geometry-shapes iconLife Transition, Anxiety, Depression, Caregivers, Neurodiversity, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Grief
Online in Alabama
21 years in practice
Ages served: 6-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Wendy accepts 22 insurers
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama | BCBS
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Carelon
Compsych
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medica
Medicare AL
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Quest Behavioral Health
Tricare East | Out of Network Provider
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Wendy

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 21 years of experience supporting individuals navigating grief, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD. My approach is grounded, relational, and trauma-informed, integrating nervous system regulation and mindfulness to help clients feel steadier, more empowered, and supported in their growth.


I earned my master's degree in social work from the University of Alabama and hold a bachelor's degree in psychology. With a background in hospice and bereavement care, I integrate evidence-based practices with strength-based and mindfulness-based approaches to support emotional regulation and resilience.


If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I offer a calm, compassionate space where you can feel heard and understood while building practical tools for lasting growth. When you’re ready, I invite you to schedule a session.

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Wendy Gardner's profile image

"I am a client-centered social worker focused on meaningful, lasting change."

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Get to know Wendy

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I became a counselor because I was drawn to sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments. Working in hospice and bereavement showed me how powerful it is to offer steady presence during grief, transition, and uncertainty. I witnessed how being truly seen and supported can change someone’s experience of pain. I chose this path to help people feel less alone, build resilience, and find meaning — even in life’s hardest seasons.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with clients who are navigating grief, major life transitions, or emotional overwhelm, including depression and anxiety. I also connect deeply with neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD) and older adults adjusting to life changes or medical challenges. My ideal clients are open to exploring their emotions, learning coping strategies, and building insight, resilience, and self-understanding in a compassionate, supportive space.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

One thing I wish people knew about therapy and healing is that lasting change doesn’t happen all at once. Focusing on small, manageable goals can create meaningful progress over time. Growth is a process, and each step — no matter how small — moves you closer to feeling more balanced, resilient, and connected to yourself.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the first session, clients can expect a warm, nonjudgmental space to share their story and what brings them to therapy. We’ll discuss your goals, identify immediate concerns, and begin exploring patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I’ll introduce tools and strategies tailored to your needs, and together we’ll create a plan for moving forward at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My practice is informed by years of experience supporting people through grief, loss, and life transitions in hospice and bereavement work. I deeply value empathy, presence, and authenticity, believing that healing grows from being truly seen and heard. I also draw on my commitment to honoring neurodivergence, nervous system regulation, and resilience, helping clients build meaningful change at their own pace.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I tailor therapy to each client by listening deeply and integrating approaches like mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and practical coping strategies. Every plan is flexible and collaborative, meeting clients where they are, honoring their strengths, neurodivergence, and goals, so they can make meaningful, lasting progress.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesLife Transition, Anxiety, Depression, Caregivers, Neurodiversity, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Grief, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Autism, ADHD, Sexual Abuse, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Sleep / Insomnia, Relationships, Trauma / PTSD, Adoption, Codependency, Emotional Disturbance, Infertility, Marital & Premarital, Mood Disorders, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Panic Attack, Peer Relationships, Performance Anxiety, Seniors & Geriatric, Social Anxiety, Sports Performance, Video Game Addiction, Weight Loss, Anger Management, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Chronic Illness/Pain, Spirituality, Substance Use, Family Conflict, Parenting, School Issues, Divorce, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
ApproachesChristian Counseling, Humanistic / Rogerian, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Positive Psychology, Attachment-Based, Family Systems, Any / Eclectic, Behavioral Therapy, Discernment Counseling, Family / Marital, Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Person-Centered Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Structural Family Therapy (SFT), Interpersonal, Trauma-Focused, Strength-Based Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, Faith-Based Counseling, Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic
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Education and training

Years in practice
21 years
Graduating institute
The University of Alabama
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1598363145
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State of practiceAL
Practice location

Practice information

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Wendy Gardner's profile image

Wendy Gardner

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)she/her