Longleaf Recovery & Wellness Secures Approval for New Treatment Facility in Alabama

Longleaf Lodge: A New Era in Addiction Treatment

A significant step towards improving addiction treatment accessibility has unfolded in Alabama. On January 7, 2026, Longleaf Recovery & Wellness announced that it has obtained Certificate of Need (CON) approval from the Alabama State Health Planning and Development Agency. This approval paves the way for the establishment of Longleaf Lodge, a residential treatment center set to address substance use disorders in Shelby County.

Located on a serene 150-acre rural property, Longleaf Lodge is designed specifically for high-quality inpatient care. It will consist of 60 treatment beds, including 10 for medically monitored detoxification and 50 for residential treatment. Set to open in early 2027, this center represents the first of its kind in Shelby County, targeting a critical gap in local healthcare services aimed at individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

A Purposeful Design for Healing

The architecture and design of Longleaf Lodge focus on creating a calm and structured atmosphere conducive to healing. The facility will feature multiple residential cabins, specialized medical and clinical facilities, and areas for dining, fitness, and group programs. Emphasizing patient safety, privacy, and clinical integrity, the Lodge will remain easily accessible to residents of the Birmingham metropolitan area, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need close to home.

Colin Harris, CEO of Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, expressed profound enthusiasm about this new initiative. He articulated, "This approval marks a meaningful step forward for access to high-quality addiction treatment in Alabama. As we transition into residential treatment, our goal remains centered on delivering clinically responsible, patient-centered care that is thoughtful, accountable, and outcomes-driven."

Comprehensive Care in Focus

Longleaf Lodge aims to support adults with substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health conditions. This will include medically supervised detoxification services and residential care. The treatment regimen will be grounded in evidence-based clinical practices, incorporating a blend of medical supervision, individual and group therapy sessions, and structured daily routines designed to foster stability, engagement, and sustained recovery.

Importantly, Longleaf Lodge is intended to enhance the continuum of care offered by Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, which already operates outpatient centers in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Baldwin County. This expansion into residential treatment signifies a substantial enhancement in the level of support available to individuals in crisis, helping to bridge the gap for those who require more intensive intervention before transitioning into outpatient care.

Following the approval, development planning for Longleaf Lodge is set to commence immediately. Longleaf Recovery & Wellness intends to share further updates regarding construction timelines and job opportunities as the project progresses.

About Longleaf Recovery & Wellness

Founded by a team of motivated individuals in recovery, Longleaf Recovery & Wellness is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment for substance use disorders and associated mental health conditions. By maintaining a focus on evidence-based practices, the organization champions a care model that addresses both addiction and its underlying mental health drivers.

For more information about Longleaf Recovery & Wellness and its upcoming projects, visit www.longleafcenters.com.