Teletherapy Services for University of South Alabama Students
Specialized mental health support for USA students and staff, offering both teletherapy and in-person treatment options.
Understanding Student Mental Health at University of South Alabama
College students face unique mental health challenges as they navigate academic pressures, social transitions, identity development, and preparation for future careers. At the University of South Alabama (USA), with approximately 14,000 students enrolled as of Fall 2023, these challenges are further shaped by specific environmental factors and institutional characteristics.
Why College Mental Health Matters
Mental health significantly impacts academic performance, retention rates, and overall student success. Supporting student mental wellbeing isn't just about addressing distress—it's an essential component of creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally during their time at USA.
Connect With Taproot Therapy Collective
Ready to take the next step in your mental health journey? Our team is here to support University of South Alabama students and staff through convenient, effective teletherapy and in-person services.
We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy academic calendars, including evening and weekend appointments. Many of our therapists can provide sessions between classes or during study breaks, minimizing disruption to your academic routine.
Most major insurance plans are accepted, and we offer competitive self-pay rates for students without insurance coverage. We're committed to making mental health care accessible to the USA community.
Schedule a ConsultationDisclaimer: Taproot Therapy Collective is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of South Alabama. We are an independent mental health practice committed to supporting the well-being of students and staff in the academic community through specialized teletherapy and in-person services. This page is intended as a resource for USA students seeking additional mental health support options beyond campus resources.
As a university with strong healthcare, engineering, and business programs, USA students often face program-specific stressors alongside the universal challenges of college life. The university's location in Mobile also brings unique regional considerations that affect student mental health.
Mental Health Statistics for College Students
60%+ College Students Experience Mental Health Challenges
During the 2020–2021 school year, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem, according to the American Psychological Association.
High Stress Levels Among Professional Students
A UAB study found that 62.2% of professional students experienced moderate to high stress levels, highlighting the particular challenges faced by students in healthcare and other professional programs.
42% Need Help But 60% Don't Receive It
About 42% of college students have expressed the need for help with mental health difficulties in the last year, but more than 60% have never received counseling or therapy, according to Uwill.
41% of Alabama Adults Seek Mental Health Treatment
In Alabama, approximately 41% of adults sought medical treatment for mental health issues between 2017 and 2019, indicating a growing awareness of mental health needs across the state.
Suicide: A Serious Concern
Suicide was the twelfth leading cause of death in Alabama in 2019, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health, underscoring the critical importance of mental health support services.
Unique Mental Health Needs of USA Students
Healthcare Program Students
USA has renowned healthcare programs, including the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and allied health programs. Students in these fields face unique stressors such as clinical rotations, high-stakes exams, exposure to patient suffering, and demanding workloads that can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue.
Commuter Students
Many USA students commute to campus, balancing academic responsibilities with off-campus work, family obligations, and longer travel times. This can create added stress, limit access to on-campus support services, and affect sense of belonging and community connection.
Gulf Coast Environmental Factors
USA's location on the Gulf Coast means students may experience stress and mental health impacts related to hurricane seasons, flooding, and other natural disaster concerns, which can disrupt academic progress and create ongoing anxiety.
First-Generation College Students
Many USA students are the first in their families to attend college, facing unique challenges in navigating university systems without family guidance. This can contribute to feelings of imposter syndrome, heightened pressure to succeed, and difficulty accessing resources.
Urban Campus Environment
USA's setting in Mobile creates distinctive mental health considerations associated with urban environments, including community integration, transportation stress, safety concerns, and adjustment for students from rural backgrounds.
International and Out-of-State Students
Students who relocate to attend USA face additional adjustment stressors, cultural transitions, homesickness, and the challenge of building new support networks while far from established support systems.
Mental Health Resources at University of South Alabama
USA offers several on-campus resources to support student mental health:
USA Counseling and Testing Center
Provides free, confidential counseling services to enrolled students, including individual therapy, group counseling, and crisis intervention.
Phone: (251) 460-7051
USA Student Health Center
Offers medical care and can provide referrals to mental health services, including medication management for mental health conditions.
Phone: (251) 460-7151
USA Psychology Clinic
Operated by the Department of Psychology, offering low-cost therapy services provided by graduate students under supervision.
Phone: (251) 460-7149
USA Department of Campus Recreation
Offers wellness programs, fitness classes, and recreational activities that support physical and mental wellbeing.
USA Title IX Office
Provides support and resources for students affected by sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination, which can impact mental health.
Phone: (251) 460-6452
USA Student Disability Services
Offers accommodations and support for students with mental health disabilities or conditions that affect academic performance.
Phone: (251) 460-7212
Additional Mental Health Resources in Mobile, Alabama
AltaPointe Health
Comprehensive behavioral health services, including outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, and crisis intervention.
Crisis Line: (251) 450-2211
Mobile Mental Health Center
Community mental health services, including individual therapy, group counseling, and medication management.
Phone: (251) 662-2223
Providence Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health
Offers psychiatric services and therapy for various mental health conditions.
Phone: (251) 639-2010
Baldwin County Mental Health Center
Provides mental health services for residents in neighboring Baldwin County.
Phone: (251) 472-3710
National Crisis Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+): 1-866-488-7386
Taproot Therapy Collective's Holistic Approach for USA Students
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we understand the unique challenges faced by University of South Alabama students and staff. Our approach to mental health care combines evidence-based treatments with holistic, root-cause focused therapy that addresses the whole person—not just symptoms.
Flexible Teletherapy Options for Busy Students
We recognize that USA students juggle demanding academic schedules, work responsibilities, and other commitments. Our teletherapy services provide convenient, accessible mental health care that fits into your busy life, eliminating barriers like transportation challenges and reducing the time commitment needed for in-person appointments.
Our clinicians specialize in treating the specific mental health challenges common among college students, including:
- Academic stress and performance anxiety
- Adjustment to college life and identity development
- Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
- Trauma and PTSD, including childhood trauma impacting current functioning
- Burnout and compassion fatigue (especially for healthcare students)
- Relationship issues and social anxiety
- Attention difficulties and executive function challenges
- Perfectionism and imposter syndrome
Hybrid Approach: Combining Teletherapy with In-Person Options
While we offer comprehensive teletherapy services for maximum convenience, some therapeutic approaches are most effective in person. Our hybrid model allows USA students to primarily use teletherapy while scheduling occasional in-person sessions for specific treatments or assessments.
This flexible approach ensures you receive the most effective care while minimizing disruption to your academic and personal life. Our office is located a reasonable distance from the USA campus, making it accessible for periodic in-person visits as needed.
Innovative Treatment Options for USA Students
Available Through Teletherapy
Somatic Therapy
Address trauma and stress stored in the body through virtual body-centered approaches. Our therapists use specialized techniques to help you recognize and release physical tension patterns related to psychological distress.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing can be effectively delivered via telehealth for trauma processing and anxiety reduction, helping students overcome past experiences that may be impacting current functioning.
Brainspotting
Many aspects of this powerful brain-based therapy can be conducted virtually, helping you process trauma and emotional distress through specific eye positions that access the brain's natural healing capacity.
Lifespan Integration
This gentle, effective approach helps integrate fragmented memories and build coherent self-identity, which can be especially beneficial for students navigating identity development and past trauma.
Parts-Based Therapy
Explore and heal different aspects of yourself through virtual parts work, addressing internal conflicts and building self-leadership that can help with decision-making and emotional regulation during college.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Evidence-based approach to identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression common among students.
Available Through In-Person Sessions
Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT)
This innovative approach uses specific frequencies of light and interpersonal therapy to rapidly transform emotional distress, requiring specialized equipment available in our office.
Advanced Brainspotting Techniques
While basic Brainspotting can be done virtually, some advanced applications work best in person, providing deeper processing for complex trauma and anxiety.
QEEG Brain Mapping
Quantitative electroencephalography provides a detailed map of brain activity, helping identify patterns related to attention difficulties, anxiety, depression, and other challenges common among students.
Neurostimulation
Non-invasive techniques to regulate brain activity, particularly helpful for attention issues, depression, and anxiety that may interfere with academic performance.
Micronutrition for Mental Health
We also offer evidence-based nutritional approaches to support mental health, which can be especially beneficial for students dealing with the stress of academic demands, irregular eating patterns, and limited sleep. Learn more about micronutrition for mental health.
Meet Our Teletherapy Specialists for USA Students
Pamela Hayes, MSW LMSW
Specialized in supporting college students with complex PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Pamela's flexible teletherapy scheduling is ideal for busy students juggling academic, work, and personal responsibilities.
Her approach combines Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Lifespan Integration, and EMDR—all adaptable to virtual sessions.
Learn More About Pamela
Dr. Haley Beech, PhD MSW LMSW
Dr. Beech specializes in supporting students with anxiety, depression, and medical trauma. Her compassionate, non-pathologizing approach creates a safe space for deep healing, particularly beneficial for students in healthcare programs experiencing stress.
She incorporates somatic and experiential modalities like Brainspotting to help students navigate through trauma held in the body and emotions.
Learn More About Dr. Beech
Marie Danner, LICSW-S MSW CCTP-II
Marie is a seasoned trauma therapist who provides teletherapy for college students dealing with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and addiction concerns. Her multi-modal approach includes Brainspotting, Lifespan Integration, CBT, and DBT.
For students interested in incorporating spirituality into their healing process, Marie offers a supportive, integrative approach that respects diverse belief systems.
Learn More About Marie
Kristi Wood, LICSW MSW PIP
Kristi specializes in helping college students with anxiety, depression, and trauma through teletherapy. Her approach incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
As an EMDR and Brainspotting trained therapist, she offers specialized support for substance use concerns, attachment issues, and chronic illness management that may affect academic performance.
Learn More About Kristi
Becky Milstead, LPC
With over 20 years of experience, Becky provides teletherapy for college students navigating anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. She brings a compassionate approach that helps students develop practical coping skills while addressing deeper emotional needs.
Becky incorporates DBT skills to help students recognize and regulate emotions during the challenging college years.
Learn More About Becky
James Waites, LICSW MSW
James offers specialized support for healthcare students and professionals facing burnout, stress, and trauma. His experience working with medical professionals makes him particularly well-suited for USA's healthcare program students.
Using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and Brainspotting, James helps students develop sustainable self-care strategies while addressing underlying mental health concerns.
Learn More About JamesConnect With Taproot Therapy Collective
Ready to take the next step in your mental health journey? Our team is here to support University of South Alabama students and staff through convenient, effective teletherapy and in-person services.
We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy academic calendars, including evening and weekend appointments. Many of our therapists can provide sessions between classes or during study breaks, minimizing disruption to your academic routine.
Most major insurance plans are accepted, and we offer competitive self-pay rates for students without insurance coverage. We're committed to making mental health care accessible to the USA community.
Schedule a ConsultationDisclaimer: Taproot Therapy Collective is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of South Alabama. We are an independent mental health practice and private business with no formal business relationship with the university. We provide these resources as a service to support the well-being of students and staff in the academic community through specialized teletherapy and in-person services. This page is intended as a resource for USA students seeking additional mental health support options beyond campus resources.