychiatry, and meds

NC Medicaid expansion (adults 19–64)

NC expanded Medicaid on Dec. 1, 2023. If your household income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you may qualify. Copays are never more than $4. Apply online at ePASS or through your county DSS. Decisions can take up to 45 days. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)

Figures shown by NC Medicaid as “current until April 1, 2026.” Benefits include mental health care, therapy, psychiatry, medications, and more. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)

How to apply fast

• Online: ePASS – apply for NC Medicaid
• In person/mail: Use the Local DSS Directory (phones, addresses by county). (ncdhhs.gov)

Required documents

• Photo ID (if available), Social Security number (or document why not available), proof of NC residency
• Proof of income (recent pay stubs, unemployment, child support received)
• Pregnancy proof only if applying during pregnancy

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If denied, appeal immediately and ask your DSS for help with an appeal/“reconsideration.” Meanwhile, use sliding‑fee clinics: Find a Community Health Center (FQHC) in NC or HRSA’s locator. (ncchca.org)

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Pregnant or postpartum? You have extra protections and options

• NC Medicaid covers you for 12 months after your pregnancy ends—regardless of income changes during that period. You must tell DSS when pregnancy starts, if the due date changes, and when the pregnancy ends. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• Maternal mental health matters: in NC, mental health conditions (including overdose) were the leading cause of pregnancy‑related deaths in 2018–2019; most such deaths were preventable. Postpartum depressive symptoms are common (NC PRAMS data show 6–10% “always/often” and ~20% “sometimes” feeling depressed or hopeless in 2019–2020). (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov)
• For immediate maternal mental health support, call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (1‑833‑852‑6262)—24/7, English/Spanish, 60+ languages via interpreter. (aafp.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you aren’t enrolled yet, apply now and report your pregnancy to your local DSS; postpartum coverage starts the day the pregnancy ends and runs through the last day of that month one year later. While awaiting approval, use FQHCs/CCBHCs for sliding‑fee therapy and psychiatry (see tables below). (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)

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Where to get therapy and psychiatry (with or without insurance)

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)

These “one‑stop” clinics serve anyone, integrate mental health/substance use care, and offer sliding fees.

State CCBHC info: NC DHHS CCBHC page. (ncdhhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Use HRSA’s locator to find FQHCs with integrated mental health near you: Find a Health Center (HRSA). Or call NC 211 for the closest sliding‑fee clinic. (data.hrsa.gov, nc211.org)

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Regional, same‑day options moms actually use

Here are walk‑in crisis and urgent‑care sites used by many families (no appointment needed; call first if you can):

Tip: If transportation is hard, ask your LME/MCO for mobile crisis. (ncdhhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call 988 and your LME/MCO crisis line to coordinate safe transport or mobile crisis. If danger is imminent, call 911 and request a CIT officer. (ncdhhs.gov)

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Medication help when money is tight

• Free meds if uninsured: NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program (income up to 300% FPL). Phone 1‑866‑331‑1348. Meds mailed to you after approval. (medassist.org)
• Local Medication Assistance Program (MAP) sites help enroll you in manufacturer assistance and find low‑cost meds. Start here: Medication Assistance Program – NC DHHS. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Over‑the‑counter help: NC MedAssist Mobile Free Pharmacy events give free OTC items statewide; see the events calendar. (medassist.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your prescriber for generics on $4 lists and small‑quantity bridge prescriptions while your MAP or MedAssist application is processed. See NC DHHS “Discounted Medications” page for discount cards. (ncdhhs.gov)

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Telehealth and rural access

• NC Statewide Telepsychiatry Program (NC‑STeP) connects dozens of hospital ERs and clinics to psychiatrists by video, cutting waits and unnecessary admissions. If you end up in an ER for a behavioral health crisis, ask if they use NC‑STeP. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Can’t find a local therapist with openings? FQHCs and CCBHCs often offer telehealth therapy and psychiatry statewide; check HRSA’s locator if you can travel for the first visit. (data.hrsa.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your LME/MCO for providers offering virtual visits and evening hours. If you have Medicaid, remember specialists do not require a PCP referral for claims payment (some offices still ask for one internally). (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)

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Real‑world timelines (so you can plan)

• Medicaid application: up to 45 days to process; online submissions can be faster. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• 988 calls in NC: answered in under 14 seconds on average; the state handles over 11,000 contacts (calls/texts/chats) monthly. (ncdhhs.gov)
• LME/MCO mobile crisis: dispatched 24/7; response time varies by county and caseload (often within a few hours). Ask the crisis line for an ETA. (ncdhhs.gov)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until things are “really bad” before calling 988 or your LME/MCO crisis line.
• Assuming you don’t qualify for Medicaid after expansion—check the table above and apply.
• Not telling DSS when pregnancy starts or ends; this can delay postpartum coverage.
• Skipping documentation (pay stubs, ID, address) in your application—this causes holds.
• Not asking about sliding fees or telehealth if a clinic says they’re full.
• Stopping meds because of cost before checking MedAssist or MAP.
• Going to the ER for non‑emergency needs without trying Behavioral Health Urgent Care.
• Forgetting to ask for a CIT officer if you call 911.
• Missing appeal deadlines after a denial—appeal right away and keep copies.
• Trying to go it alone; let NC 211/NCCARE360 connect you to local resources. (nc211.org)

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Application checklist (save this on your phone)

• Photo ID (or other identity proof)
• Social Security numbers for everyone applying (if available)
• Proof of North Carolina address (lease, mail, bill)
• Proof of income for the past 4–6 weeks (pay stubs, unemployment, child support)
• Pregnancy verification if applying during pregnancy
• List of current medications and providers

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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Diverse communities: targeted help that exists in NC

• LGBTQ+ single mothers
  • 988 is still for you; while the national LGBTQ+ “press 3” option changed in July 2025, NC committed to answering every call and connecting people to the right supports. Ask your LME/MCO for affirming providers. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children
  • Ask your LME/MCO about care coordination and respite options; NC is investing in family peer supports statewide to help families navigate complex systems. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Veteran single mothers
  • Use 988 then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line; NC 211 and NCCARE360 can also connect you to local veteran supports. (ncdhhs.gov, nccare360.org)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms
  • 988 won’t ask your immigration status, and interpreter services are available. Many FQHCs offer language access; ask NC 211 to filter by language. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources
  • If you are a Tribal citizen, ask your Tribal health clinic about behavioral health services and how they coordinate with your regional LME/MCO (many Tribal families are in Vaya or Trillium regions). Use 988 for emergencies and local clinics for ongoing care. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Rural single moms with limited access
  • Leverage telehealth through CCBHCs/FQHCs; if a crisis pushes you to an ER, ask whether they use NC‑STeP telepsychiatry to speed evaluation. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Single fathers (yes, you count here)
  • Every program above is gender‑inclusive. Postpartum and perinatal groups often have partner tracks—ask PSI‑NC. (psichapters.com)
• Language access
  • 988 Spanish line (press 2); clinics routinely provide interpreter services. NC 211 can connect you to language‑specific supports. (ncdhhs.gov, nc211.org)

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Local organizations and support groups moms recommend

• NAMI North Carolina education and family groups (free): NAMI Family‑to‑Family and NAMI Family Support Groups. (naminc.org)
• Hospital‑based postpartum supports (Triangle example): WakeMed’s postpartum mental health resources and groups. If you’re elsewhere, ask your hospital’s Women’s/Maternity services for local groups. (wakemed.org)
• Postpartum Support International – North Carolina Chapter: statewide peer groups, local volunteers, and provider directory. (psichapters.com)
• Domestic violence/sexual assault services: find your local confidential hotline and shelter via the NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault. These programs coordinate safety planning and trauma‑informed counseling. (nccadv.org, nccasa.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call NC 211 to locate faith‑based or county‑run counseling programs with short waitlists, or ask your LME/MCO for peer support options while you wait for therapy. (nc211.org)

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Important numbers and facts (for quick reference)

• 988 Lifeline average answer time in NC: under 14 seconds; >11,000 monthly contacts (calls/texts/chats). (ncdhhs.gov)
• NC Peer Warmline: 855‑733‑7762 (English only). (ncdhhs.gov)
• Postpartum coverage: 12 months of Medicaid after pregnancy ends (continuous coverage). (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• Medicaid expansion adult monthly income limits (through 3/31/2026): $1,800\ast \ast (1),\ast \ast$2,433 (2), $3,065\ast \ast (3),\ast \ast$3,698 (4), $4,340\ast \ast (5).Copays\le \ast \ast$4. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• DSS office lookup (phone/address by county): Local DSS Directory. (ncdhhs.gov)

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Data you can trust (why this matters)

• In NC’s latest Maternal Mortality Review for 2018–2019, mental health conditions—including overdoses—were the leading cause of pregnancy‑related deaths; most were preventable. The state and academic partners have published detailed analyses to guide prevention. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, stacks.cdc.gov)
• NC’s postpartum depressive symptoms data (PRAMS) show significant numbers of mothers reporting depression/hopelessness after birth—validating that screening and early treatment save lives. (schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov)

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Frequently asked questions (North Carolina)

• How fast can I start therapy if I’m in crisis?
  • For immediate safety issues, call 988. For next‑day follow‑up, ask your LME/MCO for mobile crisis stabilization and a same‑week clinic appointment. Behavioral Health Urgent Care centers can often start meds the same day. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Does Medicaid cover therapy, psychiatry, and meds for anxiety or depression?
  • Yes. NC Medicaid covers outpatient therapy, psychiatric visits, and medications with copays at most $4 if any. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• I work part‑time. Do I make too much for Medicaid?
  • If your monthly income is at or below the table above for your household size, apply. Even if you’re slightly over, still apply—deductions or different categories might qualify you. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• I just had a baby. Do I still qualify if my income went up?
  • If you were covered during pregnancy, you have 12 months of postpartum Medicaid even if your income changes. Tell DSS when your pregnancy ends. (medicaid.ncdhhs.gov)
• I can’t afford my antidepressant. What can I do this week?
  • Apply to NC MedAssist (online or by phone 1‑866‑331‑1348) and ask your clinic about a MAP site that can enroll you in manufacturer programs. Request a short bridge prescription and a generic alternative. (medassist.org, ncdhhs.gov)
• Will 988 send police to my house?
  • 988 is separate from 911; it focuses on de‑escalation and connecting you to care. They contact emergency services only when there’s an imminent risk of harm. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Where can I find counseling that understands domestic violence or sexual assault?
  • Use the NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault directories for local, confidential services and support groups. (nccadv.org, nccasa.org)
• Who coordinates care for my child with behavioral needs?
  • Ask your LME/MCO about Child and Family Teams (CFTs) to bring providers and supports into one plan that you lead. (ncdhhs.gov)
• I live in a rural county. Are video visits covered?
  • Many clinics and CCBHCs offer telehealth; ask when you call. ERs in many rural areas also use NC‑STeP for telepsychiatry during crises. (ncdhhs.gov)
• I’m overwhelmed and don’t even know which program fits.
  • Dial 2‑1‑1 (or 888‑892‑1162) or complete the NCCARE360 assistance request to have a navigator call you back. (nc211.org, nccare360.org)

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Extra: fast directories and tools

• Find crisis centers, mobile crisis, and toolkits: NC Crisis Services hub. (ncdhhs.gov)
• Find a sliding‑fee clinic: NC Community Health Centers map or HRSA’s national locator. (ncchca.org, data.hrsa.gov)
• Look up your county DSS (apply, renew, or ask case questions): Local DSS Directory. (ncdhhs.gov)

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What to expect when you call 988 (in plain terms)

• You’ll reach a trained counselor (not law enforcement). You can stay anonymous.
• You can talk about anything—panic, rage, postpartum fears, grief, addiction—without judgment.
• Tell them you’re a single mom in NC. Ask for local resources and a safety plan for tonight and tomorrow. (ncdhhs.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), NC Medicaid, CDC/PRAMS, HRSA, and established nonprofits. It is produced under our Editorial Standards with primary sources only, regular updates, and clear sourcing. We are independent and not a government agency. Individual outcomes vary.

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.

Corrections? Email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll respond within 72 hours.

Editorial standards: ASingleMother.org Editorial Policy

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Disclaimer

• Program rules, phone numbers, and amounts change. Always verify with the official agency before you apply or share personal information.
• This guide is information, not medical or legal advice. If you’re in danger, call 911; for a mental health crisis, call 988.
• We use secure links to official sites and well‑established nonprofits; however, you are responsible for your own online safety and privacy when submitting applications or personal data.
• Health and mental health are sensitive matters. If you prefer not to speak by phone, choose text/chat options (988), or ask a trusted person to make the first call with you.
• We do not accept compensation from programs mentioned and do not guarantee approval or specific outcomes.

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Sources used throughout include: NC DHHS 988 and Crisis Services, NC Medicaid expansion and eligibility, postpartum coverage policies and FAQs, PRAMS data, NC LME/MCO directory, CCBHC pages, HRSA clinic locator, NC 211/NCCARE360, NC MedAssist/MAP, Child & Family Teams, NC‑STeP telepsychiatry, and related public health releases. Key citations appear near the relevant sections. (ncdhhs.gov

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Reality check: getting care isn’t always quick. Waitlists happen. Phones ring. Keep this page handy. Use the crisis options when you need them, and stack your supports: Medicaid or sliding‑fee clinic + peer warmline + one local group. You deserve steady help, not just a hotline.

🏛️More North Carolina Resources for Single Mothers

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