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 Virginia, even if money is tight or you don't have insurance.
If you're in crisis, call or text 988. To apply for Medicaid, use Cover Virginia or CommonHelp.
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.
Virginia Medicaid covers health care for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and behavioral health care. FAMIS covers children and pregnant women in families who qualify.
Apply through Cover Virginia or on CommonHelp. For questions, call Cover Virginia at 855.242.8282 (TTY 888.221.1590).
Sources: https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/
Your first steps, in order
- If it's an emergency, call 911.
- If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
- Apply for Medicaid through Cover Virginia.
- 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 Richmond, Daily Planet Health Services offers medical, dental and behavioral health care, including for people who are homeless.
In Fairfax County, the Community Services Board offers mental health and substance use care. Dial 211 for a clinic near you.
Sources: https://www.dailyplanetva.org/ https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/
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. 988 is open 24/7 for calls, texts and chat. They can talk with you and help you find care.
In Virginia, 988 can also connect you to your local community services board, which offers mental health care for people who qualify.
Sources: https://988lifeline.org/
Reaching out is brave
Asking for help is a strong thing to do. You deserve support.
What about help with drugs or alcohol?
988 can also connect you with substance use treatment and recovery support. Your local community services board (CSB) offers care for people who qualify.
Find yours on the state behavioral health site at https://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/ You can also call the national SAMHSA Helpline, listed below.
Teens can 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 Harrisonburg
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 through Cover Virginia and dial 211 for a clinic near you.
Stay with them if it's safe. Listen without judging.
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 social services 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 Winchester
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 988 only for emergencies?
No. You can call or text 988 for support 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 or text 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 211virginia.org 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 Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. 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.
Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Cover Virginia (Medicaid and FAMIS)
What it offers Health coverage for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care and prescriptions. FAMIS covers children and pregnant women in families who qualify.
How to reach Call 855.242.8282 (TTY 888.221.1590), or apply at https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/
Source https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
CommonHelp (Virginia benefits portal)
What it offers Virginia's online site to apply for SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, Medicaid, child care help and energy help, and to check your case.
How to reach Apply at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/ Questions: call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370.
Source https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Virginia)
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, texts and chat. In Virginia, 988 can also connect you to your local community services board.
How to reach Call or text 988, or chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
211 Virginia
What it offers A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Virginia.
How to reach Dial 211, or search any time at https://211virginia.org/
Source https://211virginia.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Greater Richmond
Here are some places to start.
Daily Planet Health Services
What it offers Health care in Richmond, including for people who are homeless, with medical, dental and behavioral health care.
How to reach Call 804.783.2505.
Source https://www.dailyplanetva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
City of Richmond Department of Social Services
What it offers Applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and energy help for Richmond residents, plus emergency help and referrals.
How to reach Call 804.646.7212.
Source https://www.rva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Henrico County Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Henrico County residents.
How to reach Call 804.501.4001.
Source https://henrico.gov/dss/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Greater Richmond Homeless Connection Line (Homeward)
What it offers The front door to shelter and homeless help for the City of Richmond and nearby counties. Call if you are homeless now or about to lose your place.
How to reach Call 804.972.0813.
Source https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Northern Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
What it offers Mental health and substance use care in Fairfax County and nearby cities, with 24/7 emergency help.
How to reach Emergency: call 703.573.5679 (TTY 711). Non emergency: call 703.383.8500.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning
What it offers The first call for help with housing, food, financial help and other needs in Fairfax County.
How to reach Call 703.222.0880.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
What it offers Benefits, child care help and family services for Fairfax County residents.
How to reach Call 703.324.7500, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. TTY 711.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for City of Alexandria residents.
How to reach Call 703.746.5700, or text 703.346.5599.
Source https://www.alexandriava.gov/DCHS
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other areas (crisis help anywhere in Virginia)
988 serves every part of Virginia, 24/7. Your local community services board also offers mental health care.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Virginia)
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, texts and chat. In Virginia, 988 can also connect you to your local community services board.
How to reach Call or text 988, or chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Your local community services board (CSB)
What it offers Public mental health, substance use and developmental disability care for every Virginia city and county, for people who qualify. 988 can connect you to yours.
How to reach Call or text 988, or find your CSB at https://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/
Source https://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Your local department of social services
What it offers Virginia has a local department of social services for every city and county. They take applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and energy help, and can point you to emergency help nearby.
How to reach Call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370, or find your local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/
Source https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
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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