Montgomery Behavioral Health expands voluntary residential care for adults across Alabama

Montgomery Behavioral Health is offering voluntary residential mental health treatment for adults 18 and older in Montgomery, with a co-ed program that serves people across Alabama. The program combines therapy, medication management, life-skills training and family support for adults whose needs exceed weekly outpatient care.

Why it matters: - The program gives Alabama adults a higher level of mental health support when outpatient care is not enough. - The residential model is designed for people living with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety and trauma-related conditions such as PTSD. - Families across the state can participate remotely, which broadens access beyond Montgomery.

What happened: - Montgomery Behavioral Health offers voluntary residential mental health treatment for adults 18 and older at its co-ed campus in Montgomery. - The program serves adults across Alabama, including people from Huntsville, Florence, Mobile, Dothan and Gulf Shores. - The campus is located at 7295 Copperfield Dr. in Montgomery, Ala.

The details: - Clients choose to enter treatment voluntarily, which is intended to support motivation and engagement. - Residents live on campus and follow a full weekly schedule. - Each client meets individually with a therapist at least once a week. - Group therapy runs throughout the week. - Group sessions typically last one to two hours. - Groups are organized by gender, age and mixed populations. - Group themes include family of origin, identity, core beliefs, relationships and life milestones. - The clinical foundation is compassion-focused therapy. - The treatment model also includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychiatric care and medication management. - Supportive therapies include art therapy, Alpha-Stim, red light therapy, mindfulness and meditation. - Life skills training, nutrition education and cooking classes help clients prepare for daily life after discharge. - For clients with co-occurring body image and eating-related concerns, that work centers on nourishment, self-trust and emotional awareness. - The campus includes a game room, an art room, a large outdoor field and a pond. - Clients also take part in nature walks, guided movement, meditation and supervised outings to local Montgomery attractions. - The program includes families through Zoom-based family support groups and family therapy.

Between the lines: - The voluntary setup may reduce resistance and help clients buy into treatment more fully. - The mix of therapy, skills training and community outings points to a focus on both symptom management and daily functioning after discharge. - Remote family support reflects a broader push to keep relatives involved even when they live far from Montgomery.

What's next: - Clients stay connected after discharge through an alumni program that includes clinical outreach, access to the treatment team, community outings, events and alumni meetings in person and online. - Adults and families can learn more at montgomerybehavioralhealth.com or by calling 334-586-5539. - Montgomery Behavioral Health will continue serving adults across Alabama from its Montgomery campus.