Services

The South Central Alabama Mental Health Center (SCAMHC) has Case Management services in each of our four counties. Case Management is a broad range program designed to identify the needs of seriously mentally ill persons living in the community and to assist those persons in meeting their needs. The program recognizes that mentally ill persons, like most people, have needs for food, shelter, health care, clothing, money, social support, transportation, education, and recreation. Furthermore, it recognizes that because of their illness, and because of the fragmentation of existing social services, individuals with mental illness have considerable difficulty in fulfilling many of these needs. Case Management is a primarily home-based program; therefore, Case Managers will be conducting home visits for individuals approved for services.

Services Offered:

• Formal needs assessment
• Development of a Case Plan to meet identified needs
• Crisis Intervention
• Transportation assistance
• Linkage to agency resources (within and outside of our agency)
• Advocating for and developing access to needed services
• Monitoring of consumer's access to supports needed

Who qualifies for Adult Case Management Services:

• Individual who meets the criteria for a serious mental illness
• Must have impaired role functioning
• Must be 18 years of age or older and not otherwise met the criteria for transitional age services
• Individuals must give some indication that there may be one or more marginally met life needs
• Individuals discharged from psychiatric hospitals
• Who does not qualify for Adult Case Management Services:
• Consumer's signs and symptoms are not expected to decrease with case management
• Level of functioning will not be positively impacted by case management
• Consumer is at maximum level of functioning
• No assessed/identified needs

Contact information: If you would like to learn more about our Adult Case Management Services, please talk with your therapist.

South Central Alabama Mental Health has an In-Home Intervention team for each of the counties in our catchment area: Butler, Coffee, Covington, and Crenshaw Counties. An In-Home Intervention team consists of 2 staff members: a Master’s level therapist and a Bachelor’s level case manager. Each team member has completed Alabama Department of Mental Health’s Case Management training, as well as CPR, First Aide, and Non-Violent Crisis Resolution.

The teams’ general purpose is to prevent psychiatric hospitalization or to aide consumers in transitioning from an in-patient setting to an outpatient setting. The In-Home Intervention staff is available 24 hours per day. Much of the work with the team is accomplished within the consumer’s home and consumers are generally visited weekly. Duration of treatment is determined on an individual basis as indicated on the treatment plan.

Who qualifies for In-Home Intervention:

• Individual diagnosed with a Serious Mental Illness
• A recent increase in symptoms
• An individual that is transitioning from a more intensive level of care such as
  • In-patient or Residential
  • An individual that needs assistance in defusing an immediate crisis situation, stabilizing living arrangements, or preventing out of home placement
  • An individual that has failed to engage in other Outpatient Services

Who does not qualify for In-Home Intervention:

• Anyone who refuses said service
• Medical problems requiring hospitalization or 24 hour nursing care
• Principle diagnosis of brain damage, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse
• Inpatient care is warranted
• Anyone who can be maintained in a less intensive treatment setting

If you would like to learn more about the In-Home Intervention program, please contact Tacelyn Vaznaian via e-mail or by phone 334-347-0212.

To request a referral, please contact your therapist.

The South Central Alabama Mental Health Center (SCAMHC) has an Outpatient program in each of our four counties. Adult Outpatient is considered the least restrictive treatment setting that SCAMHC has to offer. In order to meet the needs of those presenting for outpatient counseling services, SCAMHC has moved to a group counseling modality utilizing short-term or as needed individual therapy/counseling.

Individuals may request services in the county in which they reside or can choose to seek services in any county that they wish. Transportation is not provided.

Services Offered:

• Intake
• Individualized treatment planning/goal setting
• Basic living skills training
• Medication monitoring and administration
• Physician/medical assessments
• Individual and Group Therapy
• Family therapy
• Family support
• Crisis Intervention

Referrals for programs offering a higher level of care, including In-Home treatment, Case Management, Day Rehabilitation, and Residential Care.

Costs: We accept most insurance, so please have your insurance information available when you call to schedule an appointment. The access worker can then schedule you with the appropriate clinician. For those that do not have insurance, we do have financial aid available, but on a limited basis. To find out if you qualify for financial aid, contact your local office.

Who qualifies for Adult Outpatient Services:

• Individual who met the criteria for a serious mental illness
• Individuals in a crisis situation - required immediate crisis management
• Individuals discharged from inpatient psychiatric hospitals
• Evaluation of individuals presenting for services to the point where it is determined that they do not meet criteria for admission Individuals that do not meet the criteria for admission to services at SCAMHC will be referred to private resources or other social services agencies that might better meet their needs

Contact Information: If you would like to learn more about our Adult Outpatient services, please call your local office.

The Adult Small Capacity Group Home is a 3 Bed home in McKenzie, AL. This group home is designed to be a transitional home (from State Psychiatric Hospitals to independent living) for females 18 years and older that are diagnosed with a serious mental illness and intellectual disabilities. At the group home, consumers learn to manage their mental illness and live on their own. The normal length of stay for an individual living in our group home is 24 months. The group home is not intended for long-term placement. Residence is based on voluntary status.

Accommodations:

• 24-hour access to emergency nursing and psychiatrist services
• 24-hour protective oversight and supervision by trained staff
• Covered smoking areas are available outside
• 3 meals and 2 snacks provided daily

Who qualifies to reside at the 3 Bed Group Home:

• Individuals with impaired contact with reality Individuals with social withdrawal
• Moderate to severe disabling depression or anxiety
• Disabling somatic symptoms
• Poor Medication Compliance
• Poor Socialization Skills
• Inappropriate attention-seeking behaviors
• Poor Interpersonal skills
• Inadequate problem solving skills

Who does not qualify to reside at the 3 Bed Group Home:

• Principle diagnosis of substance abuse
• Medical problems requiring hospitalization or 24 hour nursing care
• Principle diagnosis of brain damage or mental retardation
• Inpatient care is warranted

If you would like to learn more about the 3 Bed Group Home, please contact Theresa Stinson via e-mail or by phone 334-376-0082.

To request a referral, please contact your therapist. Bed availability is limited and consumers are placed on a waiting list if they are deemed appropriate for admission.

The Adult Specialized Behavioral Home (SBH) is a 10-bed, community-based, congregate living facility that is a structured program and operated 24-hours a day, 7 days per week, and supervised by qualified staff. Services are provided to individuals that are 18 years of age or older with a DSM-IV/DSM-V psychiatric diagnosis; 2) individuals with significant behavioral problems and possessing a stable mental status with the potential to assume independent or semi-independent living; 3) the individual has reached maximum benefits from hospitalization, but is unable to live independently or semi-independently and needs the supervision of a 24-hour care facility to live in the community; 4) the individual has reached the maximum benefits of an Intermediate Care Facility/Crisis Residential Home but exhibits symptoms or behaviors that require the support of a 24-hour care facility to live in the community; 5) the community consumer for whom a more intensive therapeutic program is needed in order to avoid institutionalization. At the Group Home, consumers learn to manage their mental illness, manage their behavior and live on their own. The normal length of stay for an individual living in our Group Home is 24 months. The Group Home is not intended for long-term placement. Residence is based on voluntary status.

Who qualifies to reside in the Group Home:

• Individuals with impaired contact with reality
• Individuals with social withdrawal
• Moderate to severe disabling depression or anxiety
• Disabling somatic symptoms
• Poor medication compliance
• Poor socialization skills
• Inappropriate attention-seeking behaviors
• Poor interpersonal skills Inadequate problem solving skills

Who does not qualify to reside in the Group Home:

• Principle diagnosis of substance abuse
• Medical problems requiring hospitalization or 24-hour nursing care
• Principle diagnosis of brain damage or developmentally disabled
• Inpatient care is warranted

If you would like to learn more about the Adult Specialized Behavioral Group Home, you may contact Linda Bowers via email or by phone 334-382-1645.

To request a referral, please contact your therapist. Bed availability is limited and consumers are placed on waiting list if they are deemed appropriate for admission.

Our Children’s Day Treatment/After School Program is an intensive, structured mental health service designed for children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral challenges that interfere with their ability to function in school, home, or social settings. This program provides therapeutic interventions to help children develop the skills needed to manage their emotions, improve their behavior, and enhance their overall functioning at school, home, and in the community.

Our summer program provides structured mental health support and engaging activities for children and adolescents throughout the summer, focusing on promoting personal growth, enhancing social interaction, and fostering mental well-being. It offers a safe, nurturing environment where children with emotional, behavioral, or social challenges can continue receiving treatment and support outside of the traditional school year. The program includes individual and group therapy, social skills development, behavioral interventions, recreational activities, and skills building components designed to strengthen emotional regulation, communication, and coping strategies. The program prevents regression over the summer through continuity of care.

The Court Referral Education Program (CREP) provides individuals referred by the court system with essential information and resources to empower them in making informed decisions. The program aims to reduce recidivism and foster personal accountability by equipping participants with the tools necessary for positive life changes. CREP was created in 1990 to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related crimes in the state. Through CREP, individuals are referred to SCAMHC by Court Referral Officers after an evaluation. Some participants may need further assessment by a therapist to determine if treatment is required before taking educational classes. Others are assigned directly to either Level 1 or Level 2 classes without re-evaluation. CREP participants are responsible for covering their fees, which must be paid in full before enrolling in the class. The Level 1 class costs $180, which includes $150 for the class and $30 for the workbook, and lasts 12 hours, divided into four 3-hour sessions. The Level 2 class costs $330, with $290 for the class and $40 for the workbook, and lasts 24 hours, divided into eight 3-hour sessions.

Goals of the Court Referral Educational Program

1. Educate consumers on Alabama laws related to alcohol and drugs.
2. Assist consumers in creating a personal change plan.
3. Provide consumers opportunities for self-assessment of substance use, whether as a non-user, responsible user, or problem user.
4. Share information on how substances affect the body, behavior, and the community in which they live.
5. Help consumers understand patterns of substance abuse and recovery.
6. Help consumers strengthen their decision-making skills and offer healthy alternatives to negative behaviors.
7. Provide information on how substance use impacts families.

The Crisis Residential Home (CRH) is a 16 bed co-ed facility located in Andalusia. This facility is designed to be a transitional home (from State Psychiatric Hospitals to independent living) for adults 18 years and older that are diagnosed with a serious mental illness. At this facility, consumers learn to manage their mental illness and live on their own. The normal length of stay for an individual living in our facility is 6-12 months. This facility is not intended for long-term placement. Residence is based on voluntary status and individuals must possess the ability and willingness to attend day treatment classes.

Accommodations:

• 24-hour access to emergency nursing and psychiatrist services
• 24-hour protective oversight and supervision by trained staff
• Covered smoking areas are available outside
• 3 meals and 2 snacks provided daily

Who qualifies to reside in the Crisis Residential Home:

• Individuals with impaired contact with reality
• Individuals with social withdrawal
• Moderate to severe disabling depression or anxiety
• Disabling somatic symptoms
• Poor medication compliance
• Poor socialization skills
• Inappropriate attention-seeking behaviors
• Poor interpersonal skills
• Inadequate problem solving skills

Who does not qualify to reside in the Crisis Residential Home:

• Principle diagnosis of substance abuse
• Medical problems requiring hospitalization or 24-hour nursing care
• Principle diagnosis of brain damage or developmentally disabled
• Inpatient care is warranted

If you would like to learn more about the Crisis Residential Home, you may contact Ruth Racz via e-mail or by phone 334-428-5071.

To request a referral, please contact your therapist. Bed availability is limited and consumers are placed on a waiting list if they are deemed appropriate for admission.

On behalf of the Developmental Disability division, we welcome the opportunity to share with you all aspects of the DD Programs. There are currently three day programs:

• Butler County Activity Training Center—Greenville
• Coffee County Training Center—Enterprise
• Covington County Training Center—Andalusia

There are a total of 72 individuals being served in our day programs. There are three Case Managers serving our four-county area and one Case Manager serving the waiting list. Coffee and Covington County Case Managers currently serve individuals in the community as well.

Developmental Disability is a term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communication, social and taking care of him/herself. Developmental Disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.

Developmental Disability is currently the preferred term for the disability referred to as Mental Retardation. Providing services help individuals with an developmental disability is diagnosed by looking at two main things:

• Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
• Adaptive Behavior or Adaptive Function

One criterion to measure intellectual functioning is an IQ test. Generally, an IQ test score of around 70 or as high as 75 indicates a limitation of intellectual functioning. Standardized tests can also determine limitations in adaptive behavior, which comprises three skill types:

• Conceptual skills—language and literacy
• Social skills—interpersonal skills, social responsibility, self-esteem
• Practical skills—activities of daily living (personal care)

For questions on how to enroll a family member in Developmental Disabilities Services, refer to our FAQ page or call the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services at 800-361-4491.

South Central Alabama Mental Health has emergency/crisis services available to its customers 24 hours a day, even on weekends and holidays. Our emergency services program is staffed with highly qualified and experienced staff.

A screening service will answer your call and ask for the following information: name of the caller, name of the individual needing services, call back phone number, and the nature of the emergency. This helps the screening staff to determine what qualified mental health professional should be contacted to return your call. Please allow up to 10 minutes for the qualified mental health staff to call you back. Every effort will be made to help you resolve your crisis. Please do not call our emergency phone numbers to schedule or reschedule appointments. You may contact the clinic in which you are currently receiving services the next business day for this.

Emergency Evaluations:

South Central Mental Health possesses the ability to perform emergency evaluations 24 hours a day. Although we believe that most evaluations can be accomplished during regular business hours, we do also understand that incidences will occur that require an immediate response. Staff will only perform after-hours evaluations at a secure location such as a local emergency room or a police station. If you feel that you are in immediate need of psychiatric hospitalization, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. The police and emergency room staff will contact our helpline once it is determined that you are in need of an emergency evaluation.

Who qualifies for Emergency Services:

Any individual residing in Butler, Coffee, Covington, or Crenshaw County who requires help in an emotional/psychiatric crisis. This service is not based on your age, ability to pay, or a previous diagnosis. You do not have to be a current customer of our services to call.

If you require emergency services for a mental illness, substance abuse, or developmental disability you may contact our helpline at either of the following numbers: TOLL FREE 877-530-0002 or 334-222-7794.

SCAMHC operates the Norman-McClendon Secure Forensic Facility in Butler County, a 16-bed facility dedicated to providing specialized care and treatment for individuals within the legal system who have mental health disorders. The facility's primary goal is to stabilize and rehabilitate patients so they can competently participate in their legal proceedings, including attending court, standing trial, and actively engaging in their own defense. Through a combination of psychiatric care and therapeutic interventions, the facility supports patients in navigating the intersection of mental health and the legal process.

Our mobile crisis response delivers immediate support and intervention to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, regardless of their location—whether at home, in public, or elsewhere. The mobile crisis response works to stabilize the situation, conduct a thorough assessment, and provide necessary support, all while connecting individuals to appropriate resources and ongoing care.

Led by individuals with lived experience, our Peer Support Services offer guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance to help others access resources and navigate mental health or substance use treatment systems. We offer a range of peer support services, including Certified Recovery Support, Youth Peer Support, Parent Peer Support, and Adult Mental Illness Peer Support. Through shared understanding, mutual respect, and a non-judgmental approach, this unique support enhances traditional therapeutic interventions, fostering a deeper sense of connection and empowerment.

The goal of our Prevention Services program is to promote a community environment in which individuals, families, schools and work places take action to promote emotional health and reduce the likelihood of mental illnesses, substance abuse, tobacco use and suicide.

• Domestic Violence
• Youth & Adult Mental Health First Aid
• Parenting Project
• Anger Management
• Suicide Prevention
• Illegal/Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention
• Smoking Prevention Cessation
• Anti-Bullying
• Choices and Healthy Behaviors

The Urgent Care Center provides short-term, facility-based, walk-in psychiatric related crisis evaluation and brief intervention services designed to prevent out of community treatment, hospitalization, or incarceration. The Urgent Care Center provides behavioral health crisis receiving and stabilization services in a modified Outpatient clinic model that allows for late afternoon, evenings, and weekend access to care. It accepts all behavioral health crisis referrals, regardless of age, ability to pay, clinical condition (such as serious emotional disturbances and serious mental illnesses). The Urgent Care Center accepts all walk-ins and referrals from hospital emergency departments, law enforcement, probate courts, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Providers, and emergency services personnel.

SCAMH’s Urgent Care Center offers housing vouchers from local hotels to provide temporary housing for homeless individuals that suffer behavioral health needs where individuals in crisis can be placed for short-term periods (not to exceed 30 days).

The Urgent Care Center hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

The Rehabilitative Day Program (RDP) is a program that provides long-term recovery services targeting Mentally Ill Adults’ daily functioning, facilitating recovery, achieving personal life goals, regaining self-worth, optimizing illness management, and assisting consumers to become productive participants in family and community life. RDP constitutes active structure with rehabilitation interventions that specifically address the individual’s life goals, builds on personal strengths and assets, improves functioning, increases skills, promotes a positive quality of life, and develops support networks.

South Central Alabama Mental Health has an RDP in each county that it services: Butler, Coffee, Covington, and Crenshaw Counties. Each program meets five days per week between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Who qualifies to attend RDP:

• Presence of a psychiatric diagnosis
• Mild to moderate persistent symptoms or impairments in one or more areas of living
• Individuals that require daily structure and services of a recovery oriented program to improve or maintain functioning
• Poor Socialization Skills
• Poor Interpersonal skills
• Inadequate problem solving skills

Who does not qualify to attend RDP:

• Principle diagnosis of substance abuse
• Medical problems requiring hospitalization or 24 hour nursing care
• Principle diagnosis of brain damage or mental retardation
• Inpatient care is warranted

If you would like to learn more about RDP, please contact the Coordinator in your area.

• For Butler County, contact Kayla Warren via e-mail or by phone 334-382-2018.
• For Coffee County, contact Novella Robinson via e-mail or by phone 334-347-5905.
• For Covington County, contact Cheryl Hancock via e-mail or by phone 334-428-5054.
• For Crenshaw County, contact Kelley Bryan via e-mail or by phone 334-335-5201.

To request a referral, please contact your therapist. Space is limited and consumers may be placed on a waiting list if they are deemed appropriate for admission.

SCAMHC works collaboratively with schools in our service area to deliver therapeutic and support programs to address the emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs of students within the school setting. These services promote students' emotional well-being, improve their ability to learn, and reduce barriers to academic success.

Before a client can be placed in one of our substance abuse treatment programs, a substance abuse assessment must be done. To schedule an assessment, please call our SA-OP office: 334-222-2523, Monday–Friday 8:00 am–4:00 pm.

South Central Alabama Mental Health Center, Substance Abuse Services Division, provides a continuum of services for adults who suffer from abuse and dependency to alcohol and other drugs: Court Referral Education Program classes (formerly known as DUI school), Substance Abuse Adult Outpatient Program (SA-OP), and First Step.

Welcoming Policy

South Central Alabama Mental Health understands and emphasizes the importance of developing the capability of all programs and all staff to be welcoming and engaging toward all individuals and families in empathic, hopeful relationships that facilitate appropriate identification of needs, access to appropriate assessment and properly matched services. Within this framework, it is particularly important to welcome and engage those individuals who might ordinarily have difficulty gaining access to services, such as those who have co-occurring mental health and substance use issues or disorders, those who are from diverse cultural and/or linguistic groups, those who are hearing or sight impaired , and those who have associated medical disabilities, all of whom are particularly at high risk for poorer outcomes if not successfully welcomed into care.

All individuals/families and all service settings are not the same. Consequently, there is no single correct welcoming intervention for individuals/families. We recognize and stress the importance for each staff member at each level of care to take responsibility for welcoming and engaging clients and their families, and to match each individual and their family with services that are appropriate to the needs of the individual and their family. South Central recognizes that the welcoming and engaging atmosphere begins with the first contact, whether it is the individual seeking help or a family member inquiring about services, whether by telephone or a personal visit to our facility. All staff members are trained at orientation and annually thereafter on the importance of creating a welcoming, hopeful environment for all individuals and their families.

A welcoming atmosphere is essential in engaging individuals and their families with any type of difficulty or combination of difficulties in a culturally appropriate manner and in their preferred language. This practice is one of the most important contributors to success in any setting. It involves a proactive stance that conveys empathy and hope, and that reaches out to individuals and families. One of the most important components of the welcoming practice is elimination of barriers to access. Welcoming is a practice that is independent of resource availability or program eligibility. All individuals or families that are identified as having either mental health, substance use, or co-occurring issues or disorders shall be welcomed at South Central Alabama Mental Health. South Central will not exclude any individual or family from access or assessment based on substance use level, length of sobriety, type of medication, or mental health issue or diagnosis whether or not the individual or their family will be provided continuing services in that setting.

The welcoming response includes the necessity for programs to provide a screening to determine the presence of co-occurring issues, or any other factor that would place the individual in a priority population as defined by the ADMH, at whichever program the individual/family first enters seeking assistance. If services are not going to be provided at the location where the individual has presented, a staff member will assist in coordinating a smooth and timely transition to the appropriate service provider. Welcoming includes the recognition that addressing co-occurring and substance use issues or disorders concurrently, when they exist, results in the most successful and desirable outcomes. Staff will convey the belief in the possibility of recovery for all individuals and families at all times and will demonstrate a willingness to “start where the individual/family is at” and provide services accordingly.

Welcoming is a policy requirement and a practice expectation of South Central Alabama Mental Health for all levels of administration, program directors and coordinators, service providers and staff members.

Substance Abuse Program Information and Priority List

Adult Outpatient Programs:

Covington County SA-OP
19815 Bay Branch Road
Andalusia, AL 36420
Phone: 334-222-2523
Fax: 334-222-4660

Coffee County SA-OP Office
2861 Neal Metcalf Road
Enterprise, AL 36330
Phone: 334-347-0212
Fax: 334-347-9418

First Step Level III.5 Crisis Residential
205 Academy Drive
Andalusia, AL 36420
Phone: 334-428-5002
Fax: 334-428-5008

South Central Alabama Mental Health will make every effort possible to link the client with the appropriate level of care recommended in the assessment. We realize there will be times when the level of care indicated is not available. In these circumstances the assessor will discuss various options of care with the client and his family/significant other and assist in developing a plan that most closely meets the recommendations and provides the best opportunity for the client to begin his recovery process.

Priority Access—Adult Outpatient:

South Central Alabama Mental Health prioritizes program admission as follows:

• Individuals who are pregnant and have intravenous substance use disorders.
• Individuals who are pregnant and have substance use disorders.
• Individuals who have intravenous substance use disorders.
• Women with dependent children.
• Individuals who are HIV positive.
• All others with substance use disorders.

Since South Central’s Level III.5 (First Step) is an adult male only program, the following priorities will be referred to other Level III.5 state certified programs when the SA Placement Assessment indicates the need for that level of care.

• Individuals who are pregnant and have intravenous substance use disorders.
• Individuals who are pregnant and have substance use disorders.
• Women with dependent children.

First Step Level III.5 will prioritize admissions in the following manner:

• Individuals who have intravenous substance use disorders.
• Individuals who are HIV positive.
• All others with substance use disorders.

South Central also recognizes individuals with co-occurring disorders, military members and their families, adolescents, American Indian or Alaska Native as priority populations as listed in the ADMH management information system, ASAIS .

First Step - Click Here for a List of Items to Bring

A Level III.5 clinically managed high intensity residential treatment program. It serves adult males from the age of 19 years and older. It is used primarily for stabilization for individuals who meet the criteria for substance dependence. The length of time a client stays in the residential program is based entirely upon his therapeutic needs (approximately 14-28 days). The program offers services to clients in a setting that provides extensive and intensive therapy and educational services as well as food and shelter. The First Step program is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also have a hotline that may be called 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - 1-877-530-0002. Please find below directions to:

First Step - Montezuma Complex
205 Academy Drive
Andalusia, AL 36420
Phone: 334-428-5002
Fax: 334-428-5008

From Montgomery and Northern Alabama...

Follow I-65 South from Montgomery to Georgiana.  Take exit 114, turn left, go straight until you see 55 South.  Take right until you run into 84 East, turn left at first traffic light.  Go through two traffic lights, at the third light (Wal-Mart SuperCenter on left) turn right onto Sanford Road.  Go approximately 1/2 mile, turn left onto Academy Drive.  Go approximately another 1/2 mile, you will see a building on the left (past the Law Enforcement Training Center).  This is the Montezuma Complex.  Enter through the front double doors and ask the receptionist for First Step.

From Troy...

Follow 331 South to Luverne.  At the traffic light, take a left onto 29 South.  Continue straight on 29 South to Brantley.  At the traffic light in Brantley, take a right continuing on 20 South.  Take 20 South all the way to Andalusia.  At the second traffic light in Andalusia, turn left onto Martin Luther King Expressway.  At the second traffic light (Wal-Mart SuperCenter on left) turn right onto Sanford Road.  Go approximately 1/2 mile, turn left onto Academy Drive.  Go approximately another 1/2 mile, you will see a building on the left (past the Law Enforcement Training Center).  This is the Montezuma Complex.  Enter through the front double doors and ask the receptionist for First Step.

From Dothan...

Follow 84 West to Andalusia.  At the first traffic light (Wal-Mart SuperCenter on right), turn left onto Sanford Road.  Go approximately 1/2 mile, turn left onto Academy Drive.  Go approximately another 1/2 mile, you will see a building on the left (past the Law Enforcement Training Center).  This is the Montezuma Complex.  Enter through the front double doors and ask the receptionist for First Step.

From Evergreen...

Follow 84 East to Andalusia.  Turn left at the first traffic light, this is Martin Luther King Expressway.  At the third traffic light (Wal-Mart SuperCenter on left), turn right onto Sanford Road.  Go approximately 1/2 mile, turn left onto Academy Drive.  Go approximately another 1/2 mile, you will see a building on the left (past the Law Enforcement Training Center).  This is the Montezuma Complex.  Enter through the front double doors and ask the receptionist for First Step.

Substance Abuse Adult Outpatient Program

SA-OP operates under the belief that addiction is a disease and is best treated with a 12-step recovery approach with emphasis on family involvement. The program is scheduled on designated days/evenings from 9:00 am–12:00 pm and 6:00–9:00 pm, meeting two or three days/nights per week.

Court Referral Education Program

Classes are offered in all four counties of our catchment area. Alcohol and other drug related offenses include public intoxication, driving under the influence, possession, distribution, or any other crime the person may have committed while under the influence. Once the person appears in court, the Judge will refer them to their Court Referral Officer (CRO). The CRO meets with the client and conducts an evaluation. This evaluation determines whether the individual needs Level l or Level ll classes, or needs an assessment for substance abuse treatment. Level l—12 hour education class which meets 3 hours per night, one night a week for 4 weeks. Level ll—24 hour education class which meets 3 hours per night, one night a week for 8 weeks (participants in Level ll are also required to attend 4 AA and/or NA meetings).

The Supportive Housing Program is an evidence based practice that provides housing for individuals with serious mental illness. This program is designed to offer worthwhile housing options for persons with a serious mental illness who would not have a viable housing option without this service. Housing and supportive services are operated in a manner consistent with principles of evidence-based supportive housing contained in DMH presentations and training events, including the following:

• Housing is integrated into setting available to persons who do not have a mental illness.
• Consumers hold a standard lease or sublease that provides the right of tenure.
• Consumer has the responsibility for residential maintenance with supportive assistance.
• Subsides are provided such that the consumer pays no more than 30% of available income for housing and utility costs.
• Consumers have the opportunity to choose from among a variety of available housing settings.
• A Community Support Specialist (or Case Manager) is assigned to provide supportive housing services.
• Supportive housing services assist individuals in finding, selecting, obtaining, and maintaining affordable, appropriate housing.
• The person responsible for "landlord" functions is separate from the person who provides supportive services.
• Housing is provided in a community environment that is not inherently a treatment setting. The focus is on a place to live rather than to receive treatment.
• Housing is provided without regard to a consumer's agreement to participate in specific treatment services. Consumers may choose to attend the Rehabilitative Day Program, Outpatient services, or any other program.
• Services are available to assist individuals in linking to other essential services.

Who qualifies to reside in Supportive Housing:

• Individual with a serious mental illness
• Individuals who do not have another viable housing option

Who does not qualify to reside in Supportive Housing:

• Principle diagnosis of substance abuse
• Medical problems requiring hospitalization or 24 hour nursing care
• Principle diagnosis of brain damage or mental retardation
• Inpatient care is warranted Individuals who cannot or will not abide by rental agreement

If you would like to learn more about the supportive housing, you may contact Theresa Stinson via e-mail or by phone 334-335-5201.

To make a referral, please contact your therapist. Availability is limited and consumers are placed on a waiting list if they are deemed appropriate for admission.