Legal Reference
State Mandated Reporter Lookup for Therapists
Search the mandated reporting rules for every U.S. state, filter by topic, and open a printable summary card you can save with your practice compliance files.
Find Your State
Search the U.S. state mandated reporter guide by name, filter by topic, and open the printable summary card.
State list (50)
Tap a state to load its printable summary card.
Alabama (AL) — Summary Card
Printable summary of mandated reporter requirements for Alabama.
Child abuse & neglect
Who must report: All healthcare providers, mental health professionals, teachers, social workers, and law enforcement.
What to report: Suspected child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, or death of a child.
Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 (Childhelp) · Alabama: 1-800-422-4413
Statute: Ala. Code § 26-14-1 et seq.
Elder abuse
Who must report: Healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement, financial institution employees.
What to report: Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults 60 and older or otherwise protected.
Hotline: 1-800-458-7214 (Adult Protective Services)
Statute: Ala. Code § 38-9-1 et seq.
Dependent adult abuse
Who must report: Healthcare providers, social workers, caregivers, and law enforcement.
What to report: Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a protected person aged 18+ with a mental or physical disability.
Hotline: 1-800-458-7214
Statute: Ala. Code § 38-9-1 et seq.
Print the summary card
Use your browser’s print dialog to save the card as a PDF for your records.
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Open toolHow to use this mandated reporter guide
Mandated reporting rules change often and vary by state, so the safest practice is to confirm the statute for the state where your client is located at the time of the disclosure. This guide consolidates a reference summary of who must report, what to report, and which hotline to call for child, elder, and dependent-adult abuse in all 50 states.
The guide stays in your browser; nothing is uploaded to a server. Use it for fast reference, training, and orientation, then verify the latest statute language with your state legislature or licensing board before acting.
Use it for situations like
- A client disclosure that triggers a reasonable suspicion of abuse.
- Onboarding a new client who lives in a different state from your practice.
- Training new team members or contractors on your reporting obligations.
- Refreshing your reference card before license renewal cycles.
FAQ
Questions therapists ask before using this calculator
Are therapists always considered mandated reporters?
Yes. In every U.S. state, licensed mental health professionals are mandated reporters for suspected child abuse, and most states also require reporting of elder and dependent-adult abuse. The exact definitions and timelines vary by state, so verify the statute for the state where the client is located.
Do I have to report suspected abuse even if the client objects?
Yes. Mandated reporting obligations are not waived by client consent, and the duty is triggered by reasonable suspicion rather than proof. Privilege exceptions exist in many states for clergy-penitent communication, but the therapist-client privilege is generally not a defense.
What if I am unsure whether the situation requires a report?
When in doubt, consult the state hotline, a supervisor, or your licensing board. Most states encourage a call for consultation when the threshold is unclear, and a good-faith report provides immunity from civil or criminal liability when filed in good faith.
How quickly must a mandated report be filed?
Most states require an immediate or same-day report, typically by phone with a written follow-up within 24 to 72 hours. The guide above lists the statute citation for each state so you can confirm the exact timing for your jurisdiction.
Should I tell the client I am making a report?
It depends on the state. Some require that you notify the client when a report is filed; others do not. Document the disclosure decision in the chart and follow the law of the state where the client is located at the time of the disclosure.