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Discover how starting depression counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
3 therapists available in Montgomery
As a Hispanic social worker and forensic interviewer, I provide thoughtful, trauma-informed care grounded in compassion and streng...
About
As a Hispanic social worker and forensic interviewer, I provide thoughtful, trauma-informed care grounded in compassion and strengths-based support, striving to create a safe and healing space for children and teens.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 8 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families impacted by trauma, abuse, anxiety, and depression. I specialize in trauma-informed, strength-based care and work closely with caregivers to help clients build coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience in a safe, supportive environment.
I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. My background includes experience as a child protective services worker, family advocate, and forensic interviewer. I tailor interventions to each client’s developmental and emotional needs using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.
Healing looks different for everyone. I strive to create a compassionate space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we can make sense of your experiences, strengthen relationships, and move toward emotional well-being at a pace that feels safe and right for you.
Education and training
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I believe education and understanding surrounding diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment techniques are essential to feeling better an...
I believe education and understanding surrounding diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment techniques are essential to feeling better and gaining control of your life, thoughts, and well-being.
Dr. Courtney Chism is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience and a passion for empowering those healing from trauma, hurt, and emotional pain. While Dr. Chism has worked with adults and children, she specializes in providing services to adults and their families. Her background has equipped her with the understanding, empathy, and creativity to help clients reach their therapeutic goals.
Dr. Chism received her Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. She utilizes approaches including but not limited to compassion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Christian counseling, motivational interviewing, and end-of-life/hospice support.
Dr. Chism meets others where they are on their mental health journey to help them identify the source of their issues and develop healthy coping skills to implement in their daily lives. She believes in the power of therapy and is prepared to travel with her clients, at their pace, toward their goals.
I believe you are worthy and capable of living the life you envision, so let's take this journey together!...
I believe you are worthy and capable of living the life you envision, so let's take this journey together!
**DISCLAIMER - DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT - DOES NOT PROVIDE TESTING**
Life can be overwhelming when you're constantly showing up for everyone else. Many women carry so much- family responsibilities, relationships, careers- while quietly putting their own needs aside. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can slow down, breathe, and focus on you. As a marriage and family therapist with over 10 years of experience, I work with individuals & families, and have a passion for supporting women through life’s transitions, relationship challenges, & personal growth. If you are feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or ready for change, therapy can be a place to reconnect with your strength and clarity.
My approach is rooted in systemic and cognitive behavioral therapy, where we will explore both the patterns in your relationships and the thoughts that may be shaping your experiences. I'm committed to creating an atmosphere of confidentiality, compassion, and respect. In our work, you will be met with active listening, collaboration, and gentle guidance.
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. I tailor each session to your unique needs, honoring your story, culture, & goals. You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Healing doesn't require perfection- it begins with willingness. If you are ready to invest in yourself, I would be honored to walk alongside you as you move toward the life you desire.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Depression counseling can help those with major depression, minor depression, postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and more. The providers at Thriveworks in Montgomery, AL will develop a unique treatment plan based on your specific experience, needs, and goals.
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.
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.
Common signs of depression include:
Thriveworks depression counseling in Montgomery, AL is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
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.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
The psychologist Abraham Maslow once stated, “You can see neurosis from below – as a sickness…. Or you can understand it as a compassionate man might: respecting the neurosis as a fumbling and inefficient effort toward good ends.” Conditions like depression and anxiety are universal and they can sometimes even be adaptive, an emotional effort to protect humans from further threats and distress. But when mental health conditions begin causing impairments in daily functioning–when they begin overstaying their welcome–it may be time to seek treatment.
Depression counseling at Thriveworks in Montgomery, AL is provided by fully licensed mental health professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. Thriveworks depression counselors treat the whole person, not the diagnosis. With compassion, expertise, and meaningful insights, these therapists can help get clients back on track to achieving their goals. Reach out today to get schedule your first depression counseling session and get started.
Mood disorders, or mood affective disorders, are characterized by persistent changes in emotional state. Depression is one of the major mood disorders. Licensed psychiatrists like those at Thriveworks in Montgomery, AL diagnose and treat mood disorders according to guidelines laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 also gives specific symptom criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder (MDD). Those depression symptoms are as follows:
But sometimes the symptoms of depression can be atypical, like irritability, which can affect depressed men more than women. Mood disorders are also associated with sleep changes because they have a bidirectional relationship with peoples’ circadian rhythms. If you’re experiencing insomnia or hypersomnia (lack of sleep or too much sleep), it could be a sign of depression.
Long-term, untreated major depression can lead to compounded life problems. For example, people may begin to suffer from other health issues. They may have a hard time maintaining regular employment. Here are a few of the common comorbidities associated with depression:
Fortunately, the good news is that depression is highly treatable. Skilled therapists and psychologists help people overcome their particular forms of depression every day. Depressive episodes don’t last forever with the right interventions.
Depression and other mood disorders can arise episodically throughout one’s life unless there are preventive measures in place. At Thriveworks in Montgomery, AL, treating depression isn’t just about mitigating symptoms in the moment. It’s about giving clients the emotional and cognitive resources to fend off future depressive episodes. For example, someone who seeks treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or bipolar disorder (manic depression) may learn about the preventative benefits of mindfulness, CBT, and light therapy. They may also learn the importance of sticking to a sleep and wakefulness routine.
The depression counselors at Thriveworks in Montgomery, AL can see clients online or in person at the modern office. Thriveworks accepts most major forms of health insurance coverage, and new clients can often meet with their provider within the same week as scheduling.
You don’t have to live with depression. Call the Thriveworks office today and get scheduled right away.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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