Find Help for Mental Health, Drugs, or Alcohol if You’re on New York's Medicaid Program or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
You can access behavioral health providers directly using your Medicaid card or through your managed care plan if you are enrolled in Managed Care Organization (MCO). You will not have a co-pay if you are in a managed care plan. Ask the provider if they accept your health plan and participate in your network before receiving health care services or before enrolling in a health plan.
You can also search the provider directory for the type of health care professional you would like to see. Learn more about the types of providers. Not all listed Medicaid providers are currently accepting new patients. Check with the provider if they accept Medicaid before your first visit.
If you have concerns about getting to an appointment, your state’s Medicaid program may offer help with transportation (PDF | 1 MB).
You can also:
- Ask your doctor, social worker, loved ones, or a trusted friend, if they know any health care professionals or programs.
- Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card. Many will list a number for mental health and substance use (sometimes called behavioral health) or a nurse line. You can ask them for help finding and getting services.
- Use the SAMHSA search for health care professionals and programs or call 1-800-662-4357 any time day or night. The call line has people who can speak with you in English or Spanish.
- Find a health center that provides free or low-cost care.
- If you have a job, ask your employer’s human resources department if they have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). An EAP is a free and confidential service that your company pays for. The service can help employees with mental health, drug or alcohol use, grief, and trauma.
- If you’re a student, look for your school’s health center or peer support group.
- Learn about support groups.