Teletherapy and Therapy for Students at UAB
Supporting the unique mental health needs of UAB students and staff
Understanding UAB Student Mental Health Needs
UAB at a Glance
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) serves approximately 22,000 students as of Fall 2023 with unique mental health challenges and needs. [Source: UAB.edu]
Key Mental Health Statistics at UAB
- Nearly 40% of UAB students report feeling overwhelmed by their academic responsibilities, often citing high levels of stress and anxiety. [Source: UAB Student Health Services]
- A significant percentage of students, particularly in STEM fields, report experiencing burnout and mental fatigue as a result of rigorous academic workloads. [Source: UAB Student Health Services]
- Depression and anxiety are among the most commonly reported mental health concerns among UAB students. [Source: UAB Student Health Services]
- A growing number of UAB students from diverse backgrounds are seeking mental health services to cope with cultural and social integration challenges. [Source: UAB Student Health Services]
- The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, leading to increased demand for therapy services for students struggling with isolation, anxiety, and stress. [Source: UAB Coronavirus Updates]
- A UAB study found that 62.2% of professional students experienced moderate to high stress levels. [Source: UAB Reporter]
- In the same study, 56.3% of graduate students reported similar stress levels. [Source: UAB Reporter]
- 52.4% of undergraduates at UAB experienced moderate to high stress. [Source: UAB Reporter]
- Nationwide, 73% of students experience some form of mental health crisis during college. [Source: American Psychological Association]
Unique Mental Health Factors at UAB
- High Academic Pressure: UAB's renowned medical and health science programs create unique stressors with rigorous curricula and high expectations. [Source: CollegeStats]
- COVID-19 and Racism Impacts: Research from UAB shows significant mental health impacts from both the pandemic and experiences of racism among students. [Source: UAB Reporter]
- Demanding Programs: Students in medicine, nursing, and engineering experience high rates of burnout requiring specialized mental health support.
- International and Out-of-State Students: Many students face challenges related to cultural adjustment and homesickness, requiring tailored services.
- Post-Pandemic Challenges: Students continue to struggle with isolation and anxiety in the aftermath of the pandemic, particularly in UAB's urban setting. [Source: UAB Coronavirus Updates]
- Work-Life-Academic Balance: Graduate students and student-athletes particularly need support navigating the demands of balancing academics with work and personal life.
- Urban Campus Environment: Located in Birmingham's medical district, students face urban living challenges alongside academic demands.
- Diverse Student Population: With students from over 100 countries, cultural adjustment and isolation are common challenges.
- Professional Program Stressors: Medical, dental, and nursing students face additional mental health challenges related to clinical experiences and burnout. [Source: APA]
Mental Health Resources at UAB
On-Campus Resources
- UAB Student Counseling Services: Offers individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services. Learn more
- B Well UAB: A comprehensive wellness initiative providing resources for mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Learn more
- UAB Student Health Services: Provides medical services and referrals to mental health specialists. Learn more
- Active Minds at UAB: Student-led organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness on campus. Learn more
- Peer Counseling Program: Trained student peers providing support and resources. Learn more
Community Resources Near UAB
- Crisis Center Birmingham: 24/7 crisis hotline and counseling services. Learn more
- Birmingham VA Medical Center: Mental health services for student veterans. 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
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 UAB Students
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we understand the unique challenges faced by UAB 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.
Research from the American Psychological Association highlights that accessible and flexible mental health services are crucial for college students, particularly for those in demanding programs like those at UAB.
Specialized Services for UAB Students
Academic Burnout Support
Specialized teletherapy focused on stress and burnout management for students in high-pressure academic programs such as medicine, nursing, and engineering.
Learn MoreTrauma and Anxiety Therapy
Specialized teletherapy for students dealing with anxiety, trauma, and pandemic-related mental health effects.
Learn MoreCultural Adjustment Support
Support for international and out-of-state students adjusting to life at UAB, including coping with homesickness and cultural adjustment.
Learn MoreDepression & Mood Management
Targeted therapy for depression and mood disorders, particularly for students dealing with academic pressures and performance anxiety.
Learn MoreSupport for Working Students
Therapy services tailored to graduate students, student-athletes, and other students balancing academics with work and personal life.
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 UAB 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 conveniently located for UAB students seeking these specialized in-person treatments.
Benefits for UAB Students
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend appointments to accommodate clinical rotations and class schedules. This is especially important for UAB's 22,000+ students balancing rigorous academic demands.
- Specialized Experience: Our therapists understand the unique pressures of medical and academic environments, with specific expertise in addressing the stress that affects over 60% of UAB's professional students.
- Cultural Competence: Support for international students and diverse populations, addressing the specific needs of UAB's multicultural campus community. [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, directly addressing the high stress levels documented in UAB's mental health studies. [Learn More]
- Support for Working Students: Tailored approaches for graduate students and others balancing multiple responsibilities. [Learn More]
- Anxiety Management: Evidence-based treatments for the anxiety and depression commonly reported among UAB students. [Learn More]
- Secure Platform: HIPAA-compliant teletherapy ensures your privacy and confidentiality, aligning with UAB's commitment to student confidentiality and health security.
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
Physician Burnout & Career Coaching
Specializes in helping physicians, med students, and professionals overcome burnout and trauma.
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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 UAB.
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 UAB 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 UAB 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 UAB's counseling services?
While UAB'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.
Can you work with my academic challenges specific to UAB?
Absolutely. Our therapists are familiar with UAB's academic environment and the specific stressors faced by students in various programs. We've worked with students from the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Engineering, and many other UAB departments.
Will my professors or UAB administration know I'm in therapy?
No. Your therapy is completely confidential. As an independent practice, we do not share any information with UAB unless you provide explicit written permission. The only exceptions to confidentiality are standard legal requirements related to imminent safety concerns.
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 you, 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.
Benefits of Teletherapy
- Convenience: Access expert therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own home
- Accessibility: No need to commute or take extended time away from work or family
- Consistency: Maintain your therapeutic relationship even when travel or schedule changes occur
- Privacy: Receive care in a space where you feel most comfortable and secure
- Specialized Care: Connect with specialists who may not be available in your local area
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 TeletherapyInsurance & Payment Options
Insurance Plans
Please contact us to inquire about accepted insurance plans and coverage verification.
We'll be happy to help you understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Self-Pay Options
For students without insurance coverage or those who prefer not to use insurance:
- Please inquire about our current session rates
- Ask about possible sliding scale options based on financial need
- Information on package rates for multiple sessions is available upon request
We're committed to making mental health care accessible for all UAB students.