Teletherapy and Therapy for Students at Oakwood University
Supporting the unique mental health needs of Oakwood University students and staff
Specialized Support for Oakwood University Students
Faith-Sensitive Therapy
Therapeutic approaches that respect and integrate spiritual perspectives while addressing mental health concerns, particularly valuable for students navigating questions at the intersection of faith and mental wellbeing.
Learn MoreAcademic Performance Support
Strategies for managing academic stress, test anxiety, and performance pressure, especially helpful for students in Oakwood's competitive programs like Biology, Nursing, and Business.
Learn MoreCultural Identity & Racial Trauma
Specialized approaches for addressing racial trauma, cultural identity development, and the unique experiences of HBCU students navigating predominantly white spaces outside campus.
Learn MoreMeet Our Therapists
Our experienced therapists understand the unique needs of Oakwood University students and provide culturally responsive, faith-sensitive care. All offer teletherapy options with flexible scheduling.
Pamela Hayes, MSW, LMSW
EMDR & Somatic Therapy
Specializes in helping students navigate academic stress, cultural identity, and trauma with evidence-based approaches.
View Profile
Dr. Haley Beech, PhD, MSW, LMSW
Women's Issues & Perinatal Health
Expertise in supporting women's mental health, particularly for students balancing academic demands with family responsibilities.
View Profile
Becky Milstead, LPC
Teen & Family Therapy
With over 20 years experience helping young adults navigate transitions, family dynamics, and identity development.
View Profile
James Waites, LICSW, MSW
Academic Burnout & Career Coaching
Specializes in helping students overcome burnout, navigate career decisions, and manage academic pressure.
View Profile
Kristi Wood, LICSW, MSW, PIP
QEEG & Neurostimulation
Advanced brain-based approaches for students dealing with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and depression that affect academic performance.
View Profile
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.
View ProfileReady to Take the First Step?
Contact us to learn how our therapists can support your mental health journey at Oakwood University.
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 Oakwood University 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 Oakwood 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 Oakwood's counseling services?
While Oakwood'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 university system.
Do you offer faith-sensitive therapy for Seventh-day Adventist students?
Yes, our therapists understand the importance of faith in many Oakwood students' lives. We provide therapy that respects and can integrate spiritual perspectives while addressing mental health concerns. Our approach honors your faith while offering evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support your wellbeing.
Will my professors or Oakwood administration know I'm in therapy?
No. Your therapy is completely confidential. As an independent practice, we do not share any information with Oakwood unless you provide explicit written permission. The only exceptions to confidentiality are standard legal requirements related to imminent safety concerns.
Insurance & Payment Options
Insurance Coverage
We accept BCBS insurance plans and can verify your benefits before your first appointment. Please contact us to check your coverage details.
For students using their parents' insurance, we can discuss confidentiality considerations and options.
Sliding Scale Options
We're committed to making mental health care accessible for Oakwood students. We offer sliding scale fees based on income and financial need.
Our LMSWs provide services at a reduced sliding scale rate, making therapy more affordable for students on a tight budget.
Teletherapy Services Across Alabama
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we're committed to making expert mental health care accessible for Oakwood University students, whether you're on campus or at home. Our therapists provide professional teletherapy services that bring specialized care directly to you, wherever you are in Alabama.
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.
Benefits of Teletherapy
- Convenience: Access expert therapy from the comfort of your dorm room or apartment
- Accessibility: No need to commute or take extended time away from classes
- Consistency: Maintain your therapeutic relationship even during breaks or when returning home
- Privacy: Receive care in a space where you feel most comfortable and secure
- Specialized Care: Connect with therapists who understand the unique context of Oakwood University
Our secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform ensures your sessions remain private and confidential, providing the same quality of care you would receive in person.
Learn More About TeletherapyAdditional Resources
Taproot Therapy Podcast
Listen to our podcast for insights on mental health topics relevant to college students, faith integration, and cultural identity development.
Listen to PodcastMental Health Resources
Access our library of articles, worksheets, and self-help resources specifically curated for the unique needs of HBCU students.
Browse ResourcesDictionary of Therapy Models
Learn about different therapy approaches to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your mental health care.
Explore DictionaryMicronutrition for Mental Health
Research shows that proper nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health. We partner with Hardy Nutritionals to provide evidence-based micronutrient support for optimal brain function.
Special Offer for Oakwood Students: Get 15% off Hardy Daily Essentials with the offer code "Taproot" when ordering at gethardy.com
Learn About MicronutritionPage Contents
- Understanding Oakwood University Student Mental Health Needs
- Mental Health Resources at Oakwood University
- Our Teletherapy & Hybrid Approach
- Available Treatment Options
- Meet Our Therapists
- Insurance & Payment Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Teletherapy Services Across Alabama
- Additional Resources & Podcast
- Contact Information
Understanding Oakwood University Student Mental Health Needs
Oakwood University at a Glance
Oakwood University is a historically Black Seventh-day Adventist institution in Huntsville, Alabama, serving approximately 1,700 students. As a faith-based institution with a unique mission, Oakwood students face distinctive mental health challenges that require specialized support.
Key Mental Health Factors at Oakwood University
Students at Oakwood University navigate multiple unique pressures that impact their mental health:
Faith-Based Academic Environment
As an HBCU with a Seventh-day Adventist foundation, students often balance spiritual commitments with academic demands, creating unique pressures and potential sources of conflict or stress.
HBCU Experience
As a Historically Black College/University, Oakwood students navigate both the strengths of a supportive cultural community and the challenges of broader societal contexts including racial trauma and systemic inequities.
First-Generation College Students
Many Oakwood students are the first in their families to attend college, creating additional pressures around success, familial expectations, and navigating academic systems without established family knowledge.
Unique Academic Stressors
Students in Oakwood's prominent programs like Nursing, Business, Biology, and Ministerial Theology face rigorous academic requirements alongside spiritual and service expectations that can create significant stress.
Oakwood University Student Mental Health Statistics
Research on student mental health at HBCUs like Oakwood reveals important trends:
- Studies of HBCU students show that 24% of students report significant depression symptoms and 21% report anxiety symptoms that impact their academic performance.
- First-generation college students, who make up a significant portion of Oakwood's student body, report higher rates of stress related to academic performance.
- Students balancing work and school—approximately 65% of Oakwood students—exhibit increased rates of burnout and academic stress.
- Faith integration can provide protective factors but may also create tension when students are experiencing mental health challenges or questioning aspects of their faith.
- Racial trauma and experiences of discrimination create additional mental health burdens for HBCU students, with studies showing correlations with anxiety and depression.
Why Oakwood Students Need Specialized Support
The intersection of academic pressures, spiritual development, cultural experiences, and personal growth creates a unique context for mental health support at Oakwood University. Students benefit from therapists who understand this multifaceted environment and can provide culturally responsive, faith-sensitive care.
Mental Health Resources at Oakwood University
On-Campus Resources
- Oakwood University Health & Counseling Services: Provides basic mental health services, including short-term counseling and crisis intervention for students.
- Office of Spiritual Life: Offers spiritual support and pastoral counseling for students navigating faith-related concerns.
- Center for Student Success: Provides academic support services that address academic stress and performance anxiety.
- Resident Hall Advisors: Trained to recognize mental health challenges and connect students with appropriate resources.
Community Resources in Huntsville
- Crisis Services of North Alabama: 24/7 crisis hotline and counseling services.
- WellStone Behavioral Health: Comprehensive mental health services in Huntsville.
- The Enrichment Center: Mental health services with multicultural competence.
- Huntsville Hospital Behavioral Health: Inpatient and outpatient services for severe mental health concerns.
- Alabama A&M University Counseling Center: Sometimes provides services to students from nearby institutions.
When to Seek Help
Consider reaching out for professional 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
- Spiritual struggles or religious questions causing distress
- Increased use of 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, spiritual life, and overall wellbeing.
Our Teletherapy & Hybrid Approach for Oakwood University Students
Flexible Therapy Options for Busy Students
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we understand the unique challenges faced by Oakwood University students balancing academic demands, spiritual commitments, work responsibilities, and personal growth. Our hybrid therapy approach offers both convenient teletherapy and specialized in-person treatments to meet your specific needs.
Benefits of Teletherapy for Oakwood Students
- Scheduling Flexibility: Attend sessions between classes, during evenings, or on weekends without leaving campus.
- Privacy: Engage in therapy from the comfort of your own space.
- Continuity: Maintain your therapy sessions even during breaks or when you return home.
- Reduced Barriers: No transportation needs or commute time required.
- Specialized Expertise: Access therapists with expertise in the unique challenges facing Oakwood students.
Our Secure Teletherapy Platform
All of our teletherapy services are provided through a HIPAA-compliant, secure video platform that ensures your privacy and confidentiality. You'll need:
- A reliable internet connection
- A private space where you can speak freely
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
Many Oakwood students find quiet spaces in their dorm rooms, apartments, or even reserved study rooms on campus for their sessions.
Culturally Responsive Care for Oakwood Students
Our therapists recognize the importance of providing care that understands and respects the cultural, spiritual, and academic context of Oakwood University. We offer:
- Culturally responsive approaches that honor the HBCU experience
- Faith-sensitive therapy that respects Seventh-day Adventist values while addressing mental health needs
- Understanding of the unique pressures facing first-generation college students
- Experience working with racial trauma and its impacts on mental health
- Support for students balancing academic excellence with cultural and spiritual expectations
Available Treatment Options
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we offer evidence-based treatment modalities specially tailored for Oakwood University students. Our comprehensive approach addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—for lasting healing and growth.
Primary Treatment Options
qEEG Brain Mapping
Advanced brain mapping technology that provides detailed insights into brain function, helping identify patterns associated with anxiety, depression, attention issues, and other concerns common among students.
Note: This service requires one in-person visit to our office, though follow-up consultations can be conducted via teletherapy.
Learn More About Brain MappingMicronutrition for Mental Health
Evidence-based nutritional approach addressing the biochemical factors that impact mental health, particularly valuable for students dealing with stress, focus issues, and mood disorders.
Special Offer: Get 15% off Hardy Daily Essentials with the offer code "Taproot" when ordering at gethardy.com
Learn About MicronutritionTeletherapy-Compatible Treatments
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps process traumatic experiences and reduce their ongoing impact, effective for students dealing with past trauma, test anxiety, or performance blocks.
Available via Teletherapy
Learn About EMDRBrainspotting
A powerful brain-body technique for processing trauma and enhancing performance, particularly helpful for students experiencing academic anxiety, creative blocks, or performance issues.
Available via Teletherapy
Learn About BrainspottingSomatic Therapy
Body-centered approaches that address how stress and trauma are stored physically, helping students release tension and develop greater resilience.
Available via Teletherapy
Learn About Somatic TherapyParts-Based Therapy
Integrates various approaches to working with different aspects of self, particularly helpful for students navigating complex identities and roles within academic, spiritual, and cultural contexts.
Available via Teletherapy
Learn About Parts-Based TherapyLifespan Integration
Gentle approach that helps process past experiences and create greater coherence across life stages, valuable for students integrating their current academic journey with their past experiences.
Available via Teletherapy
Learn About Lifespan IntegrationIn-Person Only Treatments
Neurostimulation
Advanced technology to help regulate brain function, particularly beneficial for students with attention issues, anxiety, or depression.
In-Person Only
Learn About NeurostimulationEmotional Transformation Therapy
Integrative approach using visual brain stimulation to rapidly resolve emotional distress, highly effective for mood disorders and processing difficult emotions.
In-Person Only
Learn About ETT