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.
Mental Health News Spotlight:
United Way Is Changing — and Helping Save — Lives through Mental Health Support in Central Alabama
Anna Smith’s journey through mental health challenges and recovery highlights the critical support provided by United Way of Central Alabama and it…
211 Day: A Reminder that Help Is Just a Phone Call Away
Need help? Just dial 211. United Way’s 24/7 helpline connects people to vital resources—like food, housing, and mental health support—anytime they…
Coping in Times of Tragedy: Trauma Support and Mental Health Resources in Central AL
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional or mental distress for any reason, help is available. We encourage you to reach out for suppor…
Our Mental Health Impact
35,957
individuals received mental health services such as crisis counseling and intervention in 2024.
26,706
Mental Health Services were provided in 2024.
8,816
Mental Health Screenings were provided in 2024.
90
Psychosocial Support Services were provided in 2024.
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.
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
Offers a safe, child-friendly environment to children victimized by abuse or neglect.
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, affordable housing for low-income families, tutoring and comprehensive domestic violence services.
More News About Mental Health
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Caring for the Caregiver and Showing Appreciation for a Very Challenging Job
Family members are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the United States. In recognition of their hard work and the important role they
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Important Information for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year, we’re sharing tips from United Way of Central Alabama partners about how to recognize and respond to domestic violence, a serious problem across our six-county footprint.
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Coping in Times of Tragedy: Trauma Support and Mental Health Resources in Central AL
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional or mental distress for any reason, help is available. We encourage you to reach out for support, as you are not alone in this. United Way partners with local organizations that specialize in trauma and grief counseling, offering professional care and guidance to those in need.
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IMPACT Family Counseling Lives Up to Its Name Every Day
IMPACT was the village I needed,” Sasha said. With support, she rebuilt her life—now helping others do the same. Read her story to learn more.
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Women United Gets Up Close and Personal with the Crisis Center
Recently, members of United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Women United donor society had the opportunity to tour the Crisis Center, a UWCA partner agency. Established in 1971 and affiliated