In a mental health crisis? Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: free and confidential, 24/7. P.O. Box 6576 · Montgomery, AL · (334) 245-3873
Alabama Council for Behavioral Healthcare
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Understanding Behavioral Healthcare in Alabama

Behavioral health covers three main areas: mental illness, substance use disorder, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This page breaks down what that care looks like, who provides it, and the terms you'll hear along the way.

Mental illness Substance use Developmental disabilities (IDD) All service areas

Glossary

All service areas
Community Mental Health Center (CMHC)

A local provider offering outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and crisis services, funded to serve anyone regardless of ability to pay.

Substance use
SUD (Substance Use Disorder)

The clinical term for addiction. Treatment ranges from outpatient counseling to residential and medication-assisted programs.

Developmental disabilities
IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)

Lifelong conditions, such as autism or intellectual disability, that affect learning, communication, or daily living, supported through specialized care and community programs.

Mental illness & crisis
Crisis Services

Same-day or 24/7 response for someone in acute distress, including mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization units, as an alternative to the ER.

All service areas
Case Management

Ongoing coordination of a person's care, benefits, and services across providers.

All service areas
Peer Support

Support provided by someone with lived experience of mental illness or recovery, working alongside clinical staff.

Frequently asked questions

Tap a question to expand it.

How is community mental health different from a hospital?

Hospitals treat acute emergencies short-term. Community providers deliver ongoing, local care, including therapy, medication management, case management, and support, so people can stay in their communities and daily lives.

Who pays for this care?

Alabama's community providers serve people regardless of insurance status, funded through a mix of Medicaid, state funds, and sliding-scale fees.

How do I find the right provider for my situation?

Use the Find a Provider tool to search by county and service type: mental illness, substance use, or developmental disability support.

What should I do if someone is in crisis right now?

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 and free.

Ready to find care near you?

Search Alabama's 21 member providers by county and service type.

Meet Our Providers
ACBH
Holly Caraway McCorkle, Executive Director
P.O. Box 6576
Montgomery, AL 36106-6576
holly.mccorkle@alabamacouncil.org
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FY 2024–2025 officers
President: Mr. Harry Findley
Vice President: Mr. Jimmie Dickey
Secretary: Dr. John Dantzler
Treasurer: Ms. Melissa Kirkland
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