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 matters, body and mind. In Washington, many people can get health coverage through Apple Health, and help for hard days is a call or text away.

Here's the easy first step: if you don't have coverage, apply for Apple Health through Washington Healthplanfinder at 855.923.4633. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 right now.

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 money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

How do I get health coverage?

Apple Health is Washington's Medicaid program, run by the Health Care Authority (HCA). It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health care, substance use treatment and more.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hca.wa.gov/apple-health

• Many adults with low incomes qualify, along with kids, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.
• Apply through Washington Healthplanfinder online or call 855.923.4633, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/
• Older adults, people with disabilities and people who get Medicare may apply through Washington Connection instead.
• If you earn too much for Apple Health, Washington Healthplanfinder also offers health plans with help paying premiums for many people.

What does Apple Health cover for kids?

Apple Health for Kids covers children and teens up to age 19 in families with a range of incomes. Washington covers kids regardless of immigration status.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hca.wa.gov/apple-health

• Checkups, shots, dental care and eye care are covered.
• Kids can get mental health care and counseling.
• Some families pay a small monthly premium, based on income.

BUNKLY TIP

Don't skip renewal

Apple Health must be renewed. Open every letter from HCA or Healthplanfinder, and update your address if you move!

Where can I see a doctor without insurance?

• Community health centers serve everyone, with fees based on income. Find one on the HRSA site. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
• Washington hospitals have charity care programs for patients with lower incomes. Ask the hospital's billing office for a charity care application. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/healthcare-washington/hospital-and-patient-data/hospital-patient-information-and-charity-care
• Some clinics serve people experiencing homelessness specifically. Ask 211.

Where can I get mental health help?

• Call or text 988 any time for crisis support. Washington's 988 centers can connect you to local crisis teams. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Apple Health covers mental health care. Call the number on your card or your health plan to find a provider.
• In King County, Crisis Connections runs a 24 hour crisis line at 866.427.4747. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://crisisconnections.org/
• Teens can talk with other teens through Teen Link at 866.833.6546. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://crisisconnections.org/programs/teen-link/
• Veterans can dial 988 and press 1.

Reaching out for help with your mental health is a sign of strength. You don't have to carry it alone.

From the Bunklow team

Where can I get help with drugs or alcohol?

• The Washington Recovery Help Line is open 24/7 for substance use, problem gambling and mental health. Call 866.789.1511. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://crisisconnections.org/programs/recovery-help-line/
• Apple Health covers substance use treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder.
• Find treatment near you at findtreatment.gov. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://findtreatment.gov/
• SAMHSA's National Helpline, 800.662.4357, gives referrals 24/7 in English and Spanish.

How do I stay safe from overdose?

• If someone may be overdosing, call 911. Washington has a Good Samaritan law about calling for help in an overdose. Check the official page for the details. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=69.50.315
• Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse an opioid overdose. You can get it at many pharmacies without a prescription, and Apple Health covers it.
• Never use alone. Fentanyl is in many drugs, including pills that look like prescriptions.
• Learn the signs: slow or no breathing, blue lips, and not waking up.

What about dental and eye care?

• Apple Health covers dental care for kids and many dental services for adults. Find a dentist through the number on your card. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hca.wa.gov/apple-health
• Community health centers often have dental clinics with fees based on income.
• Apple Health covers eye exams and glasses for kids.

BUNKLY TIP

Keep a health list

Write down your medicines, doses, allergies and doctors' names. Keep it in your wallet or phone!

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

BUNKLY TIP

Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Federal help that works in every state

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

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 appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

BUNKLY TIP

Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. 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 21, 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 21, 2026