Q. Who is the head of the Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation?

A. A mental health commissioner is appointed by the governor.

Q. How is the department organized?

A. (Click through to about us page)

Q. What services are available in my area?

A. Call 1-800-367-0955 or go to the Find Services link located on this website.

Q. If I or someone I know is having a mental health crisis, how do I get help?

A. Call the department’s 24-hour advocacy referral line at
1-800-367-0955.

Q. How do I become a community provider or open a group home?

A. Click through to the Becoming a Community Provider link.

Q. What services do you offer for children?

A. The Department has an Office of Children’s Services that is responsible for the development of new initiatives for a more comprehensive system of care for children and adolescents with mental illness, serious emotional disorders, and substance abuse problems. Specific Information for clinical services can be found in links to the Mental Illness Division, the Mental Retardation Division, and/or the Substance Abuse Services Division. For more information, please contact Children’s Services at 205-353-7110.

Q. What is the cost of receiving mental health services at the Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation?

A. The Alabama DMH/MR makes needed services available to any citizen of the state without regard to their ability to pay. However, some consumers have private insurance, or they are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. For individuals who do not have insurance, the community mental health centers have policies in place which can result in reduced charges for eligible consumers.