DOTHAN, Ala. — After three years of planning and development, the new Spectracare Mental Health Crisis Center officially opened its doors in Dothan on Monday. This facility, the sixth of its kind in Alabama, aims to provide much-needed mental health services to individuals in crisis, with the goal of serving 20 of the state’s 67 counties.
Governor Kay Ivey, along with state and local leaders, gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the $12 million facility. “This is a great day in Dothan,” said Governor Ivey during her speech. “This is the sixth crisis center in Alabama, and it will help people move forward.”
State leaders have long made mental health a priority, and the opening of this new facility signals progress in addressing the issue. Representative Steve Clouse emphasized the significance of the center’s opening, calling it one of the most important issues for the state. The center is designed to offer immediate, 24/7 care to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
The Spectracare Mental Health Crisis Center will provide three levels of care: short-term observation with 15 temporary beds, extended stabilization for up to a week, and a longer-term treatment option for those who need more extensive care. The facility is expected to make a tangible difference, with the potential to help thousands of individuals annually. The 24-hour service is seen as a crucial step forward, as many mental health crises do not occur during traditional business hours.
Kim Boswell, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, highlighted the importance of having a 24/7 facility. “A crisis does not happen just between 8 and 5, and a lot of our resources are only open from that time,” she said. Prior to the opening of the crisis center, individuals in mental health crises often ended up in hospitals or county jails. The new center bridges the gap between the medical community, law enforcement, and mental health services.
Melissa Kirkland, CEO of Spectracare, explained the center’s role in the larger community. “It brings together the medical, mental health, and law enforcement communities under one roof with one mission: to help those who walk through the door,” Kirkland said.
The center, which will operate 24/7, will employ 165 staff members. Currently, it has about 82 people on staff, providing round-the-clock care for individuals in need. Access to the services at the center is free of charge, which officials say will remove a key barrier to care for many individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Rep. Steve Clouse acknowledged the growing need for mental health services, noting that mental health affects everyone, whether directly or indirectly. The opening of the Spectracare Mental Health Crisis Center is seen as a major step in addressing this widespread issue.
Although the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place this week, the center will officially begin operations next Monday. With its comprehensive care offerings and 24/7 availability, the Spectracare facility is expected to be a critical resource for individuals in mental health crises throughout the region.
