Where Community Meets Care
The Healthcare United at GateWay (HUG) Clinic is a state-licensed, pro bono healthcare clinic offering free specialty care to community members who may not otherwise have access to essential services. It also serves as a hands-on training site for GateWay healthcare students, providing real clinical experience while supporting our community.
HUG is one of the first clinics in the U.S. to offer this range of specialty services at no cost. With more than 1,100 patient appointments each year, the clinic delivers over $100,000 in community benefit through treatments that would typically cost $100 per visit.
The clinic supports patients living with chronic conditions such as lymphedema, cancer, COPD, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and diabetes, and provides diagnostic ultrasound for injuries and pregnancy. Most patients would go without this care without HUG. Referrals come from community clinics, medical charities—including the Multiple Sclerosis Society—and local physicians and hospitals.
Our Free Specialty Services
All services are provided by dedicated healthcare students working closely under the direct supervision of licensed providers. Care is offered during the academic semesters as part of hands-on clinical training.
Self-scheduling is available for Ultrasound. All other appointments, call (602) 286–8511.
For questions about the VA Physical Therapy services held on Monday, please contact their department directly at (602) 277-5551.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Exercise and education for individuals with COPD, asthma, or other chronic lung conditions.
Physical Therapy
Treatment for pain, injuries, mobility issues, and post-surgical recovery.
Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound for injuries, soft-tissue concerns, and pregnancy.
Occupational Therapy
Support to help patients regain strength, independence, and daily function.
How to Get Care
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows movement and access to the area being treated.
- Leg treatment: shorts are best
- Shoulder/neck treatment: bring or wear a t-shirt
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to check in and complete required paperwork. A photo ID is needed for documentation. Your first visit will last 40–60 minutes, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled as needed—please bring a calendar to help plan future visits.
For ultrasound appointments, additional preparation instructions will be provided during your confirmation call.
All HUG Clinic services are student-led and supervised by a licensed healthcare professional. This model provides high-quality care while giving GateWay students valuable hands-on learning experience before their clinical rotations.
HUG Clinic provides free specialty care for community members who are underserved, uninsured, or experiencing financial hardship. Because our services are in high demand, we have limits to ensure fair access for all patients.
Patients may receive up to 24 visits or one full school year of care (Fall and Spring semesters). After this period, patients may be discharged with referrals to outside providers or added to our waiting list for future availability.
To ensure access for everyone, patients with three no-shows will be discharged and placed on the waiting list.
HUG Clinic services are offered pro bono, and donations help offset the cost of providing care to our community.
The HUG Clinic is located on GateWay Community College's 18th Street Campus.
555 North 18th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006, Suite 301 & 302
* Parking available in the West and North lots
[email protected] | (602) 286–8511
Fax: (602) 926-1499
Administrative Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Maps:
18th Street wide location Visitor Map
18th Street location Visitor Map
Student Training & Clinical Experience
The HUG Clinic gives GateWay healthcare students real-world experience in a supportive, supervised environment before they begin their clinical rotations. Students develop professional skills across multiple healthcare disciplines, including physical therapy, diagnostic medical imaging, pulmonary rehabilitation, and occupational therapy.
Our Story & Community Partnerships
The HUG Clinic began as a collaborative lab project between the Physical Therapist Assisting and Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs to increase hands-on learning and strengthen communication between disciplines. Its early success helped the clinic grow its services and eventually open a state-of-the-art facility on 18th Street and Van Buren.
This expansion was made possible through support from community partners, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and Northern Arizona University.
Community Impact & How to Support Us
The HUG Clinic provides more than 1,100 free specialty appointments each year, delivering more than $100,000 in healthcare savings to community members who may not otherwise have access to care.
Your support helps us continue offering these vital services and expanding opportunities for student learning.
Patient Stories & Experiences
Juan Testimonial
"The HUG Clinic gave me my life back. The people at HUG went beyond professionalism. They were attentive to my needs and helped me achieve my rehabilitation goals. Today I can live without an oxygen tank and walk well enough to return to work."
– Juan, Respiratory Care Patient
Melissa Testimonial
“We are a family without medical insurance. I was so blessed to stumble upon the HUG Clinic. The HUG Clinic is an amazing resource that allowed us to put our minds at ease. We welcomed our baby in August, weighing in at 9 lbs. Thank you again for providing such a valuable resource to anyone in need!"
– Melissa, Ultrasound Patient
John Testimonial
“Since starting therapy at HUG my independence has improved greatly. I can now walk short distances using my orthotic brace and a cane and accomplish my morning routine-including dressing myself. For me, HUG has always stood Hope Unleashed at Gateway.”
– John, Physical Therapy Patient
