Whether someone is coping with the loss of a loved one, navigating challenges at home or looking for someone to talk to, access to mental health support can make a meaningful difference.
United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) supports a network of local health and human service agencies and programs that help connect people with the resources they need.
Among those partner agencies are The Amelia Center, Crisis Center and Impact Family Counseling, which provide different types of mental health support and community resources to individuals and families throughout Central Alabama.
The Amelia Center Helps Families Navigate Grief
Losing a loved one can be difficult at any age. For children and teenagers, understanding and expressing the emotions that accompany grief can be especially challenging.
The Amelia Center, a service of Children’s of Alabama, provides grief counseling and support for children aged 5 and older and teenagers who have experienced the death of a loved one. The center also supports parents grieving the loss of a child, from pregnancy loss through adulthood.
Through counseling, art, play and support groups, The Amelia Center helps children and families express their emotions and navigate the grieving process.
“Grief is unique to every person and circumstance. We meet families where they are in their grief journey and guide them toward healing, hope, joy and purpose,” said Robert Smith, Executive Director of The Amelia Center.
How to Get Help
Location: 1513 Fourth Ave. S., Birmingham
Phone: 205-638-7481
Crisis Center Provides Support 24 Hours a Day
Sometimes, having someone to listen can make a difference during a difficult moment.
Crisis Center provides free, confidential support to people experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges or other difficult circumstances.
Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to listen, offer guidance and connect callers with additional resources when needed.
In addition to crisis and suicide prevention services, the organization offers specialized support for young people, older adults, survivors of sexual assault and individuals seeking recovery resources.
“Whether someone is 13, 43 or 83, we are here for them,” said Elizabeth Theriot, Development and Communications Specialist at Crisis Center. “If someone isn’t calling for a personal issue but wants to discuss ways to support a loved one, broach a difficult conversation about recovery, locate support services for aging parents…whatever it is, we’re here to talk.”
How to Get Help
Crisis Center offers several free, 24-hour support lines.
- Crisis and Suicide Line: 205-323-7777
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Rape Response Hotline: 205-323-7273
Additional resources include the following services.
- Youth Talk Line: 205-328-5465
- Senior Talk Line: 205-328-8255
- Recovery Resource Center: 205-458-3377
Impact Family Counseling Helps Strengthen Family Relationships
Parenting challenges, changes in family relationships and other life circumstances can create stress for individuals and families.
Impact Family Counseling provides counseling, education and family support services to help children, parents and individuals navigate these challenges and develop healthier relationships.
The organization’s services include individual counseling, parenting support, family reunification, anger control training and behavioral support for students.
These programs help individuals and families address challenges, strengthen communication and develop skills that support their long-term well-being.
“You don’t have to wait until you’re in a crisis to reach out,” said Cheri Hunter, MEd, Chief Operating Officer of Impact Family Counseling. “Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It actually takes great strength to recognize that something could be better and be willing to do something about it.”
How to Get Help
Visit Impact Family Counseling’s website to learn more about available programs and services.
Connecting Central Alabama With Mental Health Resources
Mental health challenges can affect people of all ages, and the type of support they need may change throughout their lives.
Through partnerships with organizations such as The Amelia Center, Crisis Center and Impact Family Counseling, UWCA helps connect individuals and families with community resources that address a range of emotional, behavioral and mental health needs.
These partnerships reflect United Way’s ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of people throughout Central Alabama.
Whether someone needs immediate crisis support, help processing grief or guidance through family challenges, local organizations offer resources to help them navigate difficult circumstances.
Find Additional Support
United Way’s 211 Call Center helps connect individuals and families with local health and human services, including mental health and community resources.
Dial 211 or learn more about United Way’s 211 services.
This blog originally appeared in Bham Now’s “3 Birmingham mental health lifelines for grief, crisis + family.”