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                         Teletherapy and In-Person Therapy for Students at Auburn University at Montgomery | Taproot Therapy Collective             
               

Teletherapy and In-Person Therapy for Students at Auburn University at Montgomery

       

At Taproot Therapy Collective, we understand the unique challenges faced by college students and staff at Auburn University at Montgomery. Our team of skilled therapists offers both teletherapy and in-person options to support your mental health journey during these important years of growth and transition.

   
                         
       

Understanding the Unique Mental Health Needs of AUM Students

                

Auburn University at Montgomery's diverse student population faces a unique set of challenges that can impact mental health and well-being. With approximately 5,200 students enrolled as of Fall 2023, AUM serves a wide range of individuals, each with their own specific needs and circumstances.

                
           

The College Mental Health Landscape

           

College students today face unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The transition to university life, academic pressures, financial concerns, and social challenges can all contribute to mental health difficulties. For many students, these years represent a critical period when mental health conditions may first emerge or intensify.

       
                

Unique Challenges Facing AUM Students and Staff

                
           
               

Non-Traditional Students

               

AUM serves a significant population of non-traditional students who are balancing academics with work and family responsibilities. These additional obligations can create unique stressors and time management challenges that may impact mental health.

           
                        
               

Military-Affiliated Students

               

With Maxwell Air Force Base nearby, AUM has a notable population of military-affiliated students who may be navigating the complex transition between military and academic life, sometimes while dealing with service-related trauma or adjustment issues.

           
                        
               

Regional Disaster Impact

               

Students in the Montgomery area may be dealing with the aftermath of regional natural disasters, which can cause disruption, displacement, and trauma that impact academic performance and mental well-being.

           
                        
               

Urban Campus Setting

               

The urban setting of AUM presents both opportunities and challenges, with students potentially facing urban stressors including housing insecurity, transportation difficulties, and adapting to city life.

           
                        
               

First-Generation College Students

               

Many AUM students are the first in their families to attend college, which can bring additional pressures, expectations, and challenges navigating academic systems without family guidance.

           
                        
               

International Students

               

AUM's international student population faces unique challenges including cultural adjustment, language barriers, homesickness, and navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems when seeking mental health support.

           
       
   
            
       

Mental Health Statistics Relevant to Alabama College Students

                

Understanding the prevalence and impact of mental health challenges among college students and Alabama residents provides important context for addressing these issues effectively:

                
           
               
60%+
               

During the 2020–2021 school year, more than 60% of college students nationwide met the criteria for at least one mental health problem.

               

Source: American Psychological Association

           
                        
               
42%
               

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.

               

Source: Uwill - Alabama Community College System

           
                        
               
41%
               

Approximately 41% of adults in Alabama sought medical treatment for mental health issues between 2017 and 2019.

               

Source: Uwill - Alabama Community College System

           
                        
               
4x
               

The suicide mortality rate is almost more than four times greater for males compared to females (26.6 deaths compared to 6.9 deaths per 100,000 persons) in Alabama.

               

Source: Alabama Public Health

           
                        
               
12th
               

In 2019, suicide was the twelfth leading cause of death in Alabama, highlighting the critical importance of accessible mental health resources.

               

Source: Alabama Public Health

           
       
                
           

Why These Statistics Matter

           

These numbers highlight the critical need for accessible, effective mental health services for college students. At Taproot Therapy Collective, we're committed to addressing these challenges through specialized treatment approaches designed specifically for college students and young adults.

       
   
            
       

Mental Health Resources Available at AUM and in Montgomery

                

Auburn University at Montgomery offers several on-campus resources to support student mental health. These services provide an important foundation, and Taproot Therapy Collective serves as a complementary resource for students who may benefit from specialized treatment approaches or more flexible scheduling options.

                

On-Campus Resources

                
           

AUM Counseling and Health Promotion Services

           

Located in the Wellness Center (Moore Hall), this service provides:

           
                   
  • Individual counseling sessions
    •                
  • Group therapy options
    •                
  • Crisis intervention
    •                
  • Mental health workshops and outreach programs
    •                
  • Wellness promotion activities
    •            
           

For more information, visit the AUM Counseling Services website.

       
                
           

Warhawk Health Services (AUM Student Health Services)

           

Provides primary, preventive, and urgent care to students. It also assists with referrals to mental health specialists when needed. Located in the Wellness Center (Moore Hall).

           

For more information, visit the Warhawk Health Services website.

       
                
           

AUM Student Affairs

           

Offers general support services and can assist students in navigating resources both on and off campus.

           

For more information, visit the AUM Student Affairs website.

       
                

Montgomery Area Resources

                
           

Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority (Carastar Health)

           

Provides comprehensive mental health services to Montgomery County residents, including counseling, psychiatric services, and crisis intervention.

           

Phone: **(334) 279-7830**

           

Website: www.carastar.org

       
                
           

Alabama Department of Mental Health

           

Offers resources, referrals, and information about mental health services throughout the state.

           

Website: mh.alabama.gov

       
                
           

Crisis Resources (24/7)

           
                   
  • **National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:** **988**
    •                
  • **Crisis Text Line:** Text **HOME** to **741741**
    •                
  • **Montgomery Crisis Line (MAMHA):** **(334) 279-7830**
    •                
  • For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
    •            
       
   
            
       

Specialized Teletherapy for AUM Students

                
           

Why Teletherapy Works for College Students

           

Teletherapy offers flexibility, privacy, and convenience that aligns perfectly with the demanding schedules of college students. No need to worry about transportation or fitting appointments between classes—connect with your therapist from anywhere with internet access.

       
                

Taproot Therapy Collective offers specialized teletherapy services designed specifically for the unique needs of college students at Auburn University at Montgomery. Our approach combines evidence-based treatments with the convenience and accessibility of virtual sessions.

                
           
               

Flexible Scheduling

               

We understand that college schedules can be unpredictable and demanding. Our teletherapy services offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your academic commitments, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities.

           
                        
               

Secure and Confidential

               

Our teletherapy platform meets all HIPAA compliance standards, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality. Sessions take place in a secure virtual environment where you can speak freely without concerns about being overheard or recognized.

           
                        
               

Continuation of Care

               

With teletherapy, you can maintain consistent treatment even during semester breaks, holidays, or when you return to your hometown. This continuity is crucial for long-term mental health improvement and support.

           
                        
               

Specialized College-Focused Therapy

               

Our therapists understand the unique pressures of college life—academic stress, identity development, relationship challenges, career anxiety, and the transition to independence. We tailor our approaches to address these specific concerns.

           
       
   
            
       

Our Teletherapy Specialists

                
           

Expert Therapists Available via Telehealth

           

All of our telehealth providers are licensed in Alabama and specialize in working with college students and young adults. Each therapist brings a unique approach and specialized training to support your mental health journey.

       
                
           
                Pamela Hayes, MSW LMSW                

Pamela Hayes, MSW LMSW

               

Pamela is a skilled clinical social worker offering teletherapy services to clients across Alabama. She specializes in supporting adults recovering from complex PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and chronic illness.

               

For students with overlapping anxiety and attention difficulties, she offers specialized approaches addressing both anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Her non-pathologizing style blends experiential techniques with evidence-based modalities.

               

Teletherapy Specialties:

               
                       
  • Brainspotting
    •                    
  • Somatic Experiencing
    •                    
  • Lifespan Integration
    •                    
  • EMDR
    •                    
  • Student anxiety and academic stress
    •                
                Connect with Pamela            
                        
                Dr. Haley Beech, PhD MSW LMSW                

Dr. Haley Beech, PhD MSW LMSW

               

Dr. Haley Beech specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma. With a strong focus on treating the whole person, Dr. Beech incorporates somatic and experiential modalities to help clients navigate through trauma held in the body and emotions.

               

For students experiencing anxiety and depression, she may discuss both therapeutic approaches and medication options when appropriate. Her compassionate approach creates a safe space for healing and transformation.

               

Teletherapy Specialties:

               
                       
  • Brainspotting
    •                    
  • Academic and performance anxiety
    •                    
  • Identity development and personal growth
    •                    
  • Trauma-informed care
    •                    
  • Depression and mood disorders
    •                
                Learn more about Dr. Beech            
                        
                Becky Milstead, LPC                

Becky Milstead, LPC

               

Becky Milstead is a seasoned therapist with over 20 years of experience helping teenagers, young adults, and families heal trauma and learn to communicate effectively.

               

Becky's approach centers around each person's personality and unique needs, creating a safe space to be seen and heard. She incorporates engaging activities and teaches DBT skills to help young adults recognize and regulate their emotions.

               

Teletherapy Specialties:

               
                       
  • DBT skills training
    •                    
  • Transition to college and adulthood
    •                    
  • Family communication issues
    •                    
  • Emotion regulation
    •                    
  • Academic stress management
    •                
                Connect with Becky            
                        
    Marie Danner, LICSW-S MSW CCTP-II    

Marie Danner, LICSW-S MSW CCTP-II

   

Marie Danner is a seasoned trauma therapist who employs a multi-modal approach to create personalized treatment plans for each client. She specializes in helping college students navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

   

Her therapeutic toolbox includes multiple evidence-based approaches that can be effectively delivered via telehealth, creating a comfortable space for students to explore their challenges from the privacy of their own environment.

   

Teletherapy Specialties:

   
           
  • Brainspotting
    •        
  • Lifespan Integration
    •        
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    •        
  • Anxiety and stress management
    •        
  • Trauma processing
    •    
    Book a session with Marie
    Kristi Wood, LICSW MSW PIP    

Kristi Wood, LICSW MSW PIP

   

Kristi develops personalized treatment plans that incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space for college students to explore their experiences and work towards lasting change.

   

Kristi is an EMDR and Brainspotting trained therapist who understands the unique pressures facing today's college students, from academic stress to social media pressures and career uncertainty.

   

Teletherapy Specialties:

   
           
  • Brainspotting
    •        
  • EMDR
    •        
  • Substance use concerns
    •        
  • Anxiety and depression
    •        
  • Identity exploration
    •    
    Book a session with Kristi
         
   

Our Hybrid Therapy Approach for AUM Students

        

While many therapeutic approaches can be effectively delivered through teletherapy, some specialized treatments benefit from occasional in-person sessions. At Taproot Therapy Collective, we offer a unique hybrid approach that allows AUM students to combine the convenience of teletherapy with targeted in-person sessions when needed.

        
       

The Best of Both Worlds

       

Our hybrid approach gives you the flexibility to maintain consistent therapy through teletherapy while accessing specialized in-person treatments when they would be most beneficial. This approach is particularly valuable for students with complex trauma, severe anxiety, or specific treatment needs.

   
        

Treatment Modalities by Delivery Method

        
       
           

Available via Teletherapy

           
                   
  • Somatic Therapy
    •                
  • EMDR
    •                
  • Brainspotting (most forms)
    •                
  • Lifespan Integration
    •                
  • Parts-Based Therapy
    •                
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    •                
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
    •                
  • Motivational Interviewing
    •            
       
                
           

Best Delivered In-Person

                   
   
        

Our office is located in Birmingham, approximately 60 miles from the AUM campus. While this makes regular in-person sessions impractical for many students, our hybrid model allows you to schedule occasional in-person visits for specialized treatments while maintaining consistent support through teletherapy.

     
   

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for College Students

        

At Taproot Therapy Collective, we utilize a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches specifically selected to address the common mental health challenges facing college students:

        
       
           

Anxiety & Academic Stress

           

College students often experience heightened anxiety related to academic performance, time management, and future uncertainty. We offer specialized approaches including EMDR for anxiety, Brainspotting, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help manage these pressures.

       
                
           

Trauma & PTSD

           

Many students enter college with previous traumas or experience traumatic events during their college years. Our trauma-informed approaches include somatic therapy, EMDR, and Lifespan Integration to process these experiences and reduce their impact.

       
                
           

Depression & Mood Disorders

           

College can trigger or exacerbate depression and other mood disorders. We offer comprehensive approaches that address both the neurobiological and psychological aspects of these conditions, including nutritional approaches when appropriate.

       
                
           

Identity & Personal Growth

           

College is a critical time for identity development and personal growth. Our therapists utilize approaches like parts-based therapy and Jungian psychotherapy to support this important developmental process.

       
                
           

Attention & Focus Challenges

           

Many college students struggle with attention and focus issues, whether due to ADHD or other factors. We offer specialized approaches for ADHD and anxiety, including cognitive strategies, mindfulness techniques, and neurofeedback when appropriate.

       
                
           

Relationship & Social Challenges

           

College relationships can be complex and challenging, whether with roommates, romantic partners, or family members. Our therapists help students navigate these dynamics and develop healthy relationship skills that will serve them throughout life.

       
   
   

Ready to Get Started? Here's How

   

Taking the first step toward mental health support can feel overwhelming, but we've made the process as simple and straightforward as possible:

        
           
  1. Initial Contact: Reach out to us through our contact form or by calling our office. Let us know you're an AUM student interested in teletherapy services.
    2.        
  2. Brief Consultation: We'll arrange a brief phone consultation to understand your needs and match you with the right therapist for your specific situation.
    3.        
  3. Insurance & Payment: We'll discuss insurance coverage and payment options. We accept many major insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay rates for students.
    4.        
  4. Schedule Your First Session: Once matched with a therapist, you'll receive instructions for accessing our secure teletherapy platform and schedule your first appointment.
    5.        
  5. Begin Your Journey: Start your therapy journey with the support of a dedicated mental health professional who understands the unique challenges of college life.
    6.    
        

Most students can begin therapy within 1-2 weeks of initial contact, and we offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy academic schedules.

         Contact Us Today
   

Disclaimer: Taproot Therapy Collective is a private mental health practice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Auburn University at Montgomery. We are an independent business offering mental health services to AUM students and staff, among others in the community. There is no formal business relationship between Taproot Therapy Collective and Auburn University at Montgomery. This page is provided as an informational resource for AUM students and staff seeking additional mental health support options.

   

© 2025 Taproot Therapy Collective. All rights reserved.

   

At Taproot Therapy Collective, we believe in a holistic approach to mental health for college students. We integrate cutting-edge therapeutic techniques with evidence-based practices to create personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each client.

   

Serving students at Auburn University at Montgomery and throughout Alabama through secure, professional teletherapy services.

   

For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, please visit our contact page.

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