Mental Health
United Way of Central Alabama believes everyone should live their fullest life.
But, nationally, one in four people is affected by a mental illness. Averaged across our six counties, 18.7% of adults report experiencing poor mental health for two weeks out of every month.
Mental health is one of the top concerns affecting families. Our programs include counseling, mental health screenings, referrals to additional resources and more
Our Mental Health Impact
individuals received mental health services such as crisis counseling and intervention in 2025
Call 211. Help Starts Here.
Free, confidential help in 180+ languages.More than 33,000 people received mental health services in 2025 through United Way of Central Alabama’s network of partner agencies—each one representing someone who reached out and found support.
If you or someone you love needs help, support is available year-round in Central Alabama.
By dialing 211, you can connect free, confidential, toll-free with trained specialists who help link callers to local resources, including mental health counseling, crisis support, grief services, substance use resources, housing assistance and more.
211 is available:
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Call 211 or visit 211connectsalabama.org
- Interpreters available for multiple languages
You don’t need to know which agency to call. 211 helps navigate the system and connects you to the right support.
Mental Health Solutions
Case Management
Tailored support connecting clients to essential resources, offering guidance and emotional backing.
Counseling
Specialized mental health counseling for individuals and families, addressing grief, assault, violence and crises.
Crisis Counseling
Immediate and ongoing counseling for mental health emergencies, aiding chronic suicidal thoughts and abuse survivors.
Financial Peace of Mind
Emotional and financial support during personal crises, including aid for housing expenses and crisis prevention education.
Mental Health Advocacy
Enhancing mental health awareness through educational outreach and community engagement.
Mental Health Assessment
Expert evaluations for diagnosing and strategizing treatments for mental health disorders.
Mental Health Services
Diverse services fostering mental wellness, such as counseling, support lines and activities for social and physical well-being.
Support Groups
Community-based groups providing emotional solidarity for individuals facing challenging life circumstances.
Trauma-Informed Care
Empathetic mental health services cognizant of client trauma, aiming to prevent further psychological harm.
More News About Mental Health
Community Project Grant Funds Fitz’s Garden — and Belief in Tomorrow — at Owens House
United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) awards $25,000 in annual funds to support short-term projects or one-time expenses that create
Building Skills for Independence at Central Alabama Wellness
For one Central Alabama Wellness client, greater independence now means having an apartment of his own and working toward his next goal: finding job opportunities through Central Alabama Wellness’ Individual Placement and Support Program.
Fellowship House Aids Recovery for Walker County Residents Struggling with Addiction
Fellowship House Recovery Services is more than just a resource. A United Way of Central Alabama partner agency, Fellowship House provides
Mental Health Partners & Programs
Alabama Kidney Foundation
Financial assistance, education, recreational and support programs for Alabama’s kidney patients, as well as promotion of organ donation.
Aletheia House
Provides drug abuse prevention programs, treatment and affordable housing.
The Amelia Center
A support service of Children’s Hospital, providing comprehensive grief services to children and their families.
American Cancer Society
Dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, patient services and advocacy.
Blount County Children’s Center
Provides a home-like environment for child abuse investigative interviews and therapy, as well as prevention programs, parenting classes and more.
Bold Goals Coalition for Student Mental Health
Addressing student mental health disparities in Central Alabama.
Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center
A support service of Children’s Hospital, providing comprehensive grief services to children and their families.
Catholic Family Services
Provides family, marriage and individual counseling, foster care for children, counseling for crisis pregnancies and adoption services.
Central Alabama Wellness
Provides an array of services for individuals dealing with mental illness and/or substance use disorders in Chilton and Shelby counties.
Children’s of Alabama
Provides the finest pediatric health services to Alabama’s youth in an environment that fosters excellence in research and education.
Concerned Citizens for Our Youth (Beacon House)
Residential treatment facility providing academic and clinical services for at-risk adolescents and their families in Shelby County.
Crisis Center
Provides confidential telephone counseling, suicide intervention, services for victims of sexual assault and advocacy training for the mentally ill.
Daybreak – Family Resource Center of NW Alabama
Provides emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and a 24-hour crisis line for victims of domestic violence in Walker County.
Family Sunshine Center
Services for victims of family violence, stalking and dating violence, sexual assault and sex and labor trafficking.
Fellowship House
Provides men’s and women’s residential recovery programs for substance use and for clients with dual disorders (psychiatric and addictional).
Gateway
Provides residential treatment program for adolescents, therapeutic foster care, family counseling, domestic violence intervention and more.
Impact Family Counseling
Professional counseling services for at-risk youth and troubled families, including intervention programs with courts, DHR and school systems.
Lakeside Hospice
Provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and families while they remain in the comfort of their homes.
Oasis Counseling for Women and Children
Provides affordable mental health counseling to women, families and couples, as well as play therapy and group therapy in a respectful environment.
Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center – Owens House
A multi-discipline approach to child abuse investigations, providing services and programs to children and their families.
St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center – The Children’s Place
Providing therapeutic and legal services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse and offering prevention programs.
YWCA of Central Alabama
offers childcare for homeless children, housing and childcare for low-income families, tutoring and comprehensive domestic violence services.