Mental health services are expanding in North Alabama’s Tennessee Valley, with local organizations working to meet the increasing demand for care. The Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama (MHCNCA) is among the key providers, addressing the growing need for mental health resources as the region’s population continues to rise.
Lisa Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of the MHCNCA, emphasized that the demand for services is particularly evident in rapidly growing areas such as Limestone County and Athens. “The number of patients we serve grows, and in Limestone County, Athens city, we are growing exponentially by the day,” Coleman said.
Increased Demand During the Holiday Season
As the holiday season progresses, the MHCNCA typically experiences a surge in patient visits. Coleman notes that the colder weather and increased isolation during the holidays often contribute to a rise in mental health concerns. “It gets colder, people start isolating more. They’re not getting out and going out with their friends and family members doing things,” she explained. “They’re staying at home under their covers and sinking into those depressive modes. So we see a lot of that during the holidays.”
The center’s services are extensive, with over 150 employees serving residents in Lawrence, Limestone, and Morgan counties. The MHCNCA offers a broad range of services, including outpatient care, outreach programs, crisis services, residential care, and case management. Coleman emphasized the organization’s goal of providing comprehensive care and keeping patients in their communities rather than sending them to state institutions. “We are truly the wraparound service for our patients. Our mission is to keep them out of any state institution and keep them in their community and functioning,” she said.
New Youth Counseling Facility and Crisis Unit Under Construction
In response to the growing need for mental health services, the MHCNCA is set to open a new youth counseling facility in Athens. The facility, which is scheduled for a ribbon-cutting ceremony next week, is a 2,500-square-foot building that will serve approximately 80 young patients at a time. Coleman explained that the new facility is designed specifically for youth in Limestone County, helping to separate adult and child services. “We built this building to serve only youth in Limestone County so the adults can be served in one building, and the children can be served at another,” she said.
Additionally, the center is preparing to break ground on a new crisis residential unit, which will provide critical care for individuals in urgent need of mental health support. The new facility is expected to help alleviate pressure on existing mental health facilities, enabling patients to receive timely care and treatment.
Addressing Community Needs
As the region’s population grows, the MHCNCA continues to focus on expanding its services to meet the increasing demand for mental health care. The new youth counseling facility and crisis residential unit are just the latest steps in the organization’s efforts to provide vital support for individuals facing mental health challenges in North Alabama.
With more resources on the horizon, the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama is dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the care and support they need, when they need it, in their own communities.
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