Atlanta Care: How to Find the Support You Need in the City

Atlanta offers a wide range of care services for residents, visitors, and families—from health and senior care to childcare, mental health, and emergency support. Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the city or navigating a crisis.

This guide breaks down the major types of care in Atlanta, where they’re commonly available, and how to take practical next steps.

Types of Care Available in Atlanta

When people search for “Atlanta care,” they’re usually looking for one (or several) of the following:

• Medical and urgent care
• Mental and behavioral health support
• Care for children and families
• Senior and long-term care
• Disability and special needs services
• Emergency, housing, and social support
• Care coordination and information centers

The sections below walk through each of these with a local Atlanta focus.

Medical, Urgent, and Primary Care in Atlanta

Atlanta is a major medical hub with large hospital systems, neighborhood clinics, and urgent care centers.

Major Hospital Systems and Medical Centers

These large systems often provide primary care, specialty care, urgent care, and hospital services:

• Emory Healthcare – Multiple locations across Metro Atlanta, including Emory University Hospital (1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322).
• Grady Health System – Often a safety-net option, with Grady Memorial Hospital (80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303).
• Piedmont Healthcare – Piedmont Atlanta Hospital (1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309).
• Wellstar Health System – Several facilities in the metro area, including in nearby Cobb and Fulton counties.
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Pediatric care at multiple hospitals and outpatient centers (e.g., Egleston, Scottish Rite, Hughes Spalding).

These systems typically offer:

• Primary care physicians (PCPs) for ongoing health needs
• Specialists (cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, etc.)
• Outpatient clinics and imaging centers
• Emergency departments for serious issues

If you’re new to Atlanta, a common first step is to establish care with a primary care provider within one of these systems, especially if your health insurance network is tied to a specific one.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Rooms

Atlanta has many urgent care centers and retail clinics that can handle:

• Minor injuries and illnesses
• Routine tests (flu, COVID-19, strep)
• Some lab work and basic imaging

Use urgent care for non-life-threatening issues when your doctor’s office is closed or booked, and emergency rooms for severe or potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Low-Cost and Community Health Clinics

For those without insurance or with limited coverage, community health centers and clinics can be important:

• Atlanta Fulton County Board of Health
  • 10 Park Place South SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Offers immunizations, family planning, and some clinical services.
• Neighborhood Union Health Center (Fulton County)
  • 186 Sunset Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Mercy Care (multiple Atlanta locations)
  • Known for providing care to people experiencing homelessness or with low income.

These centers often work on a sliding fee scale, so it’s usually wise to call ahead to confirm eligibility, costs, and documentation needed.

Mental and Behavioral Health Care in Atlanta

Accessing mental health support is a major part of overall care in Atlanta.

Crisis and Immediate Help

For urgent behavioral health concerns within Georgia:

• Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)
  • Phone: 1-800-715-4225 (24/7)
  • Provides crisis counseling, mobile crisis referrals, and help finding services.
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Dial 988 from any phone.

In a life-threatening emergency, you can also contact 911 and clearly state it is a mental health crisis; in some areas, specially trained responders may be dispatched.

Community Mental Health Services

Atlanta residents can access care through providers connected to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). In the Atlanta region, services may include:

• Outpatient counseling
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Substance use treatment
• Case management

Local public-facing offices and service providers in the metro area can provide intake and referrals; contact information is typically available through DBHDD’s regional offices or by calling the state crisis and access line.

Private and Nonprofit Counseling Options

Atlanta also has:

• Private therapists and counseling centers (often clustered in Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and surrounding suburbs)
• Faith-based counseling programs in churches and community organizations
• University counseling clinics (often lower-cost services supervised by licensed professionals)

When seeking mental health care, people commonly:

• Check whether providers accept their specific insurance plan
• Ask about telehealth vs. in-person options
• Confirm whether a provider focuses on individual, family, or child therapy

Childcare and Family Care in Atlanta

Families in Atlanta often need reliable daycare, after-school programs, and support services.

Childcare and Early Education

Common childcare options include:

• Licensed daycare centers
• Home-based child care (family child care homes)
• Preschool and pre-K programs

Georgia runs a statewide Pre-K program for eligible four-year-olds, which some Atlanta public and private schools, as well as childcare centers, participate in.

A typical process for Atlanta parents:

1. Search for licensed facilities near their neighborhood (Midtown, West End, East Atlanta, Buckhead, etc.).
2. Schedule tours to review safety, cleanliness, and daily routines.
3. Ask about hours, fees, waitlists, and curriculum.

After-School and Youth Programs

Many Atlanta families rely on:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) after-school programs
• City of Atlanta recreation centers
• Youth programs at YMCA locations, Boys & Girls Clubs, and community centers

These programs often provide:

• Homework help
• Enrichment activities
• Supervised play and meals or snacks

Family Support and Protective Services

For concerns about child safety or family crises, people in Atlanta can contact:

• Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) – Fulton County Office
  • 1249 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
  • Oversees child welfare, foster care, and some family assistance programs.

Senior Care and Aging Services in Atlanta

Atlanta’s aging population has access to in-home care, senior centers, meal programs, and long-term care facilities.

In-Home and Community-Based Care

Common services for older adults:

• Home-delivered meals
• Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, housekeeping)
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Adult day health programs

A key resource for navigating senior care in Atlanta is Empowerline (serving the Atlanta Regional Commission area), which helps older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers connect with:

• Home care programs
• Caregiver support
• Long-term care options

They typically provide information over the phone and can guide you to local providers and eligibility criteria.

Senior Centers and Local Programs

Atlanta-area senior centers often offer:

• Group meals
• Exercise and wellness programs
• Social activities and classes

These are commonly run by:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
• Fulton County Department of Senior Services
  • Central Office: 137 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Calling ahead can help you verify which center serves your ZIP code and what services require registration.

Long-Term Care Facilities

Across the metro area, you’ll find:

• Assisted living communities
• Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
• Memory care units for dementia and Alzheimer’s

When evaluating facilities in or around Atlanta, families often:

• Visit in person at different times of day
• Ask about staffing levels, medical oversight, and activities
• Review basic inspection information available through state licensing agencies

Disability and Special Needs Care

Atlanta residents with disabilities or special needs can access a network of medical, educational, and support services.

State and Local Disability Services

Key organizations and agencies include:

• Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) – Atlanta area offices
  • Provides employment-related services for people with disabilities.
• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)
  • Oversees some developmental disability services, including waivers and support coordination.

These entities may help with:

• Service coordination and care planning
• Day programs
• Supported employment
• Residential options in some cases

Educational and Therapy Supports

Children and youth in Atlanta with special needs may access:

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through Atlanta Public Schools or nearby school districts
• Speech, occupational, and physical therapy, either in school, at outpatient clinics, or at home
• Specialized clinics and therapy centers around the metro area

Families often work with both school-based teams and medical providers to coordinate care.

Housing, Social, and Emergency Support in Atlanta

Many Atlanta residents look for care beyond healthcare—including shelter, food assistance, and help during crises.

Homelessness and Emergency Shelter

For people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, Atlanta offers:

• Emergency shelters
• Transitional housing programs
• Outreach services

A few widely recognized access points and coordination centers include:

• Gateway Center
  • 275 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Serves adults experiencing homelessness with shelter and support services.
• City of Atlanta and Fulton County resource lines or 311 services
  • Can often direct callers to current shelter availability and local programs.

Availability often changes daily, so calling ahead is usually necessary.

Food Assistance and Basic Needs

Atlanta residents may access:

• Food pantries at churches and nonprofits
• Community food banks and mobile distributions
• Government assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC (administered through state agencies and local offices)

You can often obtain local referrals by:

• Calling 2-1-1 (a community information and referral line serving the Atlanta region)
• Contacting county social services offices

Domestic Violence and Safety Resources

For people in unsafe home situations, the Atlanta area has:

• Domestic violence hotlines
• Emergency shelters
• Legal and advocacy services

These services can help with:

• Safety planning
• Temporary housing
• Protective orders and court navigation

In emergencies, contact 911. For confidential support, 24/7 hotlines operated at the local or national level can provide immediate guidance and connections to Atlanta-area shelters.

Key Atlanta Care Resources at a Glance

Below is a simplified overview of where many Atlanta residents start when they need different kinds of care:

How to Navigate Care in Atlanta More Easily

Because Atlanta’s care network is large and sometimes fragmented, a few practical steps can make things smoother:

• Clarify your need first. Write down whether you’re dealing with a medical issue, housing concern, childcare need, or something else; this makes calls more efficient.
• Gather basic documents. Many agencies may ask for ID, proof of address, and any insurance or benefit information you have.
• Use central information lines.
  • 📞 2-1-1 for community resources (food, shelter, utilities, etc.)
  • 📞 1-800-715-4225 for Georgia behavioral health access
• Ask specifically about eligibility and cost. Many services in Atlanta have income guidelines, waiting lists, or sliding scales.
• Take notes during calls. Write down names, dates, and next steps so you can follow up if needed.

Atlanta’s care landscape is large, but there are multiple entry points for almost every situation. Starting with the right contact—whether a major hospital, a community clinic, an information line, or a county department—can help you get connected to the care and support you need while living in or visiting Atlanta.