Teen Fathers Matter Too: Mental Health Resources for Young Dads

Published: 06/13/2025 | Updated: 06/25/2025

Authored by: Adam Moore, MPharm

Edited by: Aja Chavez, LPCC, LMFT

Becoming a parent can be one of life’s richest, most valuable experiences. However, it can also bring stress, uncertainty, and emotional upheaval – especially if you’re a teen parent. So far, research has typically focused on adolescent mothers, but what about the unique challenges that teenage dads face?

Teen dads are still navigating their own lives. The adolescent years come with so many pressures already; studying to ace finals and get into a preferred college, maintaining social lives and relationships, and commitments to sports or hobbies. The list goes on. And then to have the responsibility of parenthood on top of this? It can be a lot for a young man.

Everyone’s circumstances are different. While one young parent could have a lot of support, another may feel overwhelmed. For instance, they may have a lack of finances or help with childcare.

Evidently, being a young father can be hard. It’s difficult to balance being a good parent while also looking after yourself. Quite often, these pressures can take a toll on a teen dad’s mental health. The good news is that teen dads don’t have to go it alone. Support is out there, and the team at Mission Prep is here to help. This article also works as a useful guide, exploring:

Why Teen Father Mental Health Matters
Mental Health Challenges of Teen Dads
Teen Dads Parenting Tools
Teen Dad Support Groups for Mental Health
Therapy for Young Dads
Mission Prep: Mental Health Help for Young Fathers

Why Teen Father Mental Health Matters

Good mental health is an essential foundation for the well-being of anyone. For example, when someone is experiencing depression, they may withdraw socially and shut themselves out. Additionally, poor mental health can tire someone out, making them naturally want to take time to rest and gather themselves.

However, when you’re a parent, the opportunity to retreat and take some time alone to tend to your own needs can feel impossible when you have a little human to look after.

Take, for example, a situation in which a young man who may still be in the critical stages of development. What happens when he is thrust into a parental role that demands maturity, responsibility, and emotional resilience beyond his years? Without proper support, research has shown that teen fathers are at an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.¹

Studies have shown that involved fathers – regardless of age – can have a profoundly positive impact on the development of their child. In particular, on their ability to thrive socially, and their intelligence, both emotionally and academically.² However, this involvement is heavily dependent on the father’s own mental and emotional health. Therefore, addressing mental health in young dads isn’t just about supporting the individual – it’s about fostering healthier family dynamics and future generations.

Mental Health Challenges of Teen Dads

Teen dads can face a variety of challenges that can affect their mental health, from stigma and judgment to a lack of resources, and so on. The following sections take a closer look at how issues such as these can affect teen dads’ well-being.

Teenage Dads and Depression

Depression among young dads is more common than many realize. Studies show that young dads are more likely to report symptoms of depression compared to their peers who are non-parents.³ Depression can be characterised by symptoms such as low mood, persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, irritability, or fatigue. You can imagine how these issues could be worsened by the additional stress, financial strain, and sleep deprivation that typically go hand in hand with being a parent..

Teenage dads and depression can also be associated with a loss of identity. Balancing work, school, and parental responsibilities can be overwhelming – and it’s not always something non-parent friends will be able to relate to or empathise with. So, it’s not uncommon for teen dads to feel alone if they’re struggling.

The traditional ideals of young men having to “man up” when times get tough also remain an ongoing issue. These out-of-date notions can often discourage young fathers from seeking the help they need, leading to ongoing cycles of poor mental health and depression.

Fortunately, depression is treatable with a range of options that the team at Mission Prep can help explore. More information on these options is available here, and our team can guide you through treatments such as talking therapy, telehealth, and medication.

Teen Fatherhood and Anxiety

Anxiety is another concern among teen dads. The uncertainty that young fatherhood brings, along with the possible social stigma, financial strain, and even unstable living conditions, can put young dads under a lot of stress and worry. Anxiety symptoms can include racing thoughts, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, all of which can affect a young man’s functioning and decision-making.⁴ Additionally, constant worry can make it hard to be a present and supportive father.

Teen dads who lack a reliable support system may also experience anticipatory anxiety, or, in other words, anxiety about what the future holds. They could have fears about whether they’ll be a good father, be able to support their child, or live up to family expectations. Without intervention, this stress can lead to poor mental health in the long term.

The good news is that anxiety is both preventable and treatable. The experienced team at Mission Prep can help young dads navigate struggles with anxiety, and more information about the range of options available can be found here.

Young Men and Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is, in simple terms, symptoms of depression that can occur after becoming a new parent. Quite often, we assume that postpartum depression refers to the experience of being a new mother, but this isn’t always the case. There’s an increasing amount of research that confirms how new dads, including young men, can experience postpartum. Usually, within the first year of their child’s birth.⁵

Postpartum depression’s contributing factors can include a lack of sleep that follows adjusting to a new and often interrupted sleeping pattern, shifting family dynamics, and the pressure of new responsibility.

If you’re a young dad or if you have a relative or friend who is a new parent, knowing the symptoms of postpartum depression is important. Social withdrawal, irritability, or a generally low mood can all be indicators of suffering. Checking in with young dads can help ensure that postpartum depression doesn’t go unrecognised.

Making sure that teen father-focused mental health care is readily available is of equal importance. Mission Prep is ready to help you or a loved one navigate all the feelings that can come with becoming a parent.

Teen Dads Parenting Tools

Equipping young dads with parenting tools and knowledge can help alleviate the stress associated with new fatherhood. For instance, research has shown that parenting support for teen fathers in the form of skills-based programs that teach effective communication, strategies for co-parenting, and the basics of child development can empower teen dads. Results of such youth fatherhood programs show that young dads gain confidence and a sense of control and competence.⁶

Apps and websites dedicated to parenting support for teen fathers are increasingly available, offering accessible, on-demand information. For example:

Daddy Up: An app designed for dads which is marketed as “the field guide to pregnancy.” It offers a lighthearted and fun way to navigate parenthood with great tips, challenges, and checklists.
Dadditude: Empowers dads to take on this important role. As a self-coaching platform and support community for dads, Dadditude helps the modern father feel validated while providing research-backed content guides to improve their confidence and comfort as parents.
The National Fatherhood Initiative: A non-profit organisation that aims to improve the well-being of children by promoting responsible fatherhood. They offer programs such as “basic fathering skills,” “advanced fathering skills,” and apps like “ProFathering15” – an interactive and engaging online program that can be completed alone or with supportive staff. The NFI also has plenty of free resources available.

Mental Health Support for Young Dads

Mental health support for young dads is essential for helping them navigate new terrain while maintaining their emotional well-being. While this article discusses therapy options subsequently, teen dad support groups can play an instrumental role in helping a young dad recognize that they’re not alone.

Teen Dad Support Groups for Mental Health

Father-focused mental health care can be a lifeline. Support for young dads through local groups or online communities helps reduce isolation and stigma. Plus, talking to other fathers going through similar challenges can normalize their experiences and promote emotional resilience.

Programs like the Fatherhood Initiative mentioned earlier can offer structured environments where teen dads can learn, grow, and receive mentorship. These groups often integrate practical advice with emotional support, making them a great tool for mental wellness in teen dads.

Another option is the Fatherhood Project teen dads program, which uses a group model and provides young men with a safe, educational, and positive place to learn. This can help young dads feel more equipped while also engaging with others going through similar experiences. Additionally, children benefit from their fathers’ newfound confidence, competence, and emotional engagement.

Finally, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is a US government organisation that provides resources and advice to empower young dads and families. They help to foster healthy, productive family dynamics and help children thrive as they grow.

Therapy for Young Dads

Therapy is perhaps one of the best ways to empower a young father in developing the emotional resilience and tools needed to adapt to this new role. While everyone is unique, there is a range of therapy resources that can help.

Young Dad Therapy Resources:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help young dads understand patterns of thoughts and behaviors that can lead to negative well-being. It teaches teens how to develop tools for managing emotions and fostering healthy coping. Plus, CBT is considered to be a short-term treatment approach as people tend to see results quite quickly.
Interpersonal therapy: When becoming a new father, a teen dad needs the support of those around him. Plus, relationship issues can contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Interpersonal therapy can help teen dads see how their behaviors contribute to negative patterns in relationships, paving the way for a more stable future.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): When a mental health issue, such as trauma, affects a teen dad’s ability to cope, EMDR can be a highly effective treatment option. It doesn’t require detailed discussions about previous negative experiences, but uses eye movements to reprogram how the brain stores memories.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS often works when other forms of therapy haven’t. It stimulates the areas of the brain responsible for mood, allowing teen dads to feel more capable of coping with the challenges they face.
Group therapy: Seeing their own difficulties reflected in the stories of others can help teen dads recognize that they’re not alone. Group therapy with a trained facilitator can also give teen dads the opportunity to develop valuable coping skills and resources for the future.

Therapy can be one-on-one, in groups, or even as a family. Plus, many young fathers consider finances to be a barrier to getting help.⁷ For this reason, accommodations such as sliding scale rates can be discussed.

Mission Prep: Mental Health Help for Young Fathers

Teen dads matter. Their mental health matters. While young fatherhood can feel like an uphill battle filled with uncertainty and pressure, the resources available for teen dads are increasing – and indeed so is the support available. This support importantly acknowledges teen dads’ struggles and empowers them to succeed.

This is where Mission Prep can come in. Our team specializes in adolescent care, offering services that can be particularly beneficial in providing emotional support for teen dads.

We offer a range of treatment packages for conditions relating to teen father mental health, such as:

Residential Treatment: 24/7 care in state-licensed homes with a 3:1 staff-to-client ratio
Outpatient Programs: Flexible treatment plans that allow teens to live at home while receiving care
Telehealth Services: Virtual therapy sessions for those unable to attend in person.

These options provide flexibility for young dads balancing work, parenting, and other responsibilities.

If you or someone you know is a young father struggling with their mental health, reach out to our team today. With the right guidance and care, teenage dads can build bright, healthy futures for themselves and their children.

References

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Cabrera, N. J., Volling, B. L., & Barr, R. (2018). Fathers are parents, too! Widening the lens on parenting for children’s development. Child Development Perspectives, 12(3), 152–157. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12275
Garfield, C. F., Duncan, G., Rutsohn, J., McDade, T. W., Adam, E. K., Coley, R. L., & Chase-Lansdale, P. L. (2014). A longitudinal study of paternal mental health during transition to fatherhood as young adults. Pediatrics, 133(5), 836–843. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2013-3262
Doss, B. D., Rhoades, G. K., Stanley, S. M., & Markman, H. J. (2009). The effect of the transition to parenthood on relationship quality: An 8-year prospective study. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96(3), 601–619. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013969
Paulson, J. F., & Bazemore, S. D. (2010). Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: A meta-analysis. JAMA, 303(19), 1961–1969. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2010.605
Panter-Brick, C., Burgess, A., Eggerman, M., McAllister, F., Pruett, K., & Leckman, J. F. (2014). Practitioner review: Engaging fathers—Recommendations for a game change in parenting interventions based on a systematic review of the global evidence. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(11), 1187–1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12280
Jayakody, R., & Kalil, A. (2002). Social fathering in low-income, African American families with preschool children. Journal of Marriage and Family, 64(2), 504–516. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2002.00504.x