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Crisis Center staff member wearing a headset, speaking while working at a computer — Crisis Center Birmingham’s trained counselors provide support, compassion and a safe place to talk. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Asking for support can be one of the hardest parts of helping yourself or a loved one. But it’s important to know you’re not alone and support is available year-round across Birmingham.

That’s where United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) comes in. By funding 78 local health and human service agencies and programs, they help connect people across Birmingham and Central Alabama with resources they can turn to.

Here are three Birmingham-area mental health resources to know, whether you’re looking for help yourself or for someone you know.

In crisis right now? Call or text 988 or call the Crisis Center at 205-323-7777.

Mental health resources in Birmingham

1. The Amelia Center helps children + families navigate grief

Art supplies and children's grief-counseling crafts, including painted masks and memory stepping stones, at the Amelia Center — The Amelia Center gives kids a way to work through their emotions through art and play. (Children’s of Alabama)

Grief is hard no matter what age you are, and for kids, finding the words to explain what they’re feeling can be tough.

The Amelia Center, a service of Children’s of Alabama, offers counseling for kids age 5 and up and teens who’ve lost a loved one. It also supports parents grieving the loss of a child, from pregnancy loss through adulthood.

Through counseling, art, play and support groups, families have a safe place to work through difficult emotions, express what they’re feeling and know they don’t have to go through it alone.

“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.”
Robert Smith, Executive Director, The Amelia Center

Find support: 1513 4th Ave. S., Birmingham | 205-638-7481 | Website

2. Crisis Center Birmingham offers 24/7 support

Elizabeth Theriot stands beside a Crisis Center, Inc. banner listing its support lines, including the Crisis & Suicide Line, Youth and Senior Talk Lines, and Sexual Assault Support Services

Elizabeth Theriot with Crisis Center Birmingham holds pamphlets for the Youth, Senior and 988 Talk Lines

Elizabeth Theriot helps raise awareness about the Crisis Center’s mission in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Sometimes, you just need someone to listen.

Crisis Center Birmingham offers around-the-clock support, plus services for young people, seniors, sexual assault survivors and people seeking recovery resources.

If you or someone you know needs to talk, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Whether someone is 13, 43 or 83, we are here for them. 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.”
Elizabeth Theriot, Development + Communications Specialist, Crisis Center

Find support: 3620 8th Ave S, Ste 110, Birmingham | Website

Free 24/7 hotlines:
- Crisis & Suicide Line: 205-323-7777
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Rape Response Hotline: 205-323-7273

Other ways to get support:
- Youth Talk Line: 205-328-5465
- Senior Talk Line: 205-328-8255
- Recovery Resource Center: 205-458-3377

3. Impact Family Counseling supports Birmingham-area families

A counselor with notepad talks with a client during a session at Impact Family Counseling

Two women talk in a cozy counseling room at Impact Family Counseling, one taking notes

_{Having someone listen can be the first step in helping families navigate life’s challenges. (Impact Family Counseling)}

There’s no denying that family life can get complicated. But it’s important to know that just because you need help doesn’t mean you have failed; it means you are taking control and helping your family be their best.

Impact Family Counseling supports children, parents and individuals through a number of counseling and family-oriented programs focused on healthier relationships and stronger families.

Services include:

Anger control training
Parenting support
Family reunification
Individual counseling
Counseling + behavior support for students

“You don’t have to wait until you’re in a crisis to reach out. 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.”
Cheri Hunter, MEd, COO, Impact Family Counseling

Find support: 701 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills | 205-916-0123 | Website