Birmingham and Mobile registration are currently closed. Please call 205-348-300 to be added to the waitlist. We are likely to open seats, but you must be on the waitlist to be notified.
Adolescents experiencing mental health and substance use crises often encounter fragmented systems that can delay care and worsen outcomes. The Adolescent Crisis Response & Behavioral Health Summit is designed to bridge those gaps by equipping professionals with shared knowledge, evidence-informed practices, and a clearer understanding of Alabama’s crisis response framework.
Through expert-led sessions, participants will explore crisis intervention, de-escalation, ethical considerations, motivational interviewing, and the integration of mobile crisis and treatment services. This summit creates space for professionals across behavioral health, education, juvenile justice, healthcare, and community services to strengthen communication, improve coordination, and ensure that youth are connected to the right level of care at the right time.
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Statement of Need
A crisis is a period of emotional, or substance use related distress that requires immediate intervention. Behavioral health experts identify the lack of timely, coordinated response as a key factor in adverse outcomes and a barrier to long-term wellness. Data show that adolescents with both a substance use and mental health disorder face greater challenges accessing appropriate care. When providers lack the information and resources, vulnerable youth are often directed into the legal system instead of receiving the clinical support they need. Understanding available resources through Alabama Crisis Systems of Care
equips providers to connect youth with behavioral health services and support their path to recovery. -
Who Should Attend
The Adolescent Crisis Summit is designed for professionals who work with or support youth experiencing behavioral health and substance use challenges, particularly those involved in crisis response, referral, and care coordination. Appropriate attendees include:
Juvenile justice professionals, including probation officers, court personnel, and detention staff School-based professionals, including counselors, administrators, social workers, and school resource officers- Behavioral health and substance use treatment providers
- Mobile crisis team members and crisis response professionals Healthcare providers, including emergency department staff, pediatric providers, and care coordinators
- Child welfare and family services professionals
- Community-based service providers and nonprofit organizations serving youth and families
- Law enforcement and first responders who interact with adolescents in crisis
- State and local agency representatives involved in youth services and behavioral health systems
This summit is especially valuable for professionals seeking to improve coordination across systems, strengthen communication pathways, and better connect adolescents to appropriate behavioral health services through the Alabama Crisis Systems of Care.
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Approved Continuing Education
NBCC: The Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education at The University of Alabama has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider. This program is approved for 6.25 credits. ACEP No. 7285. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The University of Alabama is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
ASBSWE: The University of Alabama is an approved provider of continuing education by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (Provider #0290). This training offers social workers 6.25 contact hours.
APOST: Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission credits, if approved by your agency head. This training offers 6.25 APOST credits.
ABN: The University of Alabama is an approved provider of continuing education by the Alabama Board of Nursing (Provider #ABNPO222). This training offers nurses up to 6.25 contact hours.
CRSS: This training has been approved for 6.25 continuing education credit hours for Certified Recovery Support Specialists.
Educators: PowerSchool credits pending approval.
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Sponsors
Huntsville
Health Connect America
ROSS – Recovery Organization of Support SpecialistsHealth Connect America
Alabama Department of Public HealthBirmingham
Tuscaloosa City Schools
Wings Across Alabama
Alabama Department of Public Health
Wings Across Alabama
Tuscaloosa City Schools
Carol MeehanMobile
Family Center
Wings Across Alabama
Altapointe
Alabama Department of Public Health
Mobile County Health Department