Teletherapy and Therapy for Students at Miles College
Supporting the unique mental health needs of Golden Bears through specialized teletherapy services
Understanding Miles College Student Mental Health Needs
Miles College at a Glance
Miles College is a historically black college (HBCU) located in Fairfield, Alabama, affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. As the home of the Golden Bears, Miles College provides a unique educational environment with specific mental health challenges and needs that require specialized support.
Key Mental Health Factors at Miles College
Students at Miles College face unique challenges that can impact their mental health and academic success:
Academic Pressures
The rigorous academic environment at Miles College creates significant pressure, especially for first-generation college students who make up a large portion of the student body. Many students report feeling overwhelmed by academic expectations and workload.
Financial Stressors
Many Miles College students face financial challenges, working while studying, and managing student loans. Financial stress can significantly impact mental health and academic performance.
Cultural and Identity Factors
As an HBCU, Miles College provides a supportive environment for exploring racial identity and cultural heritage. However, students may face unique stressors related to racial discrimination, cultural adjustment, and societal pressures.
First-Generation Student Challenges
Many Miles College students are the first in their families to attend college, creating added pressure to succeed and navigate an unfamiliar academic environment without established family guidance.
Community Impact
The close-knit community at Miles College means that campus events and community challenges can have widespread impacts on student mental health, requiring specialized support services.
Post-Pandemic Challenges
Students continue to navigate the aftermath of COVID-19, which has disproportionately affected minority communities both economically and in terms of health outcomes.
Common Mental Health Concerns at Miles College
Based on national data from HBCUs and small colleges:
- Over 40% of HBCU students report experiencing significant stress related to academic performance
- Approximately 36% report symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Financial stress impacts more than 65% of HBCU students
- First-generation college students are 50% more likely to experience imposter syndrome
- Many students report delaying seeking mental health support due to stigma concerns
Mental Health Resources at Miles College
On-Campus Resources
- Miles College Counseling Center: Offers individual counseling, group sessions, and crisis intervention
- Student Health Services: Provides health screenings and referrals for mental health services
- Campus Ministry: Offers spiritual support and counseling for students
- Academic Success Center: Helps manage academic stress through tutoring and support
Community Resources Near Miles College
- Crisis Center Birmingham: 24/7 crisis services and counseling
- UAB Community Counseling Clinic: Low-cost therapy services
- NAMI Birmingham: Support groups and mental health resources
- Jefferson County Department of Health: Mental health services and referrals
HBCU-Specific Resources
- The Steve Fund: Mental health resources specifically for students of color
- Black Mental Health Alliance: Culturally competent mental health resources
- Therapy for Black Girls: Directory of therapists specializing in supporting Black women
- HBCU Wellness Project: Mental health initiatives for HBCU students
When to Seek Help
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
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Early intervention can prevent mental health challenges from affecting your academic success and wellbeing.
Teletherapy Benefits for Miles College Students
Why Teletherapy Works for Golden Bears
Our teletherapy services are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Miles College students, offering flexible, accessible mental health support that works with your busy schedule and specific challenges.
Convenience & Accessibility
Teletherapy eliminates transportation barriers and fits into busy academic schedules. Sessions can be attended from your dorm room, apartment, or any private space with internet access.
Privacy & Comfort
Many students feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues from a familiar environment. Teletherapy provides privacy and reduces concerns about being seen entering a counseling center.
Continuity of Care
Maintain your therapy relationship during breaks, when traveling for sports or activities, or when returning home. This consistency is especially important for ongoing mental health support.
Specialized Expertise
Access therapists with specific expertise in supporting HBCU students, first-generation college students, and those navigating identity development and academic challenges.
Reduced Stigma
Teletherapy can help overcome the stigma sometimes associated with seeking mental health support, particularly in communities where mental health may be less openly discussed.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate class schedules, work commitments, and extracurricular activities. This flexibility is crucial for busy college students.
Taproot Therapy Collective: Treatment Options
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatment approaches specifically beneficial for Miles College students. Our hybrid model combines the convenience of teletherapy with specialized in-person treatments when needed.
qEEG Brain Mapping
qEEG Brain Mapping uses advanced technology to create a map of your brain's electrical activity, helping identify patterns that may contribute to mental health challenges. This specialized assessment requires an in-person visit to our office, but the results and treatment planning can be conducted via teletherapy.
This approach is particularly beneficial for students struggling with:
- Attention and focus difficulties affecting academic performance
- Anxiety that interferes with test-taking or presentations
- Sleep issues that impact academic performance
- Mood regulation challenges
- History of concussions or TBI affecting cognitive function
Micronutrition for Mental Health
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in brain function and mental health. Many college students face nutritional challenges due to busy schedules, limited food options, and budget constraints. Our micronutrition approach addresses these foundational aspects of mental wellbeing.
We partner with Hardy Nutritionals to provide research-backed micronutrient supplements that support brain health and emotional regulation. Miles College students can receive a 15% discount with the offer code "Taproot" when ordering from gethardy.com.
Micronutrition support can help with:
- Mood stabilization and depression symptoms
- Anxiety reduction
- Concentration and focus improvement
- Energy regulation and fatigue reduction
- Stress resilience
Teletherapy-Compatible Treatment Approaches
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps process traumatic experiences and reduce their ongoing impact on your life and academic performance. Fully available through teletherapy.
Teletherapy Available Learn MoreBrainspotting
A powerful therapeutic approach that helps identify and process sources of trauma, emotional pain, and anxiety that may be affecting your college experience.
Teletherapy Available Learn MoreSomatic Experiencing
A body-centered approach to healing trauma and stress, particularly helpful for students experiencing anxiety, stress responses, and trauma symptoms.
Teletherapy Available Learn MoreParts-Based Therapy
Helps reconcile different aspects of yourself that may be in conflict, particularly useful for students navigating identity development and life transitions.
Teletherapy Available Learn MoreLifespan Integration
A gentle therapeutic approach that helps heal past trauma and create a more coherent sense of self, beneficial for students working through past experiences.
Teletherapy Available Learn MoreEmotional Transformation Therapy
Uses visual brain stimulation and color to rapidly process emotional distress and trauma. This approach requires in-person sessions.
In-Person Only Learn MoreTreatment Availability Note
Please note the following about our treatment options:
- qEEG Brain Mapping: Requires an in-person visit to our office, but results can be discussed via teletherapy
- Emotional Transformation Therapy: Must be conducted in-person
- Neurostimulation: Requires in-person sessions
- All Other Treatments: Available via secure teletherapy
We understand the busy schedules of Miles College students and strive to make our services as accessible as possible, with a focus on teletherapy options when appropriate.
Meet Our Therapists
Our experienced therapists specialize in supporting college students and are committed to providing culturally responsive care for Miles College students. All offer teletherapy options with flexible scheduling.
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 women navigate academic challenges, relationships, and identity development.
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Becky Milstead, LPC
Teen & Family Therapy
With over 20 years experience helping young adults navigate transitions and family dynamics.
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James Waites, LICSW, MSW
Academic Performance & Career Coaching
Specializes in helping students overcome burnout, academic challenges, and career planning.
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Kristi Wood, LICSW, MSW, PIP
QEEG & Neurostimulation
Advanced brain-based approaches for students dealing with anxiety, trauma, and depression affecting academic performance.
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Kristan Baer, LMSW, MSW, SEP
Somatic Experiencing & Trauma
Specializes in trauma-focused therapy helping students heal from PTSD, anxiety, and depression through a body-centered approach.
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Dr. Jason Mishalanie, PhD
Clinical Psychology & Academic Performance
Specializes in helping college students navigate academic stress, identity development, and life transitions.
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Joel Blackstock, LICSW, MSW, PIP
Jungian Therapy & Identity Development
Helps students explore identity, purpose, and personal growth using depth psychology approaches.
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Alice Hawley, LPC
Anxiety & Depression
Specializes in helping college students manage anxiety, depression, and stress affecting academic performance.
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Marie Danner, LICSW, PIP
Trauma & Anxiety
Expert in helping students overcome trauma, anxiety, and stress that impacts academic performance and college life.
View ProfileInsurance & Payment Options
Insurance Plans
We accept BlueCross BlueShield insurance plans, which many Miles College students have through family coverage or student health plans.
Our team will help verify your coverage and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before your first session.
Sliding Scale Options
We understand the financial challenges many college students face and offer sliding scale fees based on financial need.
Our LMSW providers offer reduced sliding scale rates to make therapy more accessible for students. Please inquire about current rates and availability.
Session Packages
For students without insurance coverage, we offer package rates that can make therapy more affordable when multiple sessions are needed.
Ask about our student discounts and package options during your initial consultation.
Please contact us to discuss the most current fee information and payment options available to Miles College students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does teletherapy work for Miles College 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 Miles College students complete sessions from their apartments, dorm rooms (when roommates are out), or even in private study rooms on campus. Sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns.
How is your service different from Miles College's counseling services?
While Miles College's counseling center offers valuable services, as a private practice we provide specialized treatment modalities, flexibility in scheduling, and the option to continue therapy even during semester breaks or after graduation. We're also an excellent option for students who may prefer working with a therapist outside of the campus system for privacy or specialized needs.
Can you work with my academic challenges specific to Miles College?
Absolutely. Our therapists are familiar with the unique stressors faced by HBCU students and the specific challenges that may arise at Miles College. We've worked with many students navigating academic pressures, identity development, and the unique aspects of HBCU campus life.
Will my professors or Miles College administration know I'm in therapy?
No. Your therapy is completely confidential. As an independent practice, we do not share any information with Miles College unless you provide explicit written permission. The only exceptions to confidentiality are standard legal requirements related to imminent safety concerns.
Do you offer culturally responsive care for HBCU students?
Yes. Our therapists understand the importance of culturally responsive care and the unique experiences of HBCU students. We approach therapy with cultural sensitivity and awareness of the social contexts that impact mental health. We're committed to creating a safe, validating space for all Miles College students.
Additional Resources
Taproot Therapy Podcast
Our podcast features discussions on mental health topics particularly relevant to college students, including academic stress, identity development, and managing anxiety.
Listen to Our PodcastFree Educational Resources
Explore our library of articles and resources specifically focused on college student mental health, stress management, and academic success strategies.
View ResourcesTherapy Groups
We offer specialized therapy groups for college students dealing with similar challenges, providing both support and connection with peers from multiple campuses.
Learn About GroupsReady to Take the First Step?
Contact us to learn how our therapists can support your mental health journey at Miles College.
Contact UsWhat to Expect
- ✓ Discussion of your current challenges
- ✓ Overview of therapy approaches that might help
- ✓ Information about our teletherapy platform
- ✓ Information about rates and insurance options
- ✓ Guidance on scheduling your first appointment
Please contact us for current rates and appointment availability.
Teletherapy Services Available Throughout Alabama
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we're committed to making expert mental health care accessible to Miles College students whether you're on campus in Fairfield or anywhere else in Alabama. Our therapists provide professional teletherapy services that bring specialized care directly to you.
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.