COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS…


IS COUNSELING RIGHT FOR ME?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to counseling. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Counseling can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.                           


IS COUNSELING CONFIDENTIAL?

We are all state licensed professionals who must abide by our boards laws and ethics. Also, in general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and counselor. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The counselor is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The counselor is required to notify the police.

  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The counselor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.


DO YOU ONLY WORK WITH CHILDREN?

We are privileged to serve the children in the care of Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes, but our services are available for children, teens, single adults, pre-marital and married couples and families.  Our staff is very well-trained to serve a broad array of clients and a broad array of presenting challenges.


WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY?

Many of our staff are Registered Play Therapists.  All of our staff have training in play therapy.  Play therapy is an expressive form of counseling for children.  In play therapy, children are allowed to communicate with a specially-trained adult using the expressive media of play and toys.  Sometimes, play therapy (or other expressive therapies) may also be appropriate for use with teenagers or even adults. 


ARE YOUR SERVICES ONLY FOR BAPTISTS?

Pathways Professional Counseling is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries.  If you choose to utilize our services you should know that your counselor will work from a Christian perspective.  Our services, however, are available to clients from any faith tradition or from no faith tradition as well.  


WHERE ARE YOUR LOCATIONS?

We have locations all across the state. Our main offices are in Birmingham, and we have additional locations statewide. Click here to view our statewide map.


HOW SOON CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

It is our goal to see get you in as quickly as possible. Each of our locations vary in scheduling and how long it takes to get an appointment. Some locations even have a waiting list. When you call for your initial session, we will let you know an approximate wait time until a first time appointment. In general, late afternoon appointments are the most popular, and very difficult to come by. The more flexible you are with scheduling, the more likely you will be to get an appointment quickly. 


DO COUNSELORS PROVIDE MEDICATION?

No. We do not have a psychiatrist on staff, therefore, we cannot prescribe medications.  However, we will be happy to work along side of your prescribing physician.