Alabama Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Alabama
In 2024, Forbes Advisor ranked Alabama as the third-most inaccessible state in the country for seeking mental health care. One of the reasons behind the ranking is the fact that more than half of all residents living with mental illness choose to forego treatment due to cost.
One population that is especially at-risk are the state’s incarcerated individuals. The Alabama Department of Corrections reports that more than 4,600 of their inmates have been diagnosed with a mental impairment. That’s averages out to almost one in every four inmates.
Alabama’s Stepping Up program is designed to improve access to critical mental health services throughout the state’s jail network. Through key partnerships with law enforcement agencies and community providers, the program helps participating jails provide comprehensive case management services that link inmates to the care they need.
In addition, the Alabama Crisis System of Care is also helping to improve mental healthcare accessibility. This statewide initiative is increasing the number of call centers, Mobile Crisis Teams (MCTs), and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CBHCs) available across the state so residents always have someone to call and somewhere to go in their time of need.
Free Mental Health Resources in Alabama
NAMI Alabama is a coalition of parents, community members, and individuals committed to improving access to mental health resources throughout the state. If you're struggling with your mental health, you’ll find free resources here including peer support groups, educational resources, and crisis services to help you work through these challenges.
Wings Across Alabama is an organization that provides support group services both in person and online. These support groups are targeted toward individuals struggling with their mental health. There are also support groups for veterans and parents as well. Meetings are free and are led by peer support specialists.
Prism United is an organization that provides support services mostly to young adults, with supportive care specialized for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Along with providing you access to peer counseling, this organization is heavily involved in community outreach services which can help serve you as well.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Alabama's Transgender and Gender Diversity Organizations offer support services to members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. They host regular support group meetings where you can connect with other individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. You'll also get connected to different online resources that can help you.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
The Alabama Crisis System is a network of state funded crisis centers that will provide you with immediate care for a mental health struggle you're experiencing. Along with behavioral health care services, they also offer crisis intervention services. They work with individuals of all ages.
Alabama Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics act as a directory where you can find state sponsored clinics that can help you work through the mental health struggles you’re experiencing. You can get connected to treatment and specialized care for children, teens, adults, and seniors.
The Individual Placement and Support – Supported Employment Program is the state funded program that addresses mental health and substance use struggles individuals throughout the state face. The main efforts behind this program are to help you build the skills for gainful employment and an independent life. There are specialized programs for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Provide Services for
Disability
Depression
ADHD
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Autism
The VA Central Alabama State program offers comprehensive care to veterans experiencing struggles with their mental health or drug and alcohol addiction. They also work with homeless veterans, caregivers, and families. They provide trauma informed, sensitive care, including services to survivors of sexual trauma.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
LGBTQ+ Veteran Care is available through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. These services provide culturally competent and trauma-informed care to members of the LGBTQ community, caregivers, and their loved ones.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Veterans
Rural Crisis Care and Mobile Crisis Teams offer intervention and crisis support services nationwide. In partnership with the 988 hotline, individuals in 55 out of the 67 counties that are classified as “rural” parts of the state, can receive quality care to address mental health struggles they’re experiencing.
United Way of Central Alabama has a toll free number that you can call at 211 to receive guidance and get connected to community resources that will address mental health struggles you’re experiencing. They support adults, teens, veterans, and those who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Crisis Center Inc. is an organization that provides immediate support through their 24 hour hotline. Their services address mental health struggles. They work with individuals of all ages, including those struggling with suicidal ideation, survivors of sexual assault, and others. They have a dedicated line for teens, seniors, and crisis intervention.
The Connect Alabama app is a free app that residents can use to find mental health resources and behavioral health services like treatment for a substance use disorder. You'll find specialized programs including access to crisis lines, online resources, and treatment options in your community. There are specialty programs for veterans, first responders, seniors, and adults.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
First Responders
Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center specializes in providing specialized psychiatric care to children with behavioral health struggles. They conduct free confidential assessment over the phone. From there, you'll get referred to their inpatient or residential treatment program. On site schooling through the New Day Academy is available here.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Serving all populations throughout the state, Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services offers free, confidential behavioral health assessments every day of the week. If a diagnosis is determined and you need clinically necessary care, you'll be admitted and referred to one of the specialists. There are both adolescent and adult programs in their Birmingham psychiatric hospital.