Find a therapist in Birmingham, AL — covered by insurance

Going to therapy was one of my hardest journeys. Getting over the fear of being judged, labeled, and uncomfortable was the hardest part. I was able to connect mentally, spiritually, and culturally with my therapist. This further encouraged me to provide a safe space for others. I have worked in hospitals, at-risk youth facilities, and nonprofit organizations. I have been trained in trauma-focused interventions with guaranteed results.

Greetings, my name is Mary Dawn Weston, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I have an MSW from the University of Southern California with a sub concentration in anxiety, PTSD, and codependency. In addition, I obtained a BA in Philosophy and a BA in Sociology. My professional background includes 5 years as the director of the Pre-Release program for the Alabama Department of Corrections, 3 years as a child abuse/neglect investigator as well as 4 years in private practice as a therapist.

Dr. Hakeem Lumumba, PhD. He has over 40 years of clinical experience. In addition, he has been an educator for over 30 years at various institutions. Dr. Lumumba is currently an Adjunct Instructor, at the University of South Alabama (Mobile, Alabama), College of Education and Professional Studies, Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences and he is an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the University of South Alabama (Mobile, Alabama), Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.

Dr. Lumumba received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Lumumba is a Licensed Professional Counselor (Michigan & Alabama), Licensed Master Social Worker (Michigan), Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (Michigan & Alabama), Certified Clinical Supervisor (Michigan and Alabama), National Certified Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Master Addiction Counselor (NAADC). In addition, he is a Motivational Interviewer Train the Trainer, a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for the Department of Transportation, a Health Professional Recovery Program (HPRP) (Michigan) evaluator, and a Health Management System of America (HMSA) Gambling Program Provider.

Dr. Lumumba specializes with treating depression, anxiety, couple's therapy, and substance use disorders.

I am dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. I have over 15 years of experience providing therapy, crisis intervention, and performing psychological evaluations. This experience has allowed me to develop an advanced competency in addressing trauma, anxiety disorders, mood issues, and life transitions.

Clients seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, or PTSD should know that I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) bringing a uniquely informed perspective to remote care. My six years within the VA system and my background as an Army Retiree have given me specialized expertise in managing the complex challenges often associated with trauma, high-stress environments, and chronic mental health issues.

If you've been carrying something heavy — trauma, grief, a past you haven't fully processed — I want you to know: healing is possible, and you don't have to do it alone.

I'm Layla DeLoach Kirkley, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with nearly 20 years of experience. I spent much of my career working directly with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in nonprofit settings — and that work shaped everything about how I show up for my clients today.

I hold a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counseling and Human Development, and I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques — always tailored to what you need, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

I work with teens (ages 13+), adults, couples, and families across a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, disordered eating, grief, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ identity. I see clients in-person in Montgomery and Selma, AL, and via telehealth in Alabama and Florida.

Sharmen Rutherford is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider, Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Ketamine Integration Therapist. She is currently accruing hours to earn her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist credential through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and has completed Vital’s Psychedelics Assisted Psychotherapy and Ketamine Integration Therapy Program.

With more than 17 years of professional clinical experience in the counseling field, Sharmen has helped clients facing addiction and substance use disorders, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, depression, eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, self-harm, school pressures, relationship issues, loss and grief. It is her passion to provide college students, young adults, women, and men with the tools and resources that they need to cope and make a better life for themselves.

Sharmen holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama. She has provided mental health services to adolescents and adults for numerous local mental health organizations, including an alternative school, the Alabama Department of Mental Health at Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, two residential substance abuse treatment facilities, and a halfway house.

Sharmen is a former Advisory Board member and a Board of Directors member for 3 years for the Alabama School of Alcohol and other Drug Studies. She is also a former Board of Directors Hospitality Chair and Secretary of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals for the Alabama Chapter.

Launched in June 2018, Sharmen is also the founder of All Things New Counseling Services, LLC located in Johnson City, Tennessee.

You’re capable and use to managing a lot, but lately life feels overwhelming.

I’m Ashley Walay, LICSW, and I work with BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals, single parents, and military-connected individuals (including spouses, veterans, contractors, and civilian employees) experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, chronic stress, and life transitions.

I value clear, direct communication and tailor therapy to your needs, whether you want tools or space to process. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, balance, and confidence.

Clients should know that I am deeply committed to creating a space where honesty, healing, and emotional safety can exist without judgment. I understand that coming to therapy often requires courage, especially when life feels overwhelming, complicated, or uncertain. My approach is grounded in respect, authenticity, and clinical integrity. I value the therapeutic relationship and believe that meaningful change happens when clients feel seen, heard, and understood - not rushed, dismissed, or judged.

I bring both professional expertise and real-world understanding into my work. Due to having worked in a forensic psychiatric setting for over 16 years, I have experience working with complex emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges. I approach each client with the belief that behavior is often a response to pain, and healing begins when we understand the story behind the behavior.

Clients should also know that I am direct, compassionate, and intentional in my work. I will support you, but I will also gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal is not just to help you cope, but to help you grow, heal, and move toward a more grounded and peaceful version of yourself. I deeply respect each client’s pace and process. You are not expected to have everything figured out when you arrive. Therapy is a space for exploration, reflection, and growth.

Above all, I believe that healing is possible, change is achievable, and no one is too far gone to begin again.

I am Dr. Robinette Muse, licensed professional counselor with a practice in Newnan,Georgia. I have practiced for twenty seven years and have been in the behavioral health field 40 years. My primary specialty is trauma and grief counseling and I treat ages four to ninety.

I have practiced in the community and in clinic settings, private and public mental health. My focus with my clients is to help them heal and thrive.

Personally I spend my non work time gardening and learning naturopathic healing. I am a proud mother of one son and a new daughter-in-love.

Thank you for taking this step of therapy. I am here to support you in your journey to healing. I'd like to support you with managing individual and Family concerns. We will utilize healthier coping skills, problem-solving techniques, decision-making tools and individualized effective techniques that serves your unique goals for therapy. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Patricia A. Shepard is a dedicated Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

with a wealth of experience providing direct therapeutic services to diverse populations.

With advanced degrees in Social Work and Child Development, she is skilled in

conducting complex bio-psychosocial and diagnostic assessments for children,

adolescents, and adults. Ms. Shepard provides individualized, evidence-based treatment

for individuals, couples, and groups, addressing a broad range of behavioral health

challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety,

adjustment disorder and grief. Her clinical practice is grounded in a variety of proven

modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy

(CPT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Throughout her career, Ms. Shepard has demonstrated a profound commitment to

patient care within demanding environments, including military and outpatient settings.

She has served as a primary therapist in Embedded Behavioral Health clinics,

supported the Family Behavioral health Clinic, and provided on-call crisis support for

hospital emergency rooms. A core component of her work involves developing and

monitoring individualized treatment plans to ensure measurable progress and positive

outcomes for her clients. By providing specialized, person-centered counseling and

intervention, Ms. Shepard empowers her clients to achieve recovery and wellness.

With over 30 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families, I provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling grounded in rehabilitation and mental health practice. I specialize in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, substance use concerns, and adjustment to disability. My background includes extensive work with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children with emotional and behavioral disorders, and youth in foster and adoptive care. I also provide Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, as well as individual, couples, family, and group counseling. As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH), I am committed to providing ethical, culturally responsive, and practical support to help clients build resilience and move forward with confidence.