Low Cost or Free Mental Health Resources in Alabama
My goal in starting this mental health initiative has always been to be able to connect patients with the therapy, medications, and resources that they need to live a better, more peaceful, and more fulfilling life. Sure, that includes seeing patients myself and directly providing that service. However, I am just one person, and I certainly can’t do this alone. Part of that goal also thus includes compiling a list of resources to create a guide that details organizations within the state of Alabama that can also assist patients with their search for wellness, whatever that may entail.
So without further ado, I provide you with our first guide to low cost or free mental health services that can be found in the state of Alabama (alongside the services that I offer, of course!):
Alabama Department of Mental Health - www.mh.alabama.gov
Provides a wide range of mental health services, including crisis services, outpatient services, medication management, and case management. They also offer education and advocacy services.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Alabama - www.namialabama.org
Offers free support groups for individuals and families affected by mental illness, educational programs on mental health topics, and advocacy efforts to improve mental health care in Alabama.
The Crisis Center - www.crisiscenterbham.org
Provides 24-hour crisis counseling and suicide prevention services through their hotline, text line, and online chat. They also offer referrals to local mental health resources.
Alabama 211 - www.211connectsalabama.org
Connects people with a variety of local resources, including mental health services, housing assistance, food assistance, and more. The service is free and confidential.
Mental Health America of North Central Alabama - www.mhanc.org
Offers counseling services, support groups, and educational programs on mental health topics. They also provide referrals to local mental health resources and offer a sliding fee scale.
Alabama Partnership for Children - www.smartstartalabama.org
Focuses on the mental health needs of children and families in Alabama. They offer a range of services, including counseling, referrals, and support groups. They also provide resources on child development and parenting.
The Samaritan Counseling Center - www.samaritancc.org
Provides affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. They offer a sliding fee scale based on income and have several locations throughout the state.
The University of Alabama Psychological Services Center - psych.ua.edu/clinic Provides low-cost psychological services to adults, children, and families. They offer individual and group therapy, as well as assessments and evaluations. They also provide specialized services, such as parenting training and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Psychology Today - www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alabama
An online directory that can help you find a therapist in Alabama who meets your needs and budget. You can search by location, insurance accepted, and type of therapy. Many therapists listed also offer sliding fee scales or accept insurance.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective - openpathcollective.org
Offers affordable therapy sessions with licensed therapists. They have a directory of therapists who charge $30-$60 per session based on financial need. They also offer online therapy sessions for added convenience.
Please make note that this list is not comprehensive. We will work to continue to update this list and to provide further resources as they are found and as they become available. Please click on the links above to get more information on each organization, and don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly or to us with any questions or comments.
As always, we hope this has helped! Happy searching and stay tuned for more lists aimed at different groups, directed at specific services, or in different cities of Alabama. If you have any requests, let us know too!
Take care and be well!