Becoming a Father is the Biggest transition most men face.
But most men are expected to figure it out alone.
Becoming Dad helps men prepare emotionally, mentally, and relationally for fatherhood.
A 6-week online program for expecting fathers and new dads, meeting live in small virtual groups
See What the Becoming Dad Program is About
See What the Becoming Dad Program is About
✔ Designed for expecting fathers and new dads
✔ Evidence-informed support for men
✔ Practical tools for fatherhood and relationships
Why Supporting Fathers Matters
Becoming a father is one of the most profound life transitions a man can experience.
Yet many men report feeling:
Unprepared
Isolated
Unsure how to support their partner
Overwhelmed by the responsibility of a new child
About 1 in 10 fathers experience depression during pregnancy or after their baby is born, with rates highest 3–6 months after birth. (Paulson & Bazemore, JAMA, 2010)
When fathers are supported, the entire family benefits.
What Is the Becoming Dad Program?
Becoming Dad is a structured group program designed to help men navigate the emotional, psychological, and relational transition into fatherhood with confidence and support.
The program integrates research from perinatal mental health, nervous system regulation, and family systems to prepare fathers for one of the most important transitions of their lives.
Each Session focuses on Four Key areas of the transition into Fatherhood:
Emotional Transition
This program helps men understand and navigate the emotional and identity shifts that come with becoming a dad.
Nervous System Regulation
Fathers learn practical stress management and nervous system regulation tools to stay grounded, present, and resilient.
Relationships & Family
We explore communication, partnership dynamics, and how dads can support both their partner and their growing family system.
Brotherhood & Community
Many men feel isolated during the transition into parenthood. We create a space for honest conversations with other men on the same path.
The result is a program that helps fathers move through the transition into parenthood with more awareness, support, and confidence.
What Fathers Walk Away With
The Becoming Dad program gives men practical tools and support for navigating early fatherhood.
Confidence as a Father
Instead of guessing how to show up as a dad, men gain clarity and confidence in their role.
Tools for Stress & Overwhelm
Practical tools to manage stress, sleep disruption, and emotional overwhelm.
Stronger Partnership
Fathers learn how to support their partner and communicate more effectively.
Connection with Other Dads
Honest conversations with fathers navigating the same transition at the same time.
Who This Program is For
✔ You are expecting your first child
✔ Your baby was born within the past 6 months
✔ You want to be a better father
✔ You want to be a more supportive partner
✔ You want tools for stress and emotional regulation
✔ You want connection with other dads
✔ You want to learn about other resources
Program Format
LENGTH
6 Weeks
Duration
75 to 90 Minutes
FORMAT
Small Groups (Virtual)
EACH SESSION INCLUDES:
NERVOUS SYSTEM EDUCATION • PRACTICAL REGULATION TOOLS • RELATIONSHIP SKILL BUILDING • PEER SUPPORT • RESOURCE REFERRALS
Meet the Team behind Becoming Dad
Becoming Dad was created by fathers, for fathers — combining our professional experience in mental health, education, and community building with the real-world wisdom that comes from navigating fatherhood ourselves.
Dan Kline, LCSWA
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
LICENSED THERAPIST
Dan is a licensed therapist and men’s wellbeing educator based in North Carolina. His work focuses on helping men develop emotional awareness, resilience, and deeper connection in their relationships and families.
Through his clinical practice and his work with the Authentc Men community, Dan has supported hundreds of men in navigating major life transitions—including fatherhood—with greater presence, confidence, and purpose.
Casey Holgan, CSCS, MES
CURRICULUM &
WELLNESS LEAD
Casey is an educator, program developer, and health and wellness leader with more than a decade of experience designing and scaling science-based training programs. At Authentc Men, he helps shape practical, evidence-informed learning experiences that translate complex ideas into tools men can apply in their everyday lives.
His work with Authentc Men is focused on strengthening program development, curriculum strategy, and the overall learning experience across initiatives.
Phillip Gaynor
PROGRAM STRATEGY &
PARTNERSHIPS
Phillip is an entrepreneur and community builder focused on developing programs that support men’s growth, connection, and purpose.
As CEO of Authentc Men, he leads the strategic development and partnerships that allow initiatives like Becoming Dad to reach more fathers and families. His work is driven by a belief that when men are supported in becoming more present and engaged fathers, the wellbeing of entire families and communities improves.
The Becoming Dad program draws from experience in clinical therapy, higher education, and men’s community leadership.
FAQ
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Yes. Becoming Dad is a live, 6-week online group program for expecting fathers and dads whose baby was born in the last 12 months. Sessions run 75-90 minutes on video calls.
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Either. Many dads join in the third trimester; others join in the first months after birth when sleep loss and stress peak.
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No. Becoming Dad is an educational and peer-support program. However, it is grounded in clinical, evidence-based modalities. It includes tools for stress and emotional regulation and connects dads to additional resources, including mental health care, when needed.
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That’s common, and you’re not alone. We’ll help connect you with a professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988.
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Yes! We partner with hospitals, health systems, and other organizations. See our partner page.
Fatherhood is too important to do alone
Becoming Dad gives men the tools, support, and community they need to navigate the transition into fatherhood.
Still have questions?
Interested in bringing Becoming Dad to your organization?