Georgia faces significant challenges in mental health and substance abuse care access, ranking as the second-worst state for mental health care according to recent studies.
With 13.4% of Georgians lacking health insurance and 45.4% of those who didn’t receive needed mental health care citing cost as the barrier, accessible resources are critical for countless individuals struggling to get the support they need.
This comprehensive guide provides 76 free and low-cost mental health and substance abuse resources for Georgians, focusing on services accessible to those without insurance or financial means.
From crisis hotlines to community centers, support groups to specialized services, these resources represent lifelines for needy Georgians.
Georgia’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Landscape
Mental health and substance abuse challenges affect Georgians from all walks of life. According to the SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 1.4 million adults in Georgia have a mental health condition—more than twice the population of Atlanta.
The statistics paint a sobering picture:
- 33.9% of adults in Georgia reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder (February 2023)
- 336,000 adults in Georgia have a serious mental illness
- 104,000 Georgians aged 12-17 have depression
- Drug overdose death rates increased from 10.7 per 100,000 in 2011 to 23.5 per 100,000 in 2021
- In 2021, there were 1,799 opioid overdose deaths in Georgia (72% of all drug overdose deaths)
Behind these numbers are real people facing real struggles. The pandemic exacerbated existing challenges, with 44.3% of adults in Georgia reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression during February 2021, and 29.4% unable to get needed counseling or therapy.
Access Barriers for Uninsured and Low-Income Georgians
For Georgians without insurance or financial resources, accessing mental health and substance abuse care presents significant challenges:
- Cost is the primary barrier, with 45.4% of those who didn’t receive care citing cost as the reason
- Georgia has not expanded Medicaid, leaving many low-income residents in the coverage gap
- About 25% of uninsured Georgians who would qualify for Medicaid expansion coverage suffer from mental illness or substance abuse
- Georgia ranks 49th in access to mental health care
- Mental health services are more likely to be out-of-network than physical health services, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs
- Nearly 5 million Georgians live in communities without enough mental health professionals, creating “treatment deserts”
- Rural areas face severe provider shortages, with transportation barriers compounding access issues
Dr. Judy Fitzgerald, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, emphasizes: “Mental health is essential to overall health. Our goal is to ensure that every Georgian who needs behavioral health services can access them, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Crisis Resources
When immediate help is needed, these crisis resources provide free, 24/7 support:
Georgia Crisis and Access Line – Free 24/7 helpline providing mental health crisis assistance and access to mental health resources in Georgia. Phone: (800) 715-4225
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress. Dial or Text 988. Spanish: Marque 988 y presione 2 or envía la palabra AYUDA a 988. TTY Users: Use preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Crisis Text Line – Connect with a live, trained Crisis Counselor. Text HOME to 741-741.
NAMI Georgia Helpline – Non-crisis helpline providing information about resources for persons with mental illnesses and their family members in Georgia. Phone: 770-408-0625. Available M-F 9 am – 5 pm ET.
National Disaster Distress Helpline – Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Community Mental Health Resources
Local community resources provide accessible care throughout Georgia:
Raksha – South Asian community organization offering individual and family counseling. Therapists speak multiple languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Arabic. Phone: (866) 725-7423 or (404) 876-0670.
Ser Familia – Counseling for adults, adolescents, and children, specializing in acculturation and behavioral health. Therapists speak English and Spanish. Contact: Info@serfam.org, (678) 363-3079.
CHRIS 180 – Mental health services focused on healing children, strengthening families, and building community. Services are available at low or no cost, depending on eligibility. Appointment line: 1-800-896-4106.
Family Health Centers of Georgia offers physical, mental, and emotional care, including counseling. Payment is available through a sliding fee scale. Translation services are available for multiple languages. The appointment line is 404-752-1400.
Clarkston Community Health Center – Free individual, family, and group counseling, and medication management. Healthcare providers speak 13 different languages. Phone: (678) 383-1383.
The Center for Victims of Torture – Georgia – Holistic approach to healing for trauma survivors. Contact: Dr. Adaobi Iheduru at 470-545-2776 or AIheduru@cvt.org.
WestCare Georgia – Free in-residence treatment for youth with substance abuse issues and free therapy for women. Translation services are available for various languages.
Highland Rivers Behavioral Health – Sliding fee scale based on income. Crisis services, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment. Appointment line: (800) 729-5700.
Good Samaritan Health Centers – Faith-based clinic offering free Christian mental health counseling. Norcross office: 678-280-6630. Marietta office: 770-806-0162.
Southside Medical Center – Individual and group therapy, family and couples counseling. Documents and translations are available in Spanish. Phone: 404-688-1350.
Empowerment Resource Center – Low-cost Outpatient Program for mental health challenges. Phone: 678-679-9234 or 678-580-6351.
Fulton County Behavioral Health Services – Free behavioral health services for adults in Atlanta, North Fulton, and South Fulton, including people without insurance.
Support Groups
Peer support can be a crucial component of recovery:
NAMI Connections Support Group – Peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. Multiple virtual and in-person options throughout Georgia. Free to attend.
NAMI Family Support Group – Support group for family members of individuals with mental illness. Multiple virtual and in-person options throughout Georgia. Free to attend.
NAMI Affinity Support Groups – Groups for individuals in communities of shared values, culture or experiences. Includes Spanish, Korean, families of incarcerated individuals, and frontline workers. Free to attend.
Alcoholics Anonymous Georgia – Peer support for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction. Free to attend. Hundreds of meetings throughout Georgia.
Narcotics Anonymous Georgia Region – Support for individuals recovering from drug addiction. Free to attend. Multiple meetings throughout Georgia.
Al-Anon Family Groups in Georgia – Support for friends and family members of alcoholics. Free to attend. Multiple meeting locations throughout Georgia.
Nar-Anon Family Groups in Georgia – Support for friends and family members of addicts. Free to attend. Multiple meeting locations in Georgia.
SMART Recovery – Science-based addiction recovery support group. Alternative to 12-step programs. Free to attend.
Celebrate Recovery – Christ-centered 12-step recovery program. Addresses all types of habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Free to attend.
Georgia Overdose Prevention – Provides resources, education, and support for overdose prevention. Free naloxone training and distribution.
Mental Health America of Georgia Support Groups – Various support groups for mental health conditions. Free to attend. Multiple locations throughout Georgia.
Resources for Youth and Families
Children, adolescents, and families have unique mental health needs:
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities – Child and Adolescent Services – Comprehensive mental health services for children and youth. Free and confidential services are available 24/7.
Georgia Parent Support Network – Support, education, and advocacy for children and youth with mental illness. Parent-to-parent support. Free services for families.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Behavioral and Mental Health – Prevention, intervention, and crisis recovery services for children and adolescents. Sliding fee scale available.
Georgia HOPE School-Based Mental Health – Early intervention services within schools. Recognized state model program. Available in multiple school districts across Georgia.
Fulton County Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services – Individual counseling, family counseling, psychiatric services. Services for Fulton County residents.
CHRIS 180 – Trauma-informed care for children, young adults, and families. Sliding fee scale available. Multiple locations in metro Atlanta.
Georgia Apex Program – School-based mental health services. Available in over 400 schools across Georgia. Free services for eligible students.
Youth Villages Georgia – Intensive in-home services for children with serious emotional and behavioral problems. Services throughout Georgia.
NAMI Basics – Free six-week education program for parents and family caregivers. For families of children and teens experiencing mental health symptoms.
Parent to Parent of Georgia – Support for families of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs. Free services including information, referrals, and parent matching.
Families First – Mental health services, adoption support, and family preservation. Sliding fee scale available. Multiple locations in metro Atlanta.
Georgia Family Connection Partnership – Statewide network supporting families and children. Connects families to local resources. Present in all 159 Georgia counties.
Healthy Families Georgia – Home visiting program for expectant and new parents. Free services for eligible families. Focus on preventing child abuse and neglect.
Georgia Crisis and Access Line – Family Support – 24/7 support for families experiencing mental health crises. Free service. Phone: 1-800-715-4225.
Resources for Veterans
Veterans face unique mental health challenges:
Veterans Crisis Line – Crisis support specifically for veterans and those concerned about a veteran. Dial 988, then Press 1. Text: 838255. 24/7 confidential support.
VA Mental Health Services – Comprehensive mental health services for veterans. Treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Free for eligible veterans.
Georgia Department of Veterans Service – Assistance with accessing VA benefits and services. Guidance on mental health and substance abuse resources. Free service for Georgia veterans.
Emory Healthcare Veterans Program – Free treatment for post-9/11 veterans and service members. Specializes in PTSD, TBI, MST, depression, and anxiety.
Team Red, White & Blue – Organization connecting veterans to their community through physical and social activity. Free membership. Local chapters throughout Georgia.
The Warrior Alliance – Connects warriors and their families to resources and opportunities in Georgia. Free services including mental health support. Based in Atlanta with statewide reach.
Resources for College Students
College students face increasing mental health challenges:
Middle Georgia State University Counseling Services – Free services to all MGA students. 24/7 access to counselors and mental health resources. Multiple campus locations.
University of Georgia Counseling and Psychiatric Services – Mental health services for UGA students. Individual and group counseling. Free or low-cost depending on service.
Georgia State University Counseling Center – Free counseling services for enrolled students. Individual and group therapy. Multiple campus locations.
Georgia Tech Counseling Center – Mental health services for Georgia Tech students. Individual and group counseling. Free initial consultations.
Active Minds – Student-run mental health awareness and education organization. Chapters at multiple Georgia colleges and universities. Free resources and support.
Resources for Women
Women have gender-specific mental health needs:
Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence – Support for women experiencing domestic violence. Free counseling and support groups. 24-hour crisis line: 404-688-9436.
Partnership Against Domestic Violence – Georgia’s largest domestic violence organization. Free services including crisis line, shelter, support groups. 24-hour crisis line: 404-873-1766.
Postpartum Support International – Georgia Chapter – Support for women experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. Free phone and online support.
Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault – Statewide coalition of rape crisis centers. Free and confidential services. 24-hour crisis lines. Counseling and support groups.
The Women’s Collective – Support for women living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. Mental health services and substance abuse support. Free or low-cost services.
Online and Telehealth Resources
Digital options expand access to care:
Georgia Partnership for Telehealth – Telehealth services connecting patients with healthcare providers. Focus on rural and underserved areas. Reduced fees for eligible individuals.
Mercy Care Virtual – Telehealth services for low-income and uninsured individuals. Mental health and substance abuse treatment. Sliding fee scale available.
Georgia State University Psychology Clinic – Low-cost telehealth mental health services. Provided by supervised graduate students. Sliding fee scale starting at $10 per session.
Open Counseling – Directory of free and low-cost counseling services. Includes telehealth options. Searchable by location and specialty.
Georgia Telehealth Network – Connects patients with healthcare providers via telehealth. Mental health and substance abuse services. Focus on increasing access in rural areas.
Georgia Warm Line – Peer-operated telephone service providing support. Free service for Georgians. Available daily from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Phone: 1-888-945-1414.
Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network Online Support – Virtual peer support groups. Free online resources and education. Focus on recovery and empowerment.
NAMI Georgia Online Support Groups – Virtual support groups for individuals with mental illness and their families. Free to attend. Multiple weekly options.
Mental Health America of Georgia Online Screening – Free, confidential mental health screening tools. Online resources and education. Referrals to local services.
Georgia Council on Substance Abuse Virtual Recovery Support – Online recovery meetings and support. Free virtual services. Peer-led support.
Educational Resources and Prevention Programs
Education and prevention are key components of mental health:
Mental Health America of Georgia – Mental health education and advocacy organization. Free educational resources and training programs. Statewide reach with a focus on prevention and early intervention.
Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network – Peer-led organization providing education and support. Free educational programs and resources. Certified Peer Specialist training.
NAMI Georgia Education Programs – Free educational courses on mental health. Programs for individuals with mental illness and their families. Taught by trained volunteers with lived experience.
Georgia State University Center for Leadership in Disability – Education and training on developmental disabilities and mental health. Free resources and workshops. Focus on inclusive practices and support.
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health – Public health education and resources. Mental health awareness programs. Free educational materials.
Georgia Prevention Project – Substance abuse prevention for teens and young adults. Free educational resources and campaigns. Focus on prescription drug and opioid misuse prevention.
Georgia Council on Substance Abuse – Recovery community organization. Free recovery support services and education. Advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
GUIDE, Inc. – Substance abuse prevention for youth. Free educational programs and resources. Community-based prevention strategies. Based in Gwinnett County with regional impact.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia – Prevention of underage drinking and impaired driving. Free educational programs and victim support. Advocacy and awareness campaigns.
Council on Alcohol and Drugs – Substance abuse prevention education. Free resources for schools, businesses, and communities. Drug-free workplace programs.
Legal and Financial Assistance
Legal and financial support can be critical components of recovery:
Georgia Legal Aid – Free civil legal services for low-income individuals. Help with issues related to mental health and substance abuse. Statewide coverage through multiple offices.
Atlanta Legal Aid Society – Free legal assistance for low-income residents. Mental health advocacy program. Services in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Clayton counties.
Georgia Advocacy Office – Protection and advocacy for people with disabilities. Free legal advocacy services. Focus on rights of individuals with mental illness.
State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Resource Center – Connects low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys. Free legal assistance for qualifying individuals. Statewide referral network.
Mental Health Law Project – Specialized legal assistance for mental health issues. Free services for eligible individuals. Help with commitment proceedings, guardianship, and benefits.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs – Housing assistance programs. Homelessness prevention resources. Financial support for low-income individuals. Statewide programs.
Georgia Division of Family & Children Services – Financial assistance programs for low-income families. Food stamps, Medicaid, and TANF. Support services for families in crisis.
Georgia Department of Community Health – Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids. Healthcare coverage for low-income individuals. Mental health and substance abuse treatment coverage.
Georgia Charitable Care Network – Network of free and charitable clinics. Healthcare services for the uninsured and underinsured. Mental health and substance abuse services.
United Way of Greater Atlanta 211 – Connects individuals to financial assistance resources. Help with housing, utilities, food, and healthcare. Free referral service.
National Resources
These national resources provide additional support:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service. Available in English and Spanish. Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). TTY: 1-800-487-4889.
FindTreatment.gov – SAMHSA’s confidential and anonymous resource for finding treatment. Search for treatment facilities by location, type of care, payment options, and more.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Research-based information on drug use and addiction. Resources for teens, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. Treatment information and research findings.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Federal agency for research on mental disorders. Information on mental health conditions, treatments, and research. Resources for finding help and support.
MentalHealth.gov – Government website providing mental health information. Resources for individuals, families, educators, and other community members. Information on how to get help for mental health issues.
Psychology Today Therapy Directory – Searchable directory of therapists and treatment centers. Filter by insurance, issue, treatment approach, and more. Many providers offer sliding scale fees.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective – Nonprofit nationwide network of mental health professionals. Reduced-fee sessions between $30 and $60. One-time lifetime membership fee of $59.
7 Cups – Free emotional support through online chat with trained listeners. Affordable online therapy with licensed therapists ($150/month). Support communities and self-help resources.
The Human Side of Mental Health in Georgia
Behind every statistic and resource listing are real people with real struggles. Maria, a mother from rural South Georgia, describes driving over two hours each way to get her teenage son to therapy appointments: “We’d leave at 5 AM to make a 9 AM appointment, and he’d miss a full day of school. Eventually, we just couldn’t keep it up, even though he was getting better with treatment.”
Sarah T., a recovery advocate from Macon, shares: “When I was struggling with depression and couldn’t afford treatment, Georgia’s crisis line connected me to free services that literally saved my life. People need to know these resources exist—you don’t have to face mental health challenges alone just because you can’t afford private care.”
James M., a veteran from Columbus, adds: “After returning from deployment, I felt lost and was battling PTSD. The VA services were there, but it was actually a local peer support group that helped me feel understood. Free support groups can be just as valuable as clinical treatment sometimes.”
Dr. Raymond Kotwicki, Chief Medical Officer at Skyland Trail in Atlanta, notes: “The mental health treatment gap in Georgia is significant, particularly for those without insurance or financial resources. Free and low-cost services are not just helpful—they’re lifesaving for many Georgians.”
Finding Hope Through Connection
Despite the challenges in Georgia’s mental health landscape, there are bright spots. Peer support programs—where individuals with lived experience help others on their recovery journey—have shown remarkable success.
The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network’s Certified Peer Specialist program has become a national model, demonstrating how lived experience can be transformed into professional expertise.
Community-based organizations are filling gaps where traditional services fall short. Faith communities are increasingly recognizing their role in addressing mental health, with many churches now offering free support groups and connecting members to professional resources.
As one recovery coach in Atlanta says, “The most powerful thing we can say to someone struggling is ‘you’re not alone.’ Free and low-cost resources aren’t just about treatment—they’re about connection, community, and hope.”
While Georgia faces significant challenges in mental health care access, the growing awareness and decreasing stigma around mental health and substance use disorders offer hope.
Every free support group, every sliding-scale counseling center, every crisis hotline represents a potential lifeline for Georgians in need.
The resources compiled in this guide represent more than just services—they represent communities of care, pathways to recovery, and the belief that mental health support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances or geographic location.
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