Heche's relationship with comedian Ellen DeGeneres and the events following their breakup became subjects of widespread media interest. The couple started dating in 1997 shortly after the famous "Puppy Episode" of DeGeneres' eponymous sitcom. At one point, the two said they would get a civil union if such became legal in Vermont. They also worked on film and TV projects together. The couple split up in August 2000 and Heche began dating cameraman Coleman Laffoon, whom she met while Laffoon was filming a comedy special for DeGeneres. They were married in September 2001 and have a son, Homer Heche Laffoon, born March 2, 2002. On January 24, 2007, it was confirmed that Heche had split from Laffoon after five years of marriage.. Lafoon filed for divorce on February 2, 2007. Sources say Heche left him for Men in Trees co-star James Tupper.

A year after her split with DeGeneres, Heche made claims in television interviews and in her autobiography, Call Me Crazy, that she was mentally