WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Emily Boster
Children’s of Alabama Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)) to access all 67 counties in Alabama.
PIRC provides free, confidential phone calls to match parents, families, and other adults with licensed mental health professionals in Alabama to discuss mental health resources and services for children and teenagers. Center.
Children’s of Alabama launched PIRC in Central Alabama in 2018. This was because people in the community were desperately looking for mental health her resources but were unsure where they could find them or what kind of services they needed.
PIRC was unable to create new local providers, but PIRC director Cindy Jones said PIRC can connect people with existing mental health professionals in the area.
“Over time, the need for mental health services has grown, and as the need has grown, we have offered other countries within the state that opportunity,” Jones said. So we expanded it statewide.”
In 2021, 3,149 Alabamaans called PIRC with concerns such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
With the recent expansion to all counties in Alabama, anyone in Alabama can call PIRC at 205-638-7472 daily from 8am to 11pm and meet with a mental health professional at the PIRC office in Birmingham. can speak You can find next steps, such as counseling, therapy, and other mental health services in your caller’s area.
“Many people calling us are overwhelmed, desperate for help, and eager to find the best resource for their child. So check a few boxes. We can point you in the right direction,” says Jones.
If a caller contacts a local provider recommended by a PIRC expert and that provider is unavailable, the caller can call back until they receive the assistance they need.
“Children’s mental health needs remain a key priority for hospitals,” Jones said. “PIRC can help address these priorities by making support available to caregivers who need it. We are here to help.”
People who want to support PIRC can donate directly to the Community Foundation through their website.
PIRC encourages adults to call 205-638-7472 to speak with a qualified mental health professional and find the resources they need in their community.
PIRC is not a suicide or crisis hotline. If you or your child are in danger or in imminent danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
