Teletherapy and Therapy for Students at University of Montevallo
Supporting the unique mental health needs of Montevallo students and staff
Understanding Montevallo Student Mental Health Needs
University of Montevallo at a Glance
University of Montevallo serves approximately 2,600 students as of Fall 2023, with unique mental health challenges and needs in Alabama's only public liberal arts university setting.
Key Mental Health Challenges for Montevallo Students
- Academic pressure and stress from the rigorous liberal arts curriculum
- Anxiety and depression exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic effects
- Adjustment difficulties for first-generation college students
- Social isolation challenges in a small-town campus environment
- Career uncertainty and post-graduation planning stress
- Financial concerns impacting mental wellbeing
- Balancing academics with work responsibilities for many students
- Identity development and personal growth challenges
- Social media pressure and digital wellness concerns
Unique Mental Health Factors at Montevallo
- Liberal Arts Focus: While offering diverse learning opportunities, can create pressure to excel across multiple disciplines
- Small Campus Community: Creates both strong support networks and potential social pressure in a tight-knit environment
- Rural Setting: Campus location may create isolation or limited access to off-campus resources
- Strong Arts Programs: Creative students may face unique performance pressures and creative blocks
- First-Generation Students: Many Montevallo students are first in their families to attend college, creating unique pressures
- Diverse Student Body: Students from various backgrounds may face adjustment challenges
- Honors College Demands: High-achieving students often face perfectionism and burnout
- Financial Concerns: Many students balance academics with work responsibilities
- Post-Pandemic Challenges: Ongoing adjustment to new academic and social realities
Mental Health Resources at University of Montevallo
On-Campus Resources
- University Counseling Services: Provides confidential counseling to assist students with personal, academic, and career concerns. To schedule an appointment or discuss concerns about a student, contact Counseling Services at (205) 665-6245.
- Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic: Located on campus at 1045 Middle St., Montevallo, AL 35115, this clinic offers free mental health services, including individual and group therapy, play therapy for children, and virtual counseling sessions. The clinic operates Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (205) 665-6377 or emailing [email protected].
- Freddie Support Line: This 24/7 mental health support line connects students with licensed therapists for immediate assistance. For access, contact Counseling Services at (205) 665-6245.
- UMAlert System: In the event of serious emergencies impacting campus, such as tornado warnings, the UMAlert System provides timely notifications to ensure student safety.
- Student Health Services: Provides physical health support and can make referrals for mental health services.
Local & Regional Mental Health Resources
- Chilton-Shelby Mental Health Center: Provides comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services for Shelby County residents, including therapy, crisis intervention, and psychiatric care.
Phone: (205) 668-4308
Website: chiltonshelby.org - SafeHouse of Shelby County: Offers support for students experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or other crises. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy.
24/7 Crisis Line: (205) 669-7233
Website: safehouse.org
National Crisis Resources
- Crisis Text Line: Available 24/7, students can text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Call or text: 988
Website: 988lifeline.org - The Trevor Project: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text "START" to 678678
Website: thetrevorproject.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides support for individuals facing domestic violence or abuse.
Call: 1-800-799-7233
Chat online at thehotline.org
When to Seek Help
College is a time of significant transition and stress. 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.
Taproot Therapy Collective: Holistic Approach for Montevallo Students
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we understand the unique challenges faced by University of Montevallo students and staff. Our therapists offer flexible, evidence-based treatment options through both teletherapy and in-person sessions.
Our Hybrid Approach
We provide convenient teletherapy for busy student schedules, while also offering in-person sessions for treatments that benefit from face-to-face interaction. This flexibility allows you to receive the most effective care for your specific needs while accommodating the demanding schedules of academic life.
Specialized Services for Montevallo Students
Academic Stress Support
Specialized teletherapy focused on managing stress from the rigorous liberal arts curriculum and high expectations at Montevallo.
Learn MoreAnxiety & Depression Therapy
Evidence-based approaches for managing anxiety and depression, common concerns among college students.
Learn MoreCreative Block & Performance Anxiety
Support for students in Montevallo's renowned arts programs dealing with creative blocks and performance anxiety.
Learn MoreFirst-Generation Student Support
Specialized support for first-generation college students navigating unique challenges and family expectations.
Learn MoreIdentity & Personal Growth
Support for students exploring their identity and personal growth during this formative time.
Learn MoreAvailable Therapy 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 Montevallo students dealing with academic stress, anxiety, and pandemic-related mental health challenges.
In-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 accessible for Montevallo students seeking these specialized in-person treatments.
Benefits for Montevallo Students
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend appointments to accommodate class schedules and extracurricular activities.
- Specialized Experience: Our therapists understand the unique pressures of liberal arts education and creative programs.
- Cultural Competence: Support for diverse students navigating various identity and cultural challenges. [Learn More]
- Pandemic Response: Targeted approaches for students still dealing with the aftermath of COVID-19 on mental health and academic performance. [Learn More]
- Burnout Prevention: Specialized techniques for managing academic stress and preventing burnout. [Learn More]
- Support for Working Students: Tailored approaches for students balancing academics with work responsibilities. [Learn More]
- Anxiety Management: Evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression commonly reported among college students. [Learn More]
- Secure Platform: HIPAA-compliant teletherapy ensures your privacy and confidentiality.
Meet Our Therapists
Our experienced therapists specialize in supporting college students and academic professionals. 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 perinatal health, medical trauma, and helping parents of children with disabilities.
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Becky Milstead, LPC
Teen & Family Therapy
With over 20 years experience helping teenagers and families heal trauma and improve communication.
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James Waites, LICSW, MSW
Academic Stress & Career Coaching
Specializes in helping students overcome academic burnout and navigate career decisions.
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Kristi Wood, LICSW, MSW, PIP
QEEG & Neurostimulation
Advanced brain-based approaches for students dealing with anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and depression.
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Kristan Baer, LMSW, MSW, SEP
Somatic Experiencing & Trauma
Specializes in trauma-focused therapy helping clients heal from PTSD, anxiety, and depression through a body-centered approach.
View ProfileReady to Take the First Step?
Contact us to learn how our therapists can support your mental health journey at University of Montevallo.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does teletherapy work for University of Montevallo 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 Montevallo students complete sessions from their dorm rooms (when roommates are out), apartments, or even in private study rooms in Carmichael Library. Sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns.
How is your service different from Montevallo's counseling services?
While Montevallo's Counseling Services offers valuable resources, 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 university system.
Can you work with my academic challenges specific to Montevallo?
Absolutely. Our therapists are familiar with Montevallo's liberal arts academic environment and the specific stressors faced by students in various programs. We've worked with students from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Fine Arts, and Stephens College of Business.
Will my professors or Montevallo administration know I'm in therapy?
No. Your therapy is completely confidential. As an independent practice, we do not share any information with University of Montevallo unless you provide explicit written permission. The only exceptions to confidentiality are standard legal requirements related to imminent safety concerns.