Vermont Health Connect, DVHA
Apply for Medicaid by phone, online, by mail or with local help.
Official page: dvha.vermont.gov/apply
Free and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in Vermont: Medicaid, 988 and Clinics
How to get health insurance with Medicaid, reach 988 and the Peer Support Warmline, find a local mental health agency, get substance use help from VT Helplink, and find sliding fee care in Vermont.
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Hi friend. You deserve care for your body and your mind. Here is where to sign up for health insurance, talk to someone today, and find help near you.
Quick answers
How do I get health insurance?
Apply for Medicaid at VermontHealthConnect.gov, or call 855 899 9600, Monday to Friday, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm. You can also get help from a local assister or mail a paper application. The Waterbury office does not take walk ins. If you are under 65 and do not have Medicare, apply through Vermont Health Connect.
Official page: dvha.vermont.gov/apply
Who can I talk to right now about my mental health?
Call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org, any time. The Peer Support Warmline is also open to call or text at 833 888 2557 (833 VT TALKS). For other questions, the Department of Mental Health is at 802 241 0090.
Official page: mentalhealth.vermont.gov
How do I find a mental health agency near me?
Vermont has 10 designated agencies. Examples: Howard Center in Chittenden County 802 488 7777, Washington County Mental Health 802 229 0591, Rutland Mental Health Services 802 775 1000, Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services 800 622 4235. Ask for the crisis team.
Official page: mentalhealth.vermont.gov/community-resources/das-community-mental-health-agencies
Where can I get help with alcohol or drugs?
Call or text VT Helplink at 802 565 5465, or toll free at 833 565 5465. It is open 24 hours a day, free and confidential. Text the word LINK to 802 565 5465.
Official page: healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/how-get-help/find-treatment
Where can I get care if I have no insurance?
Community Health Centers of Burlington says a sliding fee scale is available for new patients, and its site lists Safe Harbor and the Pearl Street Youth Health Center. Dial 211 to find a health center in your area.
Official page: chcb.org
Your next steps
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Bunkly tip: if you are in danger right now or someone has collapsed or stopped breathing, call 911 first.
Who to call in Vermont
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.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Free support by call, text or chat, 24/7. Spanish is available.
Official page: 988lifeline.org/get-help
Peer Support Warmline, Department of Mental Health
Call or text to talk with a peer. Statewide.
Official page: mentalhealth.vermont.gov
Howard Center, First Call
Mental health crisis line for Chittenden County, 24 hours a day.
Official page: mentalhealth.vermont.gov/community-resources/das-community-mental-health-agencies
VT Helplink
24 hour support and referrals to treatment and recovery services. Text LINK to 802 565 5465.
Official page: healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/how-get-help/find-treatment
Community Health Centers of Burlington
Sliding fee scale for new patients. Lists Safe Harbor, Pearl Street Youth Health Center and a homeless healthcare program.
Official page: chcb.org
Health Care Advocate Helpline
Help with health care questions and problems. Listed by the Vermont Foodbank.
Official page: vtfoodbank.org/access-food/additional-resources
More help in Vermont
Housing help in Vermont (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Vermont: Where to Start with 211, 3SquaresVT, Medicaid and ShelterEmergency Shelter Tonight in Vermont: Burlington, Barre, Brattleboro and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Vermont: 3SquaresVT, WIC and Food ShelvesNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in VermontJob Help and Free Job Training in Vermont: Job Centers, JobLink and MoreDomestic Violence Help in Vermont: Safety, Shelter and Legal SupportHelp for Veterans in Vermont: Housing, Crisis Support and VA CareHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Vermont: Shelter, Drop In Centers and Crisis LinesGetting an ID and Replacing Papers in Vermont: DMV, Birth Certificates and MailFree and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Vermont: Lifeline and MoreFree Legal Help and Tenant Rights in Vermont: Eviction, Benefits and ShelterHow to Make Blessing Bags in Vermont: Heat, Cold and What Neighbors Need
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.