988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Tennessee
Call or text 988 and press 0 for free, confidential help from trained Tennessee crisis professionals.
Official page: tn.gov/behavioral-health/crisis.html
No cost Health and Mental Health Help in Tennessee: TennCare, Clinics and 988
How to get health care and mental health help in Tennessee: call or text 988, apply for TennCare, visit a county health department, find a health center, and get addiction treatment referrals.
Need help tonight?
Start here
Hi friend. Your health matters, and you don't need a perfect plan to start. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 now. If it can wait, here is where to find care in Tennessee.
Quick answers
Who do I call in a mental health crisis?
Call or text 988 and press 0 to talk to a trained counselor in Tennessee, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Help is free, confidential and available any time. Mobile crisis teams are available in all 95 counties, and Tennessee also has walk in crisis centers. If you are in danger, call 911.
Official page: tn.gov/behavioral-health/crisis.html
How do I get health insurance through TennCare?
Apply online at TennCareConnect.TN.gov, call 855 259 0701, or send a paper application. For help in person, go to your local health department. If you have a hearing or speech problem, call the Tennessee Relay Service at 800 848 0298 and ask to be connected to TennCare Connect.
Official page: tn.gov/tenncare/members-applicants/how-do-i-apply-for-tenncare.html
What can I get at a county health department?
Every county has a local health department. Basic services include immunizations, STD and HIV screening, family planning, pregnancy testing, well child screenings, TennCare Presumptive Eligibility, WIC and tobacco cessation. Services vary, so call ahead.
Official page: tn.gov/health/local.html
Where can I get help with drug or alcohol use?
For a referral to addiction treatment, call or text 800 889 9789. For a non emergency question, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Helpline is 800 560 5767.
Official page: tn.gov/behavioral-health.html
How do I find a community health center near me?
Use the HRSA Find a Health Center tool to search for a health center near your address. Call the center first to ask what services they offer and what you need to bring.
Official page: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
Your next steps
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 4
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: when you call a clinic, ask what to bring and whether they charge based on income. Keep your ID and any insurance card in one place.
Who to call in Tennessee
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Addiction treatment referral line (TDMHSAS)
Call or text for a referral to addiction treatment. A separate helpline for non emergency questions is 800 560 5767.
Official page: tn.gov/behavioral-health.html
TennCare Connect
Apply for TennCare Medicaid online, by phone, or on paper.
Official page: tn.gov/tenncare/members-applicants/how-do-i-apply-for-tenncare.html
Tennessee Department of Health, Local Health Departments
Immunizations, screenings, family planning, WIC and more in every county. Six large counties run their own departments.
Official page: tn.gov/health/local.html
HRSA Find a Health Center
Search for a community health center near your address.
Official page: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
Tennessee 211 (TN211)
Ask about health care, counseling and other services near you.
Official page: tn211.org
More help in Tennessee
Housing help in Tennessee (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Tennessee: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, TennCare and IDEmergency Shelter in Tennessee: How to Find a Safe Place TonightNo cost Food Help in Tennessee: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing and Hygiene Help in Tennessee: Showers, Clothes and SuppliesNo cost Job Help and Job Training in Tennessee: American Job Centers and MoreDomestic Violence Help in Tennessee: Hotlines, Safety and Housing SupportHelp for Veterans in Tennessee: Housing, Crisis Support and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Tennessee: Crisis Support and Foster Care TransitionGetting ID and Documents Back in Tennessee: State ID, Birth Certificate and MoreFree and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Tennessee: Lifeline and Where to Get OnlineFree Legal and Tenant Help in Tennessee: Eviction, Housing and Civil RightsHow to Make Blessing Bags in Tennessee: Safe Food, Water and Weather Tips
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.