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

A. John Houston

Q. How is the department organized?

A. Organization chart

Q. What services are available in my area?

A. Call 1 (800) 367-0955 or view the Community Providers chart

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. Check out our section on Becoming a Community Provider

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/or substance abuse problems. Specific information for clinical services can be found in the following divisions: Mental Illness, Mental Retardation, and/or Substance Abuse Services. 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 to help with the cost. 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.