Faulkner University dedicates new mental health center
Faulkner University formally dedicated its new Faulkner Mental Health Center, Friday, March 6, 2026 – Photo from Faulkner University
Faulkner University has formally dedicated its new Faulkner Mental Health Center with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony.
Today’s event brought together city and community leaders, veteran and military officials and a crowd of distinguished guests including the Alabama State University ROTC Color Guard along with Faulkner faculty, staff and health science students.
The clinic operates under the Faulkner University Center for Therapy and Research and represents a significant expansion of the university’s mental health counseling services with a particular focus on serving veterans and their families. Services are also available to eligible members of the broader community.
“Today represents far more than an opening of a building,” said Alan Deal, director of the Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research. “It represents access, it represents partnership, it represents commitment. Above all, it represents health and hope.”
Deal said many veterans across Alabama continue to face barriers to accessing mental health services.
“For too long, veterans in Alabama, especially those in rural communities, have faced barriers in accessing timely high-quality mental health services,” Deal said. “Distance, stigma, limited providers and financial constraints have left many without the support they deserve.”
Through partnerships across the state, those challenges are beginning to change. The clinic will provide services to patients free of charge and will also serve as a training site for students in Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences who will gain hands-on experience working with veterans, families and other individuals seeking counseling services.
The project received partial funding through a grant from the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs as part of the Supporting Alabama’s Veterans Grant Program, which supports initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes for Alabama veterans and their families.
Brandon Miller, director of outreach for the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, said the clinic demonstrates the impact of statewide collaboration.
“When we established the Supporting Alabama Veterans grant it prioritized visions transforming action-based solutions,” Miller said. “What Faulkner has done here is just that — create a space for students, veterans and families where they can find professional support and passionate care.”
Licensed professional counselors Cela Ardis and Jenn Ingram provide counseling services along with counseling interns under the clinical supervision of Dr. Heath Willingham. Retired U.S. Army Col. James Crocker, an associate licensed counselor, provides specialized services for veterans. Cindy Payes serves as clinic clerk providing administrative support and assisting with care coordination.
Military veteran and American Legion Department adjutant Ryan Marshall also shared his personal experience returning home from overseas military service and the challenges he faced adjusting to civilian life.
“The weight of the world is on all of us,” Marshall said. “If you are wrestling with any kind of mental health struggle reach out to these organizations. Don’t try to do it on your own.”
Faulkner University President Mitch Henry presided over the ribbon cutting and Dr. Wayne Baker offered the prayer of dedication.
— Information from Faulkner University
