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. 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.

Where can I see a doctor if I don't have insurance?

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.

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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 Texas?

In Texas, Medicaid and CHIP are run by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). Texas Medicaid has programs for children, pregnant women, some parents and caretakers, and people with disabilities, so it's worth checking even if you're not sure.

• Apply online at Your Texas Benefits, https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home or with the Your Texas Benefits app.
• Questions about your application? Call 211.
• Medicaid for Parents and Caretakers is for some adults with limited income who care for a child who has Medicaid.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-programs-services/programs-children-adults-disabilities/programs-children-families

What about health coverage for kids?

HHSC has two main programs for kids.

• Children's Medicaid is for children in families with low incomes. It covers checkups, dentist visits, medicine and vaccines.
• CHIP, the Children's Health Insurance Program, is for children whose families earn too much for Children's Medicaid but can't afford insurance. HHSC says to apply for Medicaid, and it will check whether your child qualifies for CHIP.
• If your child has a disability, ask about Medicaid for Children and Adults with Disabilities, and the Medicaid Buy In for Children if your family earns too much.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-programs-services/programs-children-adults-disabilities/programs-children-families

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.
• For ongoing care, every Texas county is served by a local mental health authority. HHSC says their crisis lines are open 24/7 and include a prompt face to face crisis assessment, crisis help and follow up. The county list later in this guide shows the number for yours.
• You can also call or text 211 Texas for help finding services.
• Community health centers often have counseling too. Ask when you call.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-crisis-services

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.
• Your local mental health authority or 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

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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?

Texas uses HealthCare.gov, the federal health insurance marketplace. You can see if you qualify for savings on a plan.

Trained staff can help you enroll by phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except holidays. Call 800.318.2596.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us/

Is there no cost health care for women in Texas?

Yes. Healthy Texas Women offers women's health and family planning services at no cost to women who qualify.

Here's who can apply, per the program's site.

• Women ages 18 to 44. Ages 15 to 17 can get it if a parent or legal guardian applies for them.
• A U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant who lives in Texas.
• No health insurance, and not pregnant.
• Income at or under the program limit. As of March 1, 2026, that's $2,716 a month for one person, $3,682 for two, $4,649 for three and $5,616 for four.
• Women who meet these rules and were pregnant in the past 12 months can get Healthy Texas Women Plus services.

Services include yearly exams, family planning, and disease screenings and treatment. There's also a no cost breast and cervical cancer screening program for women who qualify.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.healthytexaswomen.org/healthcare-programs/healthy-texas-women/htw-who-can-apply

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Texas

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Harris County (Houston)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Dallas County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Tarrant County (Fort Worth)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Bexar County (San Antonio)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Travis County (Austin)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Collin County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Denton County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hidalgo County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

El Paso County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Fort Bend County

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!

Key numbers to keep

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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 16, 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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Last updated October 16, 2026