Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Birmingham, AL

"Being able to provide support and validation to the LGBTQIA+ community through their many challenges and obstacles has been extremely rewarding for me and has reinforced my drive to be an affirming therapist."

Savannah Donahoe is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a background focused on trauma, crisis response, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender-affirming care, PTSD, depression and anxiety, self-esteem, gender identity-related issues, sexual identity,-related issues, grief, and loss. Savannah is passionate about providing support to folks of all ages through the unique challenges that they face. She values the importance of diversity, self-identity, and multicultural competency.

Savannah completed her Master's degree in Counseling at the University of Montevallo. She has experience in trauma and crisis response, as well as gender-affirming care. Savannah utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and gender-affirming therapy.

Savannah is confident that she would be able to support you through the different challenges you may be facing. Seeking counseling can be a very difficult step, but if you feel ready, schedule an appointment with Savannah to start working towards a better quality of life.

"As someone whose life was changed by a therapist during my teenage years and who proudly identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am committed to offering others the same life-affirming support and understanding."

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in helping adolescents and adults navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. My passion for this work began after a therapist supported me during a difficult time in my teenage years, and I have dedicated my career to offering that same hope and healing to others.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Alabama A&M University. My approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy. I am trained in EMDR and use it to help clients process trauma and other distressing experiences.

I work best with clients who are open to growth and ready to explore change in a supportive space. Whether you are seeking relief, clarity, or transformation, I will meet you where you are and help you build the tools needed to improve your overall well-being.

"I am an honest and caring counselor and want to create a safe and real place for clients to explore, discover, try, fail, change, and heal."

Michelle Essary is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15 years of experience specializing in how the body, brain, and mind all work together. She takes whole-person approach to therapy and works with individuals ages 14 and over, couples, and groups. She specializes in relationship issues, cross-cultural transition, life transition, anxiety, grief, and depression. She also works with those dealing with ADHD, PTSD, peak performance, or navigating neurodivergence.

Michelle has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. She is certified in neurofeedback and uses several therapeutic modalities to assist her clients, such as existential therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Michelle is eager to work with those who believe they are ready for change and wants to join with clients to identify what is not working, the source of their discomfort, and help set them up for and walk with them into successful healing, change, and overall health.

"As a therapist who embraces and appreciates working with diverse populations, I understand the need for culturally competent care that honors the client's therapeutic needs, highlights strengths, and encourages the empowerment of clients as they become the best version of themselves. "

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Alabama and Georgia, with 14 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health field—including counseling, assessment, case management, and program development, implementation, and retention. I earned a Master of Social Work from Troy University and a Master of Public Health from Mercer University. I have worked as a social worker in the inpatient psychiatric sector and as a program coordinator for multiple mental health programs. I specialize in holistic wellness, with a focus on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, spirituality, women's issues, and life transitions.

I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy. Clients can expect a welcoming, judgement-free environment where each individual will be seen and heard while being open, honest, and authentically themselves.

It is my pleasure to collaborate with you to develop clear avenues while also supporting you on your journey to growth, change, and develop. I invite you to schedule an appointment today! 

"I strive to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to develop practical tools for healing, growth, and lasting change"

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 23 years of experience supporting adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and are seeking clarity, emotional balance, and practical tools for change. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can explore your experiences, strengthen coping skills, and move toward greater confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.

I earned my master’s degree in professional counseling from Amridge University. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and solution-focused strategies to help clients understand patterns, manage emotions, and build practical coping skills in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Taking the first step toward change can feel difficult, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I strive to create a safe, empathetic space where you feel heard and supported as we work together toward greater clarity, balance, and emotional well-being.

"As someone who has first-hand experience with the positive impact of counseling, I look forward to the opportunity to see how I can best serve you on your journey. "

**DISCLAIMER - DOES NOT PROVIDE PSYCH TESTING OR EVALUATIONS**

Brandy Smith is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Alabama with 13+ years post-doctoral experience. She was trained as a generalist and earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from University of Memphis. Brandy works with adults and approaches clinical work collaboratively: meeting clients where they are at and working together to reach their goals. She is well-trained to address diversity broadly defined, especially with concerns related to gender, sexual orientation, and race. Those are not the only areas of diversity experience and do not have to be the primary focus, but if diversity is relevant to include within best serving you, she is skilled in doing so.

Brandy views counseling as a collaboration between the client as the expert on their life and her as the expert on how to enhance mental well-being. Together, they identify goals and when needed break goals down to smaller sub-goals so that clients have identified, achievable steps/tasks they can work on between meetings to achieve desired change(s).

Brandy conceptualizes clients from a strength-based perspective and incorporates empowerment where relevant. While work in sessions is important, it’s work between sessions that will reap the greatest gains! She looks forward to the opportunity to enhance your coping and quality of life.