Dead end? Mental Health help available

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Friday, 07 April 2023 08:06

Here is updated information regarding mental health care in Alabama.Resources
The Alabama Department of Mental Health certifies hundreds of providers across the state, that may receive state and federal funding to serve individuals with mental illness substance use disorders and developmental/intellectual disabilities. For a list of certified providers, visit https://mh.alabama.gov/providers-search.

Immediate Care Options
When someone is in an immediate behavioral health crisis, they should call 988. 988 is the national three-digit phone number for all mental health, substance use and suicide crises and is a direct connect to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health of substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. 988 offers a direct connection with trained crisis specialists who are master’s level clinicians.
People may also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 calls are routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline centers in each state.

Crisis Centers
Individuals may also visit one of their four Crisis Centers open in the state. For locations, visit https://mh.alabama.gov/crisis-centers/. Two more locations open this year with the temporary facility of the Tuscaloosa location in May (larger location in 2024) and the Dothan location late this summer.

Community Mental Health Centers
If not in immediate crisis, individuals may contact their regional Community Mental Health Center and make an appointment for an intake/assessment, an appointment for therapy, participate in group therapy, employment support and more.

Warm Lines
Individuals not in a crisis yet who need mental health or substance use assistance should call a Warmline. Certified Peer Specialists, trained staff with lived experiences, answer the lines 24/7, 365 days a year. Warmlines bridge the gap before someone may have an appointment or between appointments. Peer specialists are an important part of the recovery process from the very beginning.
There are other resources for family and friends to gain information and support, such as the NAMI Family to Family group: https://namialabama.org/support-an-education/mental-health-education/family-to-family-class/; AL Lifespan Respite Resource Network https://alabamarespite.org.

In addition to the Community Mental Health Centers and other state supports, the ADMH is a resource. They are staffed with experts who have worked in every facet of mental health care for decades and are able to give information and direct resources and contacts to individuals in need of differing levels of care, no matter their ability to pay.

All Community Mental Health Centers have a sliding scale for payment and offer treatment regardless of ability to pay. Crisis Centers accept all individuals regardless of their ability to pay. And as always, there is no fee to dial 988.

by: Malissa Valdez
Public Information Officer | Alabama Department of Mental Health