Comprehensive Crisis Resources for Mental Health in Alabama

Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Crisis Centers

ADMH has established Crisis Centers across the state to improve access to behavioral healthcare services for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

Find the nearest Crisis Center at mh.alabama.gov/crisis-centers/

NAMI Alabama

The Alabama chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness provides free mental health support, online groups, resources, and education to residents statewide.

Jefferson County Mental Health Authority

Provides crisis intervention and assessment services.

Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

The primary state agency responsible for serving Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Alabama

A nonprofit organization offering advocacy, education, support, and public awareness for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Alabama Department of Mental Health Hotlines

• Advocacy Office: 1-800-367-0955
• Autism Office: 1-800-499-1816
• Developmental Disabilities Call Center: 1-800-361-4491
• Mental Illness Support: 1-800-367-0955
• Peer Support Line: 1-800-832-0952
• Substance Use Disorder Helpline: 1-844-307-1760

Visit mh.alabama.gov for more information.

Alabama 211

Information about local services, including mental health resources and crisis support.

Behavioral Healthcare Alliance of Alabama (BHAA)

A provider alliance dedicated to organizational and service excellence, offering behavioral health, addiction recovery, and developmental support services. Serving approximately 27,000 Alabamians annually across 21 predominantly rural counties.

Carastar Crisis Center

Provides crisis intervention services.

AltaPointe Behavioral Health Crisis Center

Offers behavioral health crisis intervention and stabilization.

Hope Pointe Crisis Center

Provides crisis services for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.

Craig Crisis Care Center

Offers crisis care and stabilization services.

WellStone Emergency Services

Provides emergency mental health services and crisis intervention.

SpectraCare Crisis Center

Will offer crisis intervention and stabilization services (opening February 17, 2025).

The Trevor Project

Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.

GLBT National Hotline

Support for individuals with questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

Birmingham LGBTQ+ Alliance

Offers support and resources specifically for the LGBTQ+ community.

Veterans Crisis Line

Confidential support for veterans and their families.

Madison County Veterans Service Office

Provides support and resources for veterans dealing with mental health issues.

SAMHSA's National Helpline

Treatment referral and information service for individuals facing mental health or substance use disorders.

Birmingham Recovery Center

Provides support and resources for those struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Council on Substance Abuse (COSA)

Offers prevention, intervention, and treatment services for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.

AIDS Crisis Line

For information and support related to HIV/AIDS.

The Amelia Center

Grief support services for children, teenagers, and adults.

Be Brave for Isla

This non-profit organization provides grants to cover therapy costs for individuals who have lost a child.

UAB Employee Assistance Program

Offers confidential counseling and resources for UAB employees and their families.

Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

Provides short-term crisis intervention and stabilization services.

Family Court of Jefferson County

Provides resources and support for families dealing with domestic violence and related issues.

Mental Health Center of Madison County

Provides a range of mental health services and support.

Crisis Services of North Alabama

Offers 24/7 crisis intervention and support.

Mobile Mental Health Center

Offers a variety of mental health services and support programs.

Lifelines Counseling Services

Provides counseling and support for individuals, families, and children.

Mobile County District Attorney's Office - Victim Services

Offers support and resources for victims of crime, including domestic violence and sexual assault.

Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority

Provides comprehensive mental health services and support.

Family Sunshine Center

Provides support and resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Indian Rivers Behavioral Health

Offers a range of mental health services and support programs.

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office - Behavioral Health Unit

Provides crisis intervention and support for individuals with mental health issues.

Turning Point

Offers support and resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Bryce Hospital

Located in Tuscaloosa, this is Alabama's oldest and largest inpatient psychiatric facility, housing 268 beds for acute care, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center

Also in Tuscaloosa, this facility provides 126 beds for inpatient geriatric psychiatric care.

Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility

Located in Tuscaloosa, this 115-bed facility offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment for criminally committed individuals.

Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services

A 154-bed inpatient psychiatric facility in Birmingham.

Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center

A 123-bed inpatient psychiatric facility in Dothan.

Unity Psychiatric Care Huntsville

A 20-bed inpatient geriatric psychiatric facility in Huntsville.

Children's of Alabama Inpatient Behavioral Health Services

In early 2025, Children's of Alabama expanded its services with an 11-bed unit focusing on evidence-based dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for patients aged 12 to 18.

North Alabama Shoals Hospital Behavioral Health

Approved in December 2024, this project includes a new 16-bed adolescent psychiatry unit and an additional eight adult psychiatric beds, aiming to enhance services for patients in the Shoals and surrounding communities.

Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment (IP)

Definition: Inpatient care provides 24/7 intensive supervision in a hospital or residential setting. It's for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, severe depression, psychosis, or other serious mental health conditions requiring immediate stabilization.

Length of Stay: Typically a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity.

Best For: Individuals needing immediate stabilization, those at risk of harming themselves or others.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Definition: PHP offers structured, intensive treatment during the day while allowing patients to return home at night. It serves as a step-down from inpatient care or as a direct alternative for those needing high-level support.

Length of Stay: Typically 4-6 weeks, depending on progress.

Best For: Individuals needing intensive therapy but not 24/7 care.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Definition: IOP is a less intensive form of structured therapy that allows patients to attend treatment several days per week while maintaining work, school, or family responsibilities.

Length of Stay: 6-12 weeks, depending on individual needs.

Best For: Those transitioning from PHP or inpatient treatment, or individuals needing structured support without full hospitalization.

Residential Treatment Centers (RTC)

Definition: Residential programs provide 24/7 care in a non-hospital setting, focusing on long-term treatment for mental health or substance use disorders.

Length of Stay: 30 days to a year, depending on severity.

Best For: Individuals needing extended, structured treatment in a stable environment.

Outpatient Therapy (OP)

Definition: Regular therapy sessions (typically once or twice a week) with a mental health professional, allowing patients to maintain their normal daily activities.

Length of Stay: Varies widely based on individual needs, from a few months to ongoing support.

Best For: Individuals with mild to moderate symptoms who can function in their daily lives or those continuing care after more intensive treatment.

Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) – Children's Services

Provides mental health support for children and adolescents, including crisis care and outpatient services.

Services include:

• Early intervention for behavioral health
• School-based mental health services
• Family support and counseling

Sequel Youth and Family Services

A private, for-profit operator of behavioral healthcare facilities for children and youth, with locations in Courtland, Montgomery, and Tuskegee. Offers residential treatment programs for at-risk youth, including behavioral health, autism treatment, and specialized education.

Alabama Family Central

A statewide family support network connecting parents and caregivers to child development and mental health services.

United Way of Central Alabama – 211 Helpline

A 24/7 helpline connecting families to mental health resources, counseling, and youth crisis intervention.

Children's of Alabama Inpatient Behavioral Health

In early 2025, Children's of Alabama expanded its services with an 11-bed unit focusing on evidence-based dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for patients aged 12 to 18.

Child Abuse Reporting Hotline

Alabama Department of Human Resources hotline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.

Crisis Center Birmingham - UTalk Youth Line

A dedicated helpline for teens facing crisis situations.

Grandparents as Parents

A pilot program in Alabama supporting grandparents who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren, addressing unique challenges faced by these families.

School-Based Mental Health Resources

Efforts are underway to enhance mental health resources in Alabama schools, including programs that place therapists in educational settings to address the growing demand for student mental health services.

Alabama Medicaid – Mental Health Coverage

Provides Medicaid recipients with access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

NAMI Alabama – Financial Assistance Guide

Offers guidance on how to access free or low-cost mental health services in Alabama.

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Provides grants and funding for those who need substance abuse and mental health treatment but cannot afford it.

Community Mental Health Centers (Sliding Scale Therapy)

Various clinics in Alabama offer therapy on a sliding scale, meaning fees are adjusted based on income.

Be Brave for Isla

This non-profit organization provides grants to cover therapy costs for individuals who have lost a child.

Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham

Offers several grant opportunities for non-profits in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair counties. Some of these grants focus specifically on health and wellness initiatives, including mental health support programs.

United Way of Central Alabama

Through a competitive grant process, United Way invests in community-based projects that aim to improve health, education, and financial stability. Non-profits offering mental health support services may qualify for funding.

Alabama Power Foundation

This foundation provides grants for projects that address underserved populations, including those offering mental health resources.

Alabama Department of Mental Health – Telehealth Services

Provides virtual therapy sessions to increase access to mental health care across Alabama.

Taproot Therapy Collective

Several clinicians offer remote therapy sessions for those dealing with anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. LGBTQIA+ and poly affirming therapy available.

Online Therapy Platforms

Licensed Alabama therapists available via secure video chat, phone, and text.

UAB Telepsychiatry Services

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Psychiatry offers virtual mental health services for patients across Alabama.

7 Cups

Online peer support forums available to all, including Alabama residents.

Taproot Therapy Collective

Offers somatic and experiential therapy across Alabama, specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and personal transformation through mind-body techniques.

Services include:

• Somatic Therapy: Works with the body's physiological responses to trauma
• Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT): A light therapy-based method for emotional processing
• Depth Psychology & Jungian Analysis: Exploring unconscious patterns through therapy

The Trauma & Somatic Healing Center – Huntsville, AL

Specializes in body-based trauma therapy using EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and expressive arts therapy.

Integrative Wellness Center – Birmingham, AL

Offers mindfulness-based, experiential, and movement therapies to treat anxiety and PTSD.

AI Chatbots in Schools for Mental Health Support

Alabama is piloting AI-powered mental health chatbots in schools to support student wellbeing.

Example: Sonar Mental Health's chatbot, Sonny provides guided mental health check-ins for students.

Expansion of Mental Health Courts

More counties in Alabama are developing Mental Health Courts to divert individuals with mental health issues away from jail and into treatment programs.

Alabama Crisis System of Care

This initiative involves establishing Crisis Centers across the state, each tailored to meet the unique needs of their communities. The goal is to improve access to behavioral healthcare services for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

As of now, five centers are operational, with an additional center underway.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Launched as a national hotline, dialing or texting 988 connects individuals to free and confidential support for mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. Available 24/7, this service provides a direct connection to compassionate care and support.

Behavioral Health Service Expansion in Northwest Alabama

North Alabama Shoals Hospital has announced plans to expand its behavioral health services by introducing specialized psychiatric care units for adolescents and increasing access to adult psychiatric services in the region.

SpectraCare's Crisis Center

Opened in February 2025, this center provides immediate support for individuals experiencing mental health crises, aiming to reduce emergency room visits and incarcerations related to mental health issues.

School-Based Mental Health Resources

Efforts are underway to enhance mental health resources in Alabama schools, including programs that place therapists in educational settings to address the growing demand for student mental health services.

Community Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG)

A federal grant funding community-based mental health programs in Alabama.

SAMHSA Treatment Expansion Grants

Federal funding for substance abuse and mental health treatment programs.

Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Grants

ADMH offers various grants to support mental health services, including the Mental Health Block Grant, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Grant, and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.

Daniel Foundation of Alabama Grants

This foundation provides funding for programs focusing on underserved communities, rural areas, and economically disadvantaged populations. Priority areas include health, community needs, education and youth, and arts and culture.

INSPIRE Rural Health Grants

The Alabama Department of Public Health offers INSPIRE grants to improve healthcare access in rural communities. These grants aim to support innovative programs and initiatives that address the unique health needs of rural populations, including mental health services.

Letters of Intent are due by February 14, 2025, with final applications due by March 10, 2025.

Be Brave for Isla

This non-profit organization provides grants to cover therapy costs for individuals who have lost a child. By offering financial assistance for grief counseling, Be Brave for Isla aims to support families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham

This foundation offers several grant opportunities for non-profits in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair counties. Some of these grants focus specifically on health and wellness initiatives, including mental health support programs.

United Way of Central Alabama

Through a competitive grant process, United Way invests in community-based projects that aim to improve health, education, and financial stability. Non-profits offering mental health support services, such as grief counseling or peer support programs, may qualify for funding.

Alabama Power Foundation

This foundation provides grants for projects that address underserved populations, including those offering mental health resources. Non-profits focusing on grief counseling, trauma support, or other mental health initiatives may find support through their programs.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Provides 24/7 free support for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Crisis Text Line

Text-based mental health support available 24/7.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Support for individuals experiencing domestic abuse.

Alabama Crisis Centers

• Birmingham Crisis Center: (205) 323-7777
• Mobile Rape Crisis Center: (251) 473-7273
• Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority: (334) 279-7830