About Us

The Bridge was founded in 1974 in Gadsden, Alabama as a local “Drug Alert Center.” A Gadsden minister, Ray Crowder, volunteered his time to assist addicted individuals and combat the growing drug problem in northeast Alabama. Reverend Crowder's vision and tenacity were the primary ingredients for the development of The Bridge. He enlisted the help of the Etowah Baptist Association and the Gadsden Kiwanis Club to place a “hot line” telephone in his home. The number of calls for help was both astounding and overwhelming. Crowder then contacted the Alabama Department of Mental Health regarding grant money to open a counseling center in Gadsden. He was successful in securing a grant to open The Bridge in July, 1974. It opened with three employees and served thirty-seven clients during the first year.  

From those small beginnings, The Bridge has grown to become a leader in adolescent substance use treatment. In the mid-1990s The Bridge began working with the Alabama Department of Youth Services and expanding services to include behavioral rehabilitation. In addition, the organization began opening community-based outpatient programs to increase the number of teens and families receiving substance abuse treatment services.  

Bridge treatment programs are licensed by the Alabama Department of Youth Services or the Alabama Department of Mental Health – Division of Substance Abuse Services.

We extend our thanks and gratitude to the countless board members, staff members and volunteers who have helped to grow and shape our organization.  
 

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Alabama ALL KIDS - Provider

Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards - Member

Alabama Department of Mental Health, Division of Substance Abuse Services - Certified Provider

Alabama Department of Youth Services - Licensed Provider

Alabama Medicaid - Provider

Blue Cross and Blue Shield - Level II.1 and II.5  -  Provider

National Council for Behavioral Health - Member

Public Education Employees' Insurance Plan (PEEHIP) - Provider