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 37 clients during the first year.  From those small beginnings The Bridge has grown to become a leader in adolescent substance abuse treatment. In the mid ‘90’s The Bridge began working with the Alabama Department of Youth Services and expanding services to include behavioral rehabilitation and juvenile corrections. In addition, the organization began opening community-based outpatient programs to increase the number of teens and families receiving substance abuse treatment services.  The Bridge currently operates 14 programs licensed/certified by the Alabama Department of Youth Services or the Alabama Department of Mental Health – Division of Substance Abuse Services. These programs operate under a single mission to serve adolescents through honor, excellence and integrity.  We extend our thanks and gratitude to the countless board members, staff members and volunteers who have helped to grow and shape our organization.  

National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare - Member

Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards - Member

Alabama Department of Youth Services - Licensed Provider

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

Alabama ALL KIDS - Provider

Alabama Medicaid - Provider

Public Education Employees' Insurance Plan (PEEHIP) - Provider

National Health Services Corps - Approved Site