Alabama Family Resource & Navigation Directory

Local Service Names & Legal Framework

• Local Provider Network: ADMH-certified regional providers including 4 regional 988 call centers and 6 Crisis Centers statewide.
• Court-Ordered Outpatient Treatment (AOT): Governed by Ala. Code §22-52-1.1 et seq. (Title 22, Chapter 52, §§22-52-10.2/10.3), administered through the county Judge of Probate.
• Mobile Crisis Dispatch: Accessible via your regional 988 call center or 1-800-367-0955. Most local provider offices coordinate mobile crisis dispatch.
• Housing & Benefits Entry Points: Contact your ADMH-certified regional provider to request case management screening, housing navigation, and benefits support.
• Children's Health Coverage: ALL Kids transitions to adult Medicaid at age 19. Start the transition process at least 6 months early.

Alabama law requires courts to consider less restrictive alternatives before appointing a guardian. Below are the decision-making tools available under state law, ordered from least to most restrictive:

1. HIPAA Release of Information (ROI): Least restrictive. A signed form permitting providers to share medical details with named family members.
2. Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD): Documents treatment preferences (preferred facilities, medications) for future crises. Must be executed while the individual has capacity.
3. Healthcare Power of Attorney: Names a trusted healthcare proxy (Ala. Code §22-8A-1 et seq., Advance Directive for Health Care). Requires two witnesses.
4. Durable Power of Attorney (Financial): Authorizes financial management and benefits administration (Ala. Code Title 26, Chapter 1A). Must be notarized.
5. Representative Payee: An SSA arrangement allowing a designated individual to manage SSI/SSDI benefits. No court involvement required (apply at ssa.gov).
6. Guardian Advocacy (Alabama-Specific Option): Under Ala. Code Title 26, Chapter 2A, a Probate Court can appoint a Guardian Advocate for specific decision-making areas without making a full legal finding of total incapacity.
7. Full Guardianship of the Person: Court-appointed authority over personal and medical choices (Ala. Code Title 26, Chapter 2A). Used as a last resort when total incapacity exists.
8. Conservatorship (Guardianship of Property): Court-appointed control over real property and financial affairs under Ala. Code Title 26, Chapter 2A.
9. Emergency (Temporary) Guardianship: Expedited Probate Court appointment when immediate danger exists and there is no time for a full hearing.

Primary Entry Points (ADMH Regional Providers)

Alabama funds 22 ADMH-certified regional providers serving all counties. Phone numbers below connect to main published regional lines:

State Psychiatric Hospitals