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 Medi Cal.
- 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 Medi Cal 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 Medi Cal?
Medi Cal is California's low or no cost health coverage. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) lists four ways to sign up:
- Online through BenefitsCal at https://benefitscal.com/ where you can also manage and renew your Medi Cal.
- Online through Covered California at https://www.coveredca.com/ where, if you don't qualify, you can shop for low cost health plans.
- By mail, with a paper application in many languages.
- By phone or in person at your county office.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/apply/
Before you apply, gather what you can
What about health coverage for kids?
In California, health coverage for children and teens with low incomes goes through Medi Cal. You apply for your kids the same ways: online, by mail, by phone or in person at your county office.
- If you're not sure whether your child qualifies, apply anyway, or call your county office and ask.
- Covered California can help too. Call 800.300.1506 for no cost help in many languages.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/apply/
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 California county has a mental health plan that provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. The county list later in this guide shows the number for yours.
- For a friendly ear that isn't a crisis line, the CalHOPE Warm Line at 833.317.4673 offers no cost peer support by call or text. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.calhope.org/pages/current-services.aspx
- Community health centers often have counseling too. Ask when you call.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
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 California, Medi Cal covers substance use treatment. Your county office or health center can help you find care.
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 apply for Medi Cal, then ask your county 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 Medi Cal?
Covered California is the state health insurance marketplace. You can apply for Medi Cal there, and if you don't qualify, shop for low cost health plans.
No cost local help is available at every step. Call 800.300.1506.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.coveredca.com/support/contact-us/
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 Medi Cal?
Nothing. Applying is at no cost.
How do I find mental health care through Medi Cal?
Call your county mental health plan. The numbers are in the county 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, private support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 16, 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 16, 2026
Find a Health Center (HRSA)
What it offers A federal tool to find community health centers near you. Health centers serve people with limited or no insurance.
How to reach Search by ZIP code at https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
Source https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
California
Here are some places to start.
CalHOPE Warm Line
What it offers A peer run warm line with at no cost, private emotional support for Californians. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Thursday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Closed holidays.
How to reach Call 833.317.4673 (833 317 HOPE), or use live chat at https://www.calhope.org/
Source https://www.calhope.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
County mental health access lines
What it offers The state keeps a list of every county's mental health plan phone line, so you can find the right number where you live.
How to reach See the list at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Medi Cal
What it offers California's low or no cost health coverage. You can apply online through BenefitsCal or Covered California, by mail, by phone or in person at your county office.
How to reach Apply at https://benefitscal.com/ or see all the ways to apply at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/apply/
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/apply/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Covered California
What it offers The state health insurance marketplace. You can apply for Medi Cal, and if you don't qualify, shop for low cost health plans. No cost local help is available.
How to reach Call 800.300.1506. Spanish: 800.300.0213. Visit https://www.coveredca.com/
Source https://www.coveredca.com/support/contact-us/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Los Angeles County
Here are some places to start.
Los Angeles County DPSS
What it offers County office for CalFresh, Medi Cal, CalWORKs and General Relief.
How to reach Customer service: 866.613.3777, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Source https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/resources/contact.html
Last checked October 16, 2026
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 800.854.7771. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Diego County
Here are some places to start.
San Diego Access and Crisis Line
What it offers Help with suicide prevention, crisis support, mental health referrals and alcohol and drug support in San Diego County.
How to reach Call 888.724.7240, or call or text 988.
Source https://www.rtfhsd.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
San Diego Access and Crisis Line
What it offers The county mental health plan line for specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal, plus crisis help.
How to reach Call 888.724.7240. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County
Here are some places to start.
Orange County Care Coordination: Get Help
What it offers The county points people to 211 Orange County (211OC) for shelter and local services. For a person experiencing homelessness who is in a mental health crisis, the county lists its Crisis Assessment Team.
How to reach Dial 211. Crisis Assessment Team: 855.625.4657.
Source https://ceo.oc.gov/office-care-coordination/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Orange County Behavioral Health Services (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 800.723.8641. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Riverside County
Here are some places to start.
Riverside County Behavioral Health (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 800.706.7500. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Bernardino County
Here are some places to start.
San Bernardino County Behavioral Health (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 888.743.1478. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Santa Clara County (San Jose)
Here are some places to start.
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 800.704.0900. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Alameda County (Oakland)
Here are some places to start.
Alameda County Behavioral Health (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 800.491.9099. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sacramento County
Here are some places to start.
Sacramento County Behavioral Health (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 888.881.4881. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Contra Costa County
Here are some places to start.
Contra Costa Behavioral Health (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 888.678.7277. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Fresno County
Here are some places to start.
Fresno County Behavioral Health (county mental health plan)
What it offers The county mental health plan provides or arranges specialty mental health services for people with Medi Cal. Call to ask about care.
How to reach Call 800.654.3937. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx
Last checked October 16, 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 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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