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2,812 people sought depression counseling help in Alabama in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a depression counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Pamela Pierce

Hear from Pamela Pierce, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

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What is your go-to approach for depression counseling?

My go-to approach for helping people with online therapy is to establish rapport and identify needs to develop a treatment plan with the client. This will benefit the client by helping them learn about the process and feel comfortable there.

What tools do you teach in depression counseling?

We focus on developing coping skills that utilize the individual's strengths identified in treatment.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in depression counseling?

I know a client is making meaningful progress with their depression when they have met the goals and report a reduction in symptoms.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement depression counseling?

Clients can supplement their time by:

  • Completing assignments.
  • Practicing skills reviewed.
  • Taking notes about changes in their depression prior to the follow-up session.

What should someone do to prepare for starting depression counseling?

Clients can prepare for their first session by being open about their experiences without the fear of being judged.

Starting Depression counseling

What can counseling do for those who suffer with depression?

Depression counseling can help those with major depression, minor depression, postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and more. The providers at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL will develop a unique treatment plan based on your specific experience, needs, and goals.

Is it worth going to therapy for depression?

It is absolutely worth going to therapy for depression — depression counseling helps people better manage their symptoms and get back to living happier lives again.

How does depression counseling work?

Depression counseling works by helping people pinpoint life problems, distorted thought patterns, and other causes of their depression, then process and work through them in order to mitigate the negative effects those factors have on their lives.

Signs of depression

Common signs of depression include:

  • Consistent low mood
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in diet (eating much more or less)
  • Withdrawal and isolation
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in previous hobbies or activities
  • Excessive substance use

Is depression counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks depression counseling in Birmingham, AL is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How often should you attend depression therapy sessions?

Depression counseling can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, dependent on the severity of one’s depression as well as their needs and preferences.

How much does depression counseling cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

Need more help deciding?

Depression is a common but serious mental health disorder that can have major effects on your daily life. It’s more than just feeling sad or down — it has the power to negatively influence the way you feel, think, and act.

Many people with depression experience symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in their life. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest may interfere with your relationships, performance at work or school, and even your ability to complete basic daily tasks. You may experience sluggishness, difficulty concentrating, or a change in sleep or eating habits. Ignoring your depression symptoms can make them more intense and lead to a variety of emotional or even physical problems.

It can be difficult to recognize or face depressive disorders on your own but help is available. If you think you may be experiencing depression, consider meeting with one of our counselors or therapists at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL. We can often accommodate new clients within the week, and we would be happy to meet you and begin your journey to better mental health.

Recognizing Depression: Common Signs and Symptoms

Depression comes in many forms and can look and feel different for everyone. Specific forms of depression can have some commonalities though, and the causes or symptoms may be more similar among people who suffer from these variants. For example, postpartum depression is always linked to childbirth while seasonal affective disorder often occurs in the winter months when there is less sunlight.

Some forms of depression don’t always have an easily identifiable cause. Either way, there are several common depression symptoms to look out for, including:

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or social interaction
  • Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Fluctuation in appetite and weight
  • Dizziness, headaches, or unexplained aches and pains

Can Depression Therapy Help Me?

Treating depression is a highly personalized process. Your therapist will create a unique treatment plan that is tailored to your specific issues, symptoms, and concerns. Your treatment plan may consist of one or more types of therapy and may include the addition of prescription medication to help ease your symptoms.

Some common forms of therapy used in treating depression include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT). Your counselor or therapist may also recommend family therapy if your condition is having a strong impact on your family members.

Benefits of Depression Therapy

When you pursue therapy for depression, you’ll likely notice improvements in your thoughts, feelings, behavior, or other areas of your life. Depression therapy can help you:

  • Identify negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with positive, healthy ones
  • Pinpoint and adjust issues and behaviors that contribute to your depression
  • Learn how to solve problems and cope with challenges and emotions
  • Set realistic goals for yourself and your life
  • Improve communication skills and develop meaningful relationships
  • Create satisfaction and contentment in your life

Help Is Here — Begin Therapy for Depression With Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL

Asking for help with your depression or mood disorder can feel scary, and the stigma built around mental health issues may discourage you from seeking therapy. But pursuing counseling is a hugely important step in the right direction, and there’s no shame in improving your mental health and your life.

When you are ready to take that step, Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL is here to make it easy for you. We offer therapy sessions seven days a week and our providers keep early morning and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules. Counseling can even be conducted online via video chat. We accept many health insurance plans and even offer a flexible cancellation policy.

You don’t have to let your depression symptoms come between you and your best life. Connect with a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL to start taking control of your mental health. You can thrive — we can help.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Birmingham therapists and counselors accept 21 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

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Self-pay costs at Birmingham
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Pam has really helped me!
Kenisha Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Pamela Pierce is the best Therapist I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's extremely patient and knowledgeable.
Read more Pamela Pierce is the best Therapist I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's extremely patient and knowledgeable.
Birmingham Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Birmingham is located at 400 Office Park Dr Suite 308, Birmingham, AL 35233, off of US Hwy 280.

Phone number

(205) 729-7554

Languages spoken by AL providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in CT

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