Heart of the Valley YMCA and WellStone Begin Pilot Program to Expand Access to Mental Health Services
New collaboration brings weekly behavioral health services directly to Southeast Family YMCA beginning Oct. 14
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (October 12, 2026) — Heart of the Valley YMCA and WellStone are collaborating to make mental healthcare more accessible by bringing behavioral health services directly into the Southeast Family YMCA beginning Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Through the new pilot program, a WellStone behavioral health professional will be available at the Southeast Family YMCA, 1000 Weatherly Road SE, each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving individuals and families an opportunity to connect with mental health services in a familiar and convenient community setting.
The initiative grew directly from feedback from the YMCA community. In a recent survey, nearly 40% of respondents said having mental health services available at the YMCA would make accessing care easier for themselves or their families.
“At the YMCA, we’ve always believed that true well-being means caring for the whole person… spirit, mind, and body,” said Rob Gray, CEO of Heart of the Valley YMCA. “When our community told us that access to mental health services could make a meaningful difference for their families, we listened. Partnering with WellStone allows us to remove another barrier to care and connect people with trusted professional support in a place they already know.”
The service will be available to YMCA members and staff, as well as individuals and families connected to YMCA programs and services, including youth sports, afterschool care, and the YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Centers.
WellStone, founded in 1969, is North Alabama’s largest and most comprehensive mental healthcare provider, offering services including therapy, psychiatry, crisis care, addiction recovery, and community-based programs for children, adults, and families. WellStone reports serving more than 14,000 individuals annually while providing approximately $3.5 million in uncompensated care — underscoring both the significant need for behavioral health services across North Alabama and the importance of making care easier to access.
The partnership with Heart of the Valley YMCA represents another avenue for bringing those services closer to where people live, work, and connect with their community.
Jeremy Blair, CEO of WellStone, said, “This partnership with the YMCA represents the spirit of collaboration in our community, and another way to improve access to much-needed mental healthcare. We’re grateful to work alongside the YMCA to provide therapy and to remind people that they don’t have to navigate their mental health challenges alone.”
WellStone accepts a variety of insurance plans, including Medicaid and commercial insurance, and offers a sliding fee scale for individuals who qualify. All appointments, patient information and clinical services will be managed directly and confidentially by WellStone.
Appointments in advance are encouraged. Individuals interested in receiving services should call 256-705-6444 to establish a WellStone patient account and schedule an appointment, mentioning their YMCA affiliation when calling.
“This is what strengthening community looks like,” Gray said. “It means listening to what people need, building the right partnerships and finding practical ways to make resources more accessible. Physical health and mental health are both essential to helping people and families thrive.”
About Heart of the Valley YMCA
Since 1910, Heart of the Valley YMCA has served North Alabama through programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With three YMCA branches and three Early Childhood Education Centers, the organization works to strengthen individuals and families and build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Learn more at YMCAhuntsville.org.
About WellStone
Founded in 1969, WellStone is North Alabama’s largest and most comprehensive mental healthcare provider. The nonprofit provides compassionate, evidence-based services including crisis care, therapy, psychiatry, addiction recovery and community-based programs for individuals and families throughout North Alabama. Learn more at WellStone.com.