Getting mental health care in New York City without insurance — or with Medicaid — is possible, but the system is fragmented enough that most people don’t know where to start. The city runs programs specifically designed to remove the financial barrier to mental health treatment, and many are available to anyone regardless of income, immigration status, or insurance. This guide maps the full landscape of free and low-cost mental health services in NYC.
NYC Well: The Front Door to NYC Mental Health Services
NYC Well is the city’s mental health helpline and the single best starting point for anyone seeking mental health support in New York City. It is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Call: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
- Text: “WELL” to 65173
- Chat: nycwell.cityofnewyork.us
NYC Well provides immediate counseling by phone, text, or chat, and can connect you to mental health services in your area — including free therapy, psychiatry, peer support, and crisis services. Counselors speak more than 200 languages via interpretation services. NYC Well is not just for emergencies — you can call to talk through what you’re feeling even if you’re not in crisis, or to get help navigating the system.
NYC Health + Hospitals Mental Health Services
NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) operates the largest public healthcare system in the country and provides mental health services on a sliding-fee scale — meaning you pay what you can afford, including nothing if your income is low enough. H+H serves patients regardless of immigration status or insurance.
- Find a location: nychealthandhospitals.org or call 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692)
- H+H has outpatient mental health clinics at facilities across all five boroughs
- Services include individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management
- Emergency psychiatric services available at H+H emergency departments 24/7
Community Mental Health Clinics (Article 31 Clinics)
New York State licenses Article 31 outpatient mental health clinics — community-based clinics that must accept Medicaid and typically offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. These clinics are operated by nonprofits and health systems throughout NYC and provide therapy, psychiatry, and case management.
Find Article 31 clinics in your area:
- NYS OASAS/OMH Mental Health Program Finder: Mental Health Association of NYC or call NYC Well for a referral
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov — national tool for finding local mental health services
- 211: Dial 2-1-1 for a live referral to mental health services in your neighborhood
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Federally Qualified Health Centers receive federal funding to serve patients regardless of ability to pay and must offer integrated mental health services. FQHCs use a sliding-fee scale based on income — patients at or below the federal poverty level pay very little or nothing.
Major FQHC networks in NYC with mental health services:
- Community Healthcare Network: (212) 432-4001 | chnnyc.org
- Ryan Health: (212) 539-9592 | ryanhealth.org
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center: (212) 271-7200 — specializes in LGBTQ+ patients
- Institute for Family Health: (212) 633-0800 | institute.org
- Find all NYC FQHCs: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
Free Therapy and Counseling Programs
NYC Department of Health Mental Health Programs
NYC DOHMH funds community mental health programs throughout the city including outreach, peer support, and care coordination for people with serious mental illness. Contact NYC Well at 1-888-NYC-WELL to be connected to DOHMH-funded programs near you.
NYC Thrive Programs
The city’s ThriveNYC initiative funds numerous community-based mental health programs including mental health first aid training, peer support, and outreach to specific communities. Programs change over time — check thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us or call NYC Well for current programs.
School-Based Mental Health
NYC public schools operate school-based mental health programs for students. If you are a student or parent of a student, ask the school’s guidance counselor about on-site mental health services. NYC now has school-based mental health clinics in many high-need schools — services are free and confidential.
Open Path Collective
For those who want private therapy but can’t afford full rates, Open Path Collective (openpathcollective.org) connects clients to licensed therapists offering sessions at $30–$80 for individuals earning under $100,000. Not free, but significantly below market rates.
Mental Health Services for Specific Populations
- Veterans: VA New York Harbor Healthcare System — (800) 877-6976 | va.gov; also Vet Center (718) 857-2034 for readjustment counseling
- LGBTQ+ individuals: Callen-Lorde (212) 271-7200; The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386; Crisis Text Line — text START to 678-678
- Youth and teens: NYC-operated youth mental health clinics; Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741; The Safe Horizon hotline (212) 227-3000
- Older adults: NYC Aging mental health programs — (212) 244-6469; JASA mental health clinics (212) 273-5200
- Immigrants: NYC Well connects to multilingual services; Immigrant Social Services (212) 406-2100
- New mothers (postpartum): Postpartum Support International helpline 1-800-944-4773; H+H maternal mental health programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get mental health care in NYC without insurance or immigration status?
Yes. NYC Health + Hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers provide mental health services to all patients regardless of insurance or immigration status on a sliding-fee scale. NYC Well can connect you to appropriate services. You will not be asked about immigration status when seeking mental health care at these facilities.
I called NYC Well but they gave me a referral and I can’t get an appointment. What do I do?
Call NYC Well back and explain that the referred provider has no availability. NYC Well can provide additional referrals or help you navigate the waitlist. For immediate support while waiting for an appointment, NYC Well counselors can provide phone counseling and check in with you regularly.
Is mental health treatment on Medicaid free in NYC?
Mental health services are covered by Medicaid with no or minimal copayments for most services. If you have Medicaid and need mental health care, you can see any Medicaid-accepting therapist or psychiatrist. Use the NYC Well referral line or your Medicaid managed care plan’s provider directory to find participating providers.
What is the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
Therapists (licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, licensed mental health counselors) provide talk therapy and counseling. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. Many people benefit from both — therapy for coping strategies and self-understanding, psychiatry for medication management when needed. NYC Well can help you identify which type of care you need.
