Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Your health matters, body and mind. If you're sick, hurting or struggling, there is care in Arizona, even if money is tight or you don't have insurance.
AHCCCS is Arizona's Medicaid program, and you can apply on HEAplus. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, any time.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid) covers health care for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and behavioral health care. Apply on Health-e-Arizona Plus.
Call 602.417.4000 in Maricopa County, or 800.654.8713 from elsewhere.
Sources: https://www.azahcccs.gov/
Your first steps, in order
- If it's an emergency, call 911.
- If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
- Apply for AHCCCS on HEAplus.
- Find a community health center near you.
- Write down your medicines and doctors.
Where can I get care if I don't have insurance?
Community health centers offer care regardless of a person's ability to pay. In Phoenix, there's Mountain Park Health Center.
In Tucson, there's El Rio Health. Dial 211 to find a clinic near you anywhere in Arizona.
What to say when you call a clinic
"Hi. I need to see a doctor about (what's going on)."
"I don't have insurance right now. Can you still see me?"
"Do you have a sliding fee or help applying for AHCCCS?"
What if I'm struggling with my mental health?
You don't have to wait for things to get worse. Call or text 988, any time, to talk with someone.
Arizona also has a 24/7 crisis line for each part of the state. These lines are for anyone, with or without insurance.
Sources: https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Reaching out is brave
Talking to someone isn't weakness. It's taking care of yourself.
What about help with drugs or alcohol?
Help is out there, and recovery is possible. Call or text 988, or call your county's crisis line, to ask about treatment near you.
AHCCCS covers many treatment services for people who qualify.
Teen Lifeline is a call and text line where teen peer counselors listen. Call or text 602.248.8336.
Teens in crisis can also call or text 988.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Keep a health card in your wallet
Say you ran out of your medicine in Kingman
You could call a community health center to ask for a visit. If you don't have coverage, you could apply for AHCCCS on HEAplus. If you're feeling low or scared, you could call or text 988 any time.
If someone you know might hurt themselves, stay with them if it's safe, and call or text 988 together. If they're in danger right now, call 911.
- Ask them directly how they're doing. Listen without judging.
- Help them call 988 or their county crisis line.
- Remove things that could hurt them, if you safely can.
- Check in again later. It means a lot.
You don't have to have the right words
Just being there helps. Let the crisis line help with the rest.
A little planning helps you get the most out of a visit.
Bring with you
Write down what the doctor says, or ask for it in writing. Ask what to do if things get worse, and who to call after hours.
Questions people ask a lot
Can I get care if I'm not a citizen?
Some care is open to everyone. Questions about AHCCCS rules? Check the official page below.
What if I have no address?
You can still apply for AHCCCS and get care.
Does 988 send the police?
988 is a call to talk with someone. If you have worries, ask the person you talk to.
What if I need dental care?
Many community health centers offer dental care. Ask when you call.
What if I need help paying for medicine?
Ask your clinic or pharmacist about lower cost options.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
- Dial 211, or search 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love. Spanish text and chat are available.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Veterans Crisis Line
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for Veterans in crisis and the people who care about them. Many responders are Veterans themselves.
How to reach Dial 988, then press 1. Text 838255. TTY: dial 711, then 988. Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Arizona
Here are some places to start.
AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid)
What it offers Health coverage for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and behavioral health care.
How to reach Call 602.417.4000 in Maricopa County or 800.654.8713 from elsewhere. TTY: dial 711. Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/contacts.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus)
What it offers Arizona's online application for Nutrition Assistance (Arizona's name for SNAP), Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance (AHCCCS). You can apply for all three at once.
How to reach Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ For help, call DES at 855.432.7587.
Source https://des.az.gov/contact-us
Last checked October 22, 2026
Arizona crisis lines (AHCCCS)
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are for anyone, with or without coverage.
How to reach Call or text 988, or call the line for your county: Maricopa and Pinal, Mercy Care at 800.631.1314. Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Santa Cruz and Yuma, 866.495.6735. Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai, 877.756.4090.
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
Teen Lifeline
What it offers A call and text line for teens, with teen peer counselors who listen.
How to reach Call or text 602.248.8336.
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
211 Arizona
What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.
How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/
Source https://211arizona.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Maricopa County (Phoenix)
Here are some places to start.
Mercy Care crisis line (Maricopa and Pinal)
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Open 24/7, for anyone.
How to reach Call 800.631.1314, or call or text 988.
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mountain Park Health Center
What it offers Community health centers in the Phoenix area with medical, dental and behavioral health care, on a sliding fee for people who qualify. Staff can help you apply for AHCCCS.
How to reach Call 602.243.7277. Visit https://www.mountainparkhealth.org/
Source https://mountainparkhealth.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
one·n·ten
What it offers Support, programs and housing help for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 11 to 24.
How to reach Call 602.400.2601. Office: 1101 N. Central Ave., Suite 104, Phoenix.
Source https://onenten.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pima County (Tucson)
Here are some places to start.
Crisis line for Pima and southern Arizona
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Open 24/7, for anyone.
How to reach Call 866.495.6735, or call or text 988.
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
El Rio Health
What it offers Community health centers in Tucson with medical, dental and behavioral health care, offered regardless of a person's ability to pay.
How to reach Call 520.670.3909. Visit https://www.elrio.org/
Source https://www.elrio.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Our Family Services
What it offers Help for youth, families and adults in Tucson, including Reunion House, a shelter for youth ages 12 to 17.
How to reach Call 520.323.1708. Office: 2590 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson.
Source https://www.ourfamilyservices.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (crisis lines and local help)
Arizona has a 24/7 crisis line for every county. Use the one for where you are, or call or text 988.
Crisis line for northern Arizona
What it offers For Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai counties. Talk to someone right away. Open 24/7, for anyone.
How to reach Call 877.756.4090, or call or text 988.
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
Crisis line for southern and western Arizona
What it offers For Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties. Open 24/7, for anyone.
How to reach Call 866.495.6735, or call or text 988.
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
Crisis line for Pinal County
What it offers Mercy Care's crisis line covers Pinal County as well as Maricopa. Open 24/7, for anyone.
How to reach Call 800.631.1314, or call or text 988.
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
Your local Community Action Agency
What it offers Help with bills and basic needs, which can ease stress while you get care. See https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies for yours.
How to reach Dial 211, or check the list on the DES page.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My health plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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