Who This Helps
Uninsured and underinsured New Yorkers, young people ages 13 to 25 seeking mental health support, families navigating Medicaid enrollment, and anyone in emotional crisis who needs immediate help.
NYC’s Free Mental Health Crisis Lines — Available Right Now
If you or someone you know is struggling, New York City has some of the strongest free mental health resources in the country. Here is exactly how to access them.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Counselors are available in English, Spanish (press 2), and more than 200 additional languages. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org. No health insurance is required.
NYC Well: Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173. NYC Well is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who provide brief supportive therapy and crisis counseling in over 200 languages. They can also connect you to free and low-cost mental health providers across the city.
NAMI Helpline: The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is available at 1-800-950-6264 or by emailing info@nami.org. NAMI volunteers and staff can help you find local support groups, therapists, and treatment programs.
New Youth Clinics: Elevate You at NYC Health + Hospitals
In January 2026, the Mamdani Administration announced new youth clinics at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull in Brooklyn and NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. These “Elevate You” clinics are designed specifically for young people and offer a model of care that follows patients from adolescence into adulthood.
Here is what the Elevate You clinics provide:
- Whole Health Support: Mental health services, physical health exams, reproductive care, and preventive services — all tailored to youth needs, in one location.
- Consistent Care Teams: Starting at age 16, teens are matched with a dedicated care team that stays with them through age 25. This means you do not have to re-explain your history every visit.
- School-Based Mental Health Clinics: NYC Health + Hospitals also operates 16 School-Based Mental Health Clinics offering on-site clinical treatment directly inside school buildings, plus the Mental Health Continuum Program connecting students from 50 NYC public schools to timely care.
To find the nearest NYC Health + Hospitals location, visit nychealthandhospitals.org or call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692).
NYC Teenspace: Free Online Therapy for Ages 13–17
NYC Teenspace is a free mental health support program available to any New York City teen ages 13 to 17. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, family stress, or just want someone to talk to, Teenspace connects you with a licensed therapist for ongoing virtual support. Sign up at nyc.gov/nycteenspace.
B-HEARD: Mental Health Professionals Instead of Police
New York City’s B-HEARD program sends teams of health professionals — not police officers — to respond to 911 calls for nonviolent mental health emergencies. In spring 2026, the program is transitioning to full operation under NYC Health + Hospitals, expanding its reach across the city. If you or a neighbor is experiencing a mental health crisis that is not violent, calling 911 may now connect you with a trained mental health response team instead of law enforcement.
Medicaid and Affordable Health Insurance: What You Need to Know
Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus are open for enrollment year-round in New York State. All three programs offer comprehensive benefits including vision and dental coverage, with no monthly premium, no deductible, and low cost-sharing.
To apply or check eligibility:
- Visit NY State of Health online
- Call 1-855-355-5777 for enrollment assistance
- Visit any NYC Health + Hospitals location for in-person enrollment help
Important context for 2026: Federal budget changes enacted in 2025 are expected to reduce New York’s Medicaid funding significantly. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers may be affected. If you currently rely on Medicaid, make sure your enrollment information is up to date and respond to any renewal notices promptly. The advocacy organization Medicaid Matters NY tracks these changes and can help you understand how they affect your coverage.
NYC Care: Health Coverage for the Uninsured
If you do not qualify for Medicaid or cannot afford private insurance, NYC Care guarantees low-cost and no-cost healthcare services through the NYC Health + Hospitals system. NYC Care members get a primary care provider, access to specialty care, prescription drugs, and mental health services — regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
How to Take Action
- In crisis right now? Call or text 988, or call NYC Well at 888-692-9355.
- Need a therapist for your teen? Sign up for free at NYC Teenspace.
- Need health insurance? Apply year-round at NY State of Health or call 1-855-355-5777.
- Uninsured and need care now? Visit nyccare.nyc or call 844-NYC-4NYC.
- Young person needing comprehensive care? Ask about Elevate You clinics at Woodhull or Queens hospitals.
- Want sliding-scale therapy? Call NYC Well at 888-692-9355 for referrals to providers charging as little as $15–$35 per session.
Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and resource guidance. It is not medical advice. Contact your healthcare provider for advice about your specific health situation.
