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. Taking care of your body and your mind is never selfish. It's how you keep going for yourself and the people who love you. I'm so glad you're here.
Here is the easy first step: if you need a doctor and money is tight, look up a community health center near you. They see people with or without insurance. And if you're hurting inside right now, you can 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 care, coverage or a spot in any program.
- This guide is not medical advice. For questions about your health, talk with a doctor or nurse.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Community health centers are a great place to start. HRSA says health centers serve people with limited or no health insurance, and many use a sliding fee scale based on income.
That means the less you earn, the less you pay.
The federal Find a Health Center tool from HRSA shows centers near you by ZIP code. HRSA says it funds about 1,400 health centers that run more than 16,200 service sites.
How to find a clinic, step by step
- Go to findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov and type your ZIP code, or dial 211 and ask for a community health center.
- Call the center and say you don't have insurance and want to ask about the sliding fee.
- Ask what to bring to prove your income, like a pay stub or a letter.
- Ask if they also have dental care, a pharmacy or counseling.
- Ask if someone there can help you apply for Medicaid, CHIP or other coverage.
- Write down your appointment day and time.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I need to see a doctor, and I don't have insurance."
"Do you have a sliding fee? What should I bring?"
"Do you have dental care or a pharmacy here too?"
"Can someone help me apply for Medicaid, CHIP or other coverage?"
Your county health department can help
If you don't know where to start, dial 211 and ask for a community clinic or your county health department near you. They can tell you what's close by. Easy peasy!
How do I apply for Medicaid in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance, or MA, and it's run by the Department of Human Services (DHS). It covers children 18 and under, pregnant women, parents and caretakers of children under 21, and adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
There are also programs for people 65 and older and people with disabilities, so it's worth checking even if you're not sure.
- Apply online with COMPASS at https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/
- Apply by phone with the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 1.866.550.4355.
- Or apply in person at your County Assistance Office, or by mail.
- DHS says some income doesn't count, like SNAP, SSI, TANF, LIHEAP and child support payments.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/medicaid/medicaid-general-eligibility
Before you apply, gather what you can
What about health coverage for kids?
Pennsylvania has two main programs for kids.
- Medical Assistance covers children 18 and under in families that meet its income limits.
- CHIP, the Children's Health Insurance Program, is for uninsured children and teens who can't get Medicaid. The state says CHIP is at no cost for most families. Families with higher incomes pay low monthly premiums and some copays.
- Apply for CHIP online through COMPASS, by phone at 1.800.986.5437 (1.800.986.KIDS), or by mail. On the phone line, press 2, then 1, for help with the application.
- After a paper application, the state says you should know within 4 to 6 weeks if your children are eligible.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-childrens-health-insurance-program-chip
Asking for help with your health is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do. Your health matters, friend.
From the Bunklow team
Where can I get help for mental health?
If you're feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed, you don't have to carry it alone.
- In a crisis, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's at no cost, private and open 24/7, for you or for someone you love.
- Pennsylvania's counties run their own crisis services. The county list later in this guide shows the crisis number for yours.
- You can also dial 211 for help finding services.
- Community health centers often have counseling too. Ask when you call.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
Where can I get help for alcohol or drug use?
SAMHSA's National Helpline is at no cost, private and open 24/7, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish. They can refer you to local treatment, support groups and community groups.
Call 800.662.4357.
- You can also search for treatment near you at findtreatment.gov.
- In Pennsylvania, PA Get Help Now is open 24/7. Call 1.800.662.4357 or text 717.216.0905 to find treatment near you.
- A community health center can also help you find care near you.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
Say you want to cut back on drinking
Say you've been drinking more than you want to, and you're ready to talk to someone. You could call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 800.662.4357. SAMHSA says the line is at no cost and private and can point you to local treatment and support groups.
You could also call PA Get Help Now at 1.800.662.4357 and ask about treatment near you.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
Write your questions down
Before a visit, jot down your questions and any medicines you take. It's so easy to forget once you're in the room. A little list goes a long way!
Can I buy health insurance if I don't get Medicaid?
Pennsylvania has its own health insurance marketplace, called Pennie. Pennie says it's the only place to get federal tax credits that lower the cost of a plan, and four out of five enrollees qualify for savings.
Some people can also get help with deductibles and copays if they pick a Silver plan.
- Apply at https://pennie.com/ or call 1.844.844.8040. TTY users dial 711.
- You can sign up during open enrollment each fall. Outside of that, a life change like losing other coverage may let you enroll.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://pennie.com/learn/faq/
Where can women get family planning care in Pennsylvania?
The state Department of Health supports family planning clinics across Pennsylvania through four regional Family Health Councils. Clinic services include:
- Physical exams and routine gynecological care.
- Pregnancy testing and birth control.
- Cancer screening and general health screening.
- STD testing, treatment and counseling, and HIV screening.
Call the council for your area to find a clinic. AccessMatters serves Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia, at 215.985.2600. Adagio Health serves Allegheny and much of western Pennsylvania, at 412.288.2130. Family Health Council of Central PA serves Lancaster, York and much of central Pennsylvania, at 717.761.7380. Maternal and Family Health Services serves Berks, Lehigh and much of northeastern Pennsylvania, at 570.826.1777. Ask about costs when you call.
Medical Assistance also covers family planning services for people who qualify.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/maternal-health-and-infant-care/reproductive-health/family-planning-program
Can I see a doctor without insurance?
Yes. HRSA says health centers serve people with limited or no insurance. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
How much does it cost to apply for Medicaid or CHIP?
Nothing. Applying is at no cost.
How do I find mental health care in my county?
Call your county crisis line or dial 211. The county numbers are in the list in this guide.
Is 988 only for suicide?
No. 988 is for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles, or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love.
Is the SAMHSA helpline at no cost?
Yes. SAMHSA says its National Helpline is at no cost, private and open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers No cost, confidential support 24/7 for emotional distress, mental health or substance use worries.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at chat.988lifeline.org
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Find a Health Center (HRSA)
What it offers A federal search tool for health centers near you.
How to reach findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
Source https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
Last checked October 17, 2026
SAMHSA National Helpline
What it offers No cost, private treatment referral and information, 24/7, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish, for mental health and substance use.
How to reach Call 800.662.4357. Search treatment at https://findtreatment.gov/
Source https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pennsylvania
Here are some places to start.
Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania Medicaid)
What it offers Low or no cost health coverage for people who qualify. Income limits apply and are on the page. Not eligible? You may qualify for coverage through Pennie, the state marketplace.
How to reach Apply at www.compass.dhs.pa.gov. Call 1.866.550.4355. Or apply at your County Assistance Office.
Source https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/medicaid
Last checked October 17, 2026
PA Get Help Now (drug and alcohol)
What it offers For you or a loved one who needs substance use treatment or resources.
How to reach Call 1.800.662.4357. Text 717.216.0905. Live chat on the page.
Source https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ddap/contact-us
Last checked October 17, 2026
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
What it offers Health insurance for uninsured children and teens who can't get Medicaid. The state says CHIP is at no cost for most families. Families with incomes above the no cost limits pay low monthly premiums and some copays.
How to reach Apply online through COMPASS at https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/ or call 1.800.986.5437 (1.800.986.KIDS).
Source https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-childrens-health-insurance-program-chip
Last checked October 17, 2026
Pennie
What it offers Pennsylvania's official health insurance marketplace, and the only place to get federal tax credits that lower the cost of a plan. Pennie says four out of five enrollees qualify for savings.
How to reach Call 1.844.844.8040. TTY users dial 711. Apply at https://pennie.com/
Source https://pennie.com/connect/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Family Planning Program
What it offers Clinics run through four regional Family Health Councils offer exams, routine gynecological care, pregnancy testing, birth control, cancer screening, STD testing and treatment, and HIV screening.
How to reach Adagio Health 412.288.2130. Family Health Council of Central PA 717.761.7380. AccessMatters 215.985.2600. Maternal and Family Health Services 570.826.1777.
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Philadelphia
Here are some places to start.
Philadelphia crisis lines (DBHIDS)
What it offers 24/7 lines for a suicide or mental health crisis, plus Community Behavioral Health for non emergency mental health and addiction help, with or without insurance.
How to reach Crisis line 215.685.6440. Suicide Crisis and Intervention 215.686.4420. CBH 1.888.545.2600 (TTY 1.888.436.7482).
Source https://dbhids.org/contact/emergency-contacts/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)
Here are some places to start.
resolve Crisis Network
What it offers Crisis help for Allegheny County. Calling 988 from a local area code also connects to resolve.
How to reach Call 1.888.796.8226. Or text PA to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
Source https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/get-help-now/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Montgomery County
Here are some places to start.
Montgomery County Mobile Crisis
What it offers No cost crisis support by phone or in person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone in Montgomery County.
How to reach Call 855.634.4673. You can also call or text 988.
Source https://www.accessservices.org/services/mobile-crisis/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bucks County
Here are some places to start.
Bright Path Center (Lenape Valley Foundation)
What it offers 24/7 walk in crisis care for children, teens and adults at 520 N. West Street, Doylestown, plus 24/7 crisis support by phone.
How to reach Mobile Crisis Team 1.877.435.7709. Or call or text 988.
Source https://www.lenapevf.org/crisis-services/brightpathcenter/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Delaware County
Here are some places to start.
Delaware County Crisis Connections Team
What it offers 24 hour crisis services and support.
How to reach Call 855.889.7827. You can also text PA to 741741.
Source http://www.delcopa.gov/human-services/mental-health
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lancaster County
Here are some places to start.
Lancaster County Crisis Intervention
What it offers Help for a mental health emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to reach Call 717.394.2631.
Source https://www.lancastercountybhds.org/148/Crisis-Intervention
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chester County
Here are some places to start.
Chester County crisis line and Valley Creek Crisis Walk in Center
What it offers The county says its crisis line answers emotional distress or suicidal crisis calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The walk in center is open 7 am to 11 pm.
How to reach Call 610.280.3270. Or call or text 988.
Source https://www.chesco.org/1640/Emergency
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
York County
Here are some places to start.
WellSpan Crisis Services
What it offers Crisis help for York County, listed by the county's crisis and emergency resources page.
How to reach Call 717.851.5320.
Source https://www.yorkcountypa.gov/824/Crisis-and-Emergency-Resources
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Berks County
Here are some places to start.
Berks County Crisis Intervention
What it offers A 24 hour crisis phone line, run at 401 Buttonwood Street, West Reading.
How to reach Call 610.379.2007.
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lehigh County (Allentown)
Here are some places to start.
Lehigh County Crisis Intervention
What it offers Crisis help for Lehigh County residents.
How to reach Call 610.782.3127, or dial 988.
Source https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Mental-Health/Crisis-Intervention
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
PA 211
What it offers No cost help finding local services across Pennsylvania: shelter, food, bills, health and more. Open 24/7, every day of the year.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Search online at search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bring to your first visit, if you can
My health plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My care
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Take good care of you. Make it a great day, friend!
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 17, 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, medical or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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