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. If you're sick, hurting or struggling, there is care in Georgia, even if money is tight or you don't have insurance.
If you're in crisis, call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 800.715.4225, or call or text 988. To apply for Medicaid, use Georgia Gateway.
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 a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Georgia Medicaid covers health care for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and behavioral health care. PeachCare for Kids covers children in families who qualify.
Apply on Georgia Gateway. For questions, call 877.423.4746 or 404.657.5468, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Sources: https://medicaid.georgia.gov/contact
Your first steps, in order
- If it's an emergency, call 911.
- If you're in crisis, call GCAL at 800.715.4225, or call or text 988.
- Apply for Medicaid on Georgia Gateway.
- Find a clinic near you. Dial 211 if you're not sure where to go.
- Write down your medicines and doctors.
Where can I get care if I don't have insurance?
Community health centers see patients with or without insurance, and many charge based on income. In metro Atlanta, Mercy Care offers medical, dental and behavioral health care, including for people who are homeless.
In Gwinnett County, ViewPoint Health offers behavioral health care. Dial 211 for a clinic near you.
Sources: https://mercyatlanta.org/
What to say when you call a clinic
"Hi. I don't have insurance. Can I still be seen?"
"Do you charge based on income?"
"What should I bring to my first visit?"
What if I'm struggling with my mental health?
You're not alone, and it's okay to ask for help. The Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) is open 24/7 for calls, text and chat.
They can talk with you, help you find care, and send a mobile crisis team if needed. You can also call or text 988.
Sources: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-dbhdd/988-georgia
Reaching out is brave
Asking for help is a strong thing to do. You deserve support.
What about help with drugs or alcohol?
GCAL can also connect you with substance use treatment and recovery support. Your local community service board offers care for people who qualify.
You can also call the national SAMHSA Helpline, listed below.
Teens can call GCAL or call or text 988 too, any time. It's okay to reach out for a friend.
Keep a health card in your wallet
Say you ran out of your medicine in Dalton
You could call the clinic or pharmacy that gave it to you and ask about a refill. If you don't have coverage, you could apply for Medicaid on Georgia Gateway and dial 211 for a clinic near you.
Stay with them if it's safe. Listen without judging.
Call GCAL at 800.715.4225, or call or text 988 together. If they're in danger right now, call 911.
You don't have to have the right words
Just being there helps. Let them know you care.
Write down your questions before you go. Bring a list of your medicines.
It's okay to ask the doctor to explain things again.
Bring with you
Where can I get care if I don't have insurance?
Community health centers see patients even if they don't have insurance, often with fees based on income. Dial 211 or ask DFCS about Medicaid to find care near you.
Bring to a health visit
How do I keep track of my medicines?
Keep a list of each medicine, how much you take and when. Keep it on paper and in your phone.
Ask a pharmacist if you have questions.
Say you ran out of medicine in Columbus
You could call the clinic that gave it to you. You could ask a pharmacist what to do. You could dial 211 to find a clinic near you.
Your health matters
Taking care of yourself is a big step, my friend.
Questions people ask a lot
Is GCAL only for emergencies?
No. You can call GCAL for support, information or help finding care, any time.
Can I get Medicaid if I work?
You may still qualify. Apply and see.
What if I don't have an ID?
Many clinics will still see you. Ask when you call.
Can I get help for a family member?
Yes. You can call GCAL or 988 for someone else.
What if I'm turned down for Medicaid?
Read the letter. It explains how to ask for a review. Legal aid may help.
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.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
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 turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
- Dial 211, or search unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211 any time, to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across Georgia, then local help in Atlanta and Fulton County and in Gwinnett County, then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love. Spanish text and chat are available.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Veterans Crisis Line
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for Veterans in crisis and the people who care about them. Many responders are Veterans themselves.
How to reach Dial 988, then press 1. Text 838255. TTY: dial 711, then 988. Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Georgia
Here are some places to start.
Georgia Medicaid
What it offers Health coverage for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care and prescriptions. PeachCare for Kids covers children in families who qualify. Apply on Georgia Gateway.
How to reach Call 877.423.4746 or 404.657.5468, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Apply at https://gateway.ga.gov/
Source https://medicaid.georgia.gov/contact
Last checked October 22, 2026
Georgia Gateway
What it offers Georgia's online site to apply for SNAP (food stamps), TANF cash help, Medicaid, WIC and child care help, and to check your case.
How to reach Apply at https://gateway.ga.gov/ Questions: call the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877.423.4746.
Source https://dfcs.georgia.gov/about-us/contact-information
Last checked October 22, 2026
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health or substance use crisis. Open 24/7 for calls, text and chat, for anyone in Georgia. GCAL can also send a mobile crisis team.
How to reach Call 800.715.4225, or call or text 988.
Source https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-dbhdd/988-georgia
Last checked October 22, 2026
United Way 211 (metro Atlanta)
What it offers A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, run by United Way of Greater Atlanta. Outside metro Atlanta, dialing 211 connects you to the 211 for your area.
How to reach Dial 211, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Search any time at https://unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211/
Source https://unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Atlanta and Fulton County
Here are some places to start.
Mercy Care
What it offers Health care for people in metro Atlanta, including people who are homeless, with medical, dental and behavioral health care.
How to reach Call 678.843.8600 for appointments.
Source https://mercyatlanta.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gateway Center
What it offers A center in downtown Atlanta that helps people who are homeless with shelter, case management and a path to housing.
How to reach Call 404.215.6600. Office: 275 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta.
Source https://gatewayctr.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Partners for HOME (City of Atlanta)
What it offers The City of Atlanta's homelessness response. Call 311 for homeless help inside the city. Partners for HOME also lists access points for youth, veterans and health care.
How to reach Call 311 inside the City of Atlanta, or dial 211.
Source https://partnersforhome.org/help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Gwinnett County
Here are some places to start.
ViewPoint Health
What it offers Behavioral health care and support in Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties, including help for people who are homeless.
How to reach Call 678.212.6308.
Source https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/government/departments/financial-services/grants/housing-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gwinnett County Coordinated Entry (HomeFirst Gwinnett)
What it offers The front door to homeless help in Gwinnett County. Walk in assessments at the Latin American Association Gwinnett Outreach Center, 5320 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross.
How to reach Start at https://homefirstgwinnett.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://homefirstgwinnett.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (crisis help anywhere in Georgia)
The Georgia Crisis and Access Line serves every county, 24/7. Your local community service board also offers mental health care.
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health or substance use crisis. Open 24/7 for calls, text and chat, for anyone in Georgia. GCAL can also send a mobile crisis team.
How to reach Call 800.715.4225, or call or text 988.
Source https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-dbhdd/988-georgia
Last checked October 22, 2026
Your local community service board
What it offers Public mental health, substance use and developmental disability care in every Georgia county, for people who qualify. GCAL can connect you to yours.
How to reach Call GCAL at 800.715.4225, or find a provider at https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/
Source https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-dbhdd/988-georgia
Last checked October 22, 2026
Your local Community Action Agency
What it offers Help with bills and basic needs, which can ease stress while you get care. Find yours at https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
How to reach Dial 211, or check the list on the Georgia Community Action Association page.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
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 next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
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.
Affordable living. Simplified
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