Teletherapy and Therapy for Lawson State Community College Students
Supporting the unique mental health needs of Lawson State Cougars through hybrid and teletherapy options
Page Index
Understanding Lawson State Community College Student Mental Health Needs
Lawson State at a Glance
Lawson State Community College is a public, historically black community college with campuses in Birmingham and Bessemer, Alabama. The college serves approximately 3,000 students pursuing associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development training across nearly 200 programs.
As Cougars, Lawson State students bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and goals to their education, each facing unique challenges that can affect mental health and academic success.
Key Mental Health Factors for Community College Students
Community college students face unique mental health challenges compared to their four-year institution counterparts. Many Lawson State students are balancing multiple responsibilities while pursuing their education, creating distinct stressors:
Work-Education Balance: Approximately 69% of community college students work while attending school, with 33% working full-time, creating significant time management challenges and stress.
Financial Pressure: Over 40% of community college students report financial challenges that affect their academic performance.
Family Responsibilities: Approximately 29% of community college students are parents, requiring them to balance childcare and family responsibilities with their studies.
First-Generation Status: Nearly 36% of community college students are first-generation college students, who may lack family support systems with college experience.
Unique Mental Health Factors at Lawson State
- Transitional Stress: Many students at Lawson State are transitioning from high school or returning to education after time away, creating adjustment challenges.
- Workforce Development Focus: Students in career-focused programs may experience anxiety about future employment and certification requirements.
- Diverse Student Body: Lawson State serves a diverse population with varied needs, including different age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultural perspectives.
- Commuter Experience: As a primarily commuter campus, students may struggle with building social connections and support networks that can buffer against stress.
- Transfer Planning: Students planning to transfer to four-year institutions face additional stress about maintaining GPAs, selecting courses, and navigating the transfer process.
- Food and Housing Insecurity: Community college students face higher rates of basic needs insecurity, with approximately 42% experiencing food insecurity and 46% facing housing insecurity.
- Technology Access: Some students may face challenges with consistent technology access for online learning components.
- Urban Campus Environment: Located in Birmingham's metropolitan area, students navigate urban living challenges alongside academic demands.
Mental Health Resources at and around Lawson State
On-Campus Resources
- Lawson State Student Services: Offers referrals and support for students experiencing mental health challenges. Located in the Leon Kennedy Student Center on the Birmingham campus.
- Counseling Referral Services: The college provides referrals to community mental health providers for students needing counseling support.
- Student Success Center: Provides academic support, which can help reduce stress and anxiety related to coursework.
- ADA Accommodations: Services for students with documented disabilities, including mental health conditions that affect learning.
Community Resources Near Lawson State
- Crisis Center Birmingham: 24/7 crisis hotline and counseling services. Learn more
- JBS Mental Health Authority: Comprehensive mental health services in Jefferson County. Learn more
- UAB Community Counseling Clinic: Low-cost therapy provided by graduate students under supervision. Learn more
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Birmingham: Support groups and resources. Learn more
- Impact Family Counseling: Affordable counseling services for students and families. Learn more
When to Seek Help
Community college is a time of significant transition and challenge. Consider reaching out for support if you're experiencing:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm
- Difficulty concentrating or completing academic tasks
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Increased use of alcohol or substances to cope
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Trouble balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities
- Financial stress affecting your wellbeing and academic performance
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Early intervention can prevent mental health challenges from affecting your academic success and wellbeing.
Taproot Therapy Collective: Holistic Approach for Lawson State Students
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we understand the unique challenges faced by community college students at Lawson State. Our therapists offer flexible, evidence-based treatment options through both teletherapy and in-person sessions designed to accommodate busy schedules and multiple responsibilities.
Our Hybrid Teletherapy Approach
We provide convenient teletherapy for busy student schedules, making mental health care accessible even for those balancing work, family, and education. For treatments that benefit from face-to-face interaction, we also offer in-person sessions at our Birmingham location. This flexibility allows you to receive the most effective care for your specific needs while accommodating the demanding schedules of community college life.
Research shows that accessible and flexible mental health services are crucial for community college students, who often have less access to on-campus mental health resources compared to students at four-year institutions.
Specialized Services for Lawson State Students
Academic Success Support
Specialized therapy focused on managing test anxiety, procrastination, and time management challenges common among community college students.
Learn MoreWork-School-Life Balance
Support for students balancing employment, education, and personal life responsibilities, with focus on stress management and boundary setting.
Learn MoreFinancial Stress Management
Therapeutic approaches to address anxiety and stress related to financial pressures common among community college students.
Learn MoreCareer Transition Support
Therapy for students in workforce development programs or those changing careers, focusing on confidence building and managing uncertainty.
Learn MoreFirst-Generation Student Support
Specialized support for first-generation students navigating academic culture without family experience in higher education.
Learn MoreAvailable Teletherapy Modalities
Teletherapy Options
These evidence-based therapies are fully effective via secure online sessions:
- Somatic Therapy Online Available
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Online Available
- Brainspotting Online Available
- Lifespan Integration Online Available
- Parts-Based Therapy Online Available
These therapies are especially beneficial for Lawson State students dealing with academic stress, anxiety, and balancing multiple responsibilities.
Learn About TeletherapyIn-Person Therapies
These specialized treatments are optimally delivered through in-person sessions:
- Emotional Transformation Therapy In-Person
- Advanced Brainspotting Techniques In-Person
- QEEG Brain Mapping In-Person
- Neurostimulation In-Person
Our Birmingham office is conveniently located and accessible for Lawson State students seeking these specialized in-person treatments.
Learn About In-Person OptionsqEEG Brain Mapping
Our qEEG Brain Mapping service requires a visit to our office, but the results can be shared and discussed via teletherapy. This advanced assessment provides valuable insights into brain function that can inform your treatment plan.
qEEG Brain Mapping helps identify patterns related to attention issues, anxiety, depression, and trauma responses that may be affecting your academic performance and wellbeing. This science-based approach is particularly beneficial for students struggling with focus, attention, or emotional regulation.
Learn More About Brain MappingMicronutrition for Mental Health
We offer specialized micronutrition support to optimize brain function and mental health. Our approach recognizes the critical connection between nutrition and cognitive performance, especially important for busy students.
Through our partnership with Hardy Nutritionals, we can offer Lawson State students a 15% discount on micronutrition supplements when using the offer code "Taproot" at checkout.
Learn About Micronutrition Visit Hardy NutritionalsBenefits for Lawson State Students
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend appointments to accommodate class schedules and work commitments.
- Specialized Experience: Our therapists understand the unique pressures of community college environments, with specific expertise in addressing the challenges that affect Lawson State students.
- Cultural Competence: Support for diverse student populations, addressing the specific needs of Lawson State's multicultural campus community.
- Work-Life-School Balance: Specialized approaches for students balancing multiple responsibilities.
- Insurance Options: We accept BCBS insurance and offer sliding scale options, with LMSWs providing reduced rates for students on tight budgets.
- Secure Platform: HIPAA-compliant teletherapy ensures your privacy and confidentiality.
Meet Our Therapists
Our experienced therapists specialize in supporting community college students. All offer teletherapy options with flexible scheduling to fit your busy life as a Lawson State student.
Pamela Hayes, MSW, LMSW
EMDR & Somatic Therapy
Specializes in helping students navigate academic stress and trauma with evidence-based approaches.
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Dr. Haley Beech, PhD, MSW, LMSW
Women's Issues & Perinatal Health
Expertise in helping students balance family responsibilities and academic demands.
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Becky Milstead, LPC
Teen & Family Therapy
With over 20 years experience helping younger students transition to college life.
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James Waites, LICSW, MSW
Career Coaching & Burnout
Specializes in helping students navigate career transitions and workforce development programs.
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Kristi Wood, LICSW, MSW, PIP
QEEG & Neurostimulation
Advanced brain-based approaches for students dealing with anxiety, focus issues, and depression.
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Kristan Baer, LMSW, MSW, SEP
Somatic Experiencing & Trauma
Specializes in trauma-focused therapy helping students overcome barriers to academic success.
View ProfileReady to Take the First Step?
Contact us to learn how our therapists can support your mental health journey at Lawson State.
Contact UsWhat to Expect
- ✓ Discussion of your current challenges as a student
- ✓ Overview of therapy approaches that might help
- ✓ Information about our teletherapy platform
- ✓ Information about rates, sliding scale options, and insurance
- ✓ Guidance on scheduling your first appointment
We take Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and offer sliding scale rates for students. Our LMSWs provide reduced sliding scale rates for those with financial constraints.
Insurance & Payment Options
Insurance Plans
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. Please contact us to verify your coverage and understand any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Self-Pay & Sliding Scale
For students without insurance coverage or those who prefer not to use insurance:
- We offer sliding scale options based on financial need
- Our LMSWs provide services at a reduced sliding scale rate
- Ask about special rates for Lawson State students
We're committed to making mental health care accessible for all Lawson State students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does teletherapy work for Lawson State students?
Our teletherapy sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You'll need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. Many Lawson State students complete sessions from their homes, cars, or even in private study rooms on campus. Sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns.
What if I need to schedule around my classes and work?
We understand that Lawson State students often juggle multiple responsibilities. Our therapists offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, to accommodate your busy life. We'll work with you to find a consistent time that fits around your class and work schedule.
Do you understand the specific challenges of community college students?
Absolutely. Our therapists are familiar with the unique challenges faced by community college students, including balancing work and education, navigating financial pressures, managing family responsibilities, and planning for career or transfer to four-year institutions. We tailor our approaches to address these specific stressors.
How long does therapy typically last?
The duration of therapy varies based on your individual needs and goals. Some students benefit from short-term, solution-focused approaches that might last 8-10 sessions, while others prefer ongoing support throughout their academic journey. We'll work together to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.
Teletherapy Services Across Alabama
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we're committed to making expert mental health care accessible throughout Alabama. Our therapists provide professional teletherapy services that bring specialized care directly to Lawson State students, wherever you are in the state.
Teletherapy Available in These Alabama Locations
We offer teletherapy across the state of Alabama and in these major cities: Dothan, Vestavia Hills, Madison, Prattville, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Florence, Birmingham, Auburn, and Mobile, Alabama.
Additional Resources for Lawson State Students
Podcast and Educational Resources
Our podcast and educational resources cover topics specifically relevant to community college students:
- Managing academic stress and test anxiety
- Balancing work, education, and personal life
- Navigating career transitions
- Building resilience and coping skills
- Understanding mental health and seeking support