AL HB597

Creates the Rural Behavioral and Mental Health Access Fund in the State Treasury to provide grants and scholarships for expanding mental health and substance use treatment in areas outside cities with populations over 25,000

Establishes a competitive grant program through the Alabama Department of Mental Health for construction, renovation, or expansion of rural mental health facilities, with eligibility for nonprofits, community health centers, counties, and tribal entities

Provides grants to rural providers for telehealth equipment, broadband installation, and staff training in telebehavioral health delivery, with priority given to high-need, low-access populations

Funds primary care practices that integrate behavioral health services through co-locating mental health professionals, implementing collaborative care models, and establishing care coordination protocols

Creates workforce incentives including scholarships for behavioral health students who commit to rural practice and loan repayment for licensed providers who work in rural areas for at least two years, effective October 1, 2026