Denver Family Health Guide: Low-Cost Clinics, Mental Health Support and 24/7 Pediatric Care

Denver families have a network of low-cost and free health services available across the city, from reproductive health care to pediatric advice lines and mental health crisis support. Knowing where to call can make the difference between a delayed appointment and same-day guidance.

Low-Cost Family Planning and Primary Care

Denver Health provides family planning services, including pregnancy planning and birth control, at 10 community health centers and 18 school-based clinics throughout the city. Visits are free for anyone under 18 and for Denver Public School students. To schedule an appointment, families can call 303-436-4949 for primary care or family health; DPS students can reach school-based centers directly at 303-602-8958.

The option of school-based clinics means students can access care without missing a full school day, reducing barriers for working parents. Denver Health's network is designed to serve residents regardless of insurance status, with sliding-scale fees based on income.

24/7 Pediatric Nurse Advice Line

Children's Hospital Colorado operates the ParentSmart Healthline, a 24/7 pediatric nurse advice line for parents. The number is 720-777-0123 or toll-free at 1-855-543-4636. The line is listed in the Colorado HCP Family Resource Guide and gives parents a real person to talk to about fevers, rashes, breathing concerns or whether a trip to the emergency room is necessary.

Having a nurse available at 3 a.m. can prevent unnecessary ER visits or catch serious symptoms early. The service is free and available to any Colorado parent, not just Children's Hospital patients.

Mental Health and Crisis Support

Denver Health's STEP Program (303-602-1893) offers mental health services for children and families, according to the Denver Area Community Resources guide published in 2025. The program provides assessment and treatment for a range of behavioral health concerns.

For immediate crisis situations, the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line connects callers to trained counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The line is confidential and can be used for suicidal thoughts, substance use crises or any mental health emergency.

Family Medicine and Dental Care Near You

Clinica Family Health operates a Denver clinic at 1701 W 72nd Ave, offering family medicine and dental hygiene services. The clinic can be reached at (303) 650-4460. The practice is a Denver-based medical group focused on comprehensive primary care for all ages.

Clinica also provides dental hygiene, an often-overlooked component of family wellness that is closely linked to overall health, especially for children and pregnant women.

Recommendation: Bookmark the Denver Health family planning page (303-436-4949) and save the ParentSmart Healthline (720-777-0123) in your phone. Call your nearest community health center to confirm hours and sliding-scale eligibility before you need an appointment.