Health and Mental Health

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, in body and mind, matters so much. I'm really glad you picked this up. Michigan has health coverage for people with low incomes, and people ready to help in a crisis, any time.

Here is the easy first step: if you're in crisis, call or text 988. For health coverage, apply on MI Bridges. We'll walk through the rest together.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each program decides who it can serve. We can't promise coverage or care.
• In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

What if I'm in crisis right now?

If you're thinking about suicide, or you're in a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 any time. In Michigan, 988 is answered by the Michigan Crisis and Access Line, called MiCAL.

You don't have to have insurance, and you don't have to be sure it's a crisis.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/crisis-and-access-line

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You can text too

If talking is too hard, you can text 988. A real person will text back.

What is the Healthy Michigan Plan?

The Healthy Michigan Plan is Michigan's Medicaid expansion program. The state says it gives low cost health care coverage to Michigan residents, so more people can get the care they need.

Apply on MI Bridges, or call 855.789.5610 with questions.

The state says new federal work requirements may affect some people's coverage. Ask MDHHS how these rules apply to you, and keep your contact information current so you don't miss a letter.

Sources: https://www.michigan.gov/healthymiplan and https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/healthcare

Where can I get mental health care?

Every Michigan county is served by a community mental health agency. They help people with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use, and many have 24 hour crisis lines.

Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, Oakland Community Health Network, Macomb County Community Mental Health and Network180 in Kent County are listed later in this guide. Dial 211 to find the agency for your county.

Where can I get care if I'm homeless?

Many cities have health centers and clinics that see people who have no insurance or no address. Some day centers have nurses or clinics on site.

Dial 211 and ask about health care for people who are homeless near you.

What about help with drugs or alcohol?

Your community mental health agency can connect you with substance use treatment. You can also call or text 988 any time.

Asking for help with drugs or alcohol is brave, and there are people ready to help.

Questions people ask a lot

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You matter so much

Taking care of your health, and your mind, is one of the strongest things you can do.

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.

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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 denies you, the letter should tell you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. Read it right away, and call legal aid if you need help.
• Dial 211 any time to look for other options near you.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Michigan, then health and mental health help in the biggest counties, then an MDHHS office list for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Michigan

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Wayne County (Detroit)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Oakland County (Pontiac and nearby)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Macomb County (Clinton Township and nearby)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kent County (Grand Rapids)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your MDHHS county office)

Here are some places to start.

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 call log

Write down every call. It helps you keep track, follow up and remember what people told you.

Key numbers to keep

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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.

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Last updated October 22, 2026