About
Reaching out for support takes courage, and if you're here, that first step — however hard it was — already tells me something important: you're ready to work toward something better. My goal is to walk alongside you as we work together to ease your pain and help you build a life that feels full, rich, and genuinely meaningful. As a clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience, I've sat with people in some of their darkest moments — often on what felt like the worst day of their life. I bring a completely non-judgmental presence to every session. Whatever has brought you to counseling, I will not dismiss it. More than just hearing your words, I'm committed to truly understanding you — and that kind of real connection only happens through open, honest communication and mutual trust. I work with adults navigating a wide range of challenges: anxiety, depression, major life transitions, employment struggles, and the unique pressures faced by college students and caregivers. My approach to mental wellness draws from a range of evidence-based methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, Mindfulness, Problem Solving Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Rogerian, and Gestalt, among others — tailored to what fits you best. For our work together to be effective, three things matter deeply: staying motivated, keeping your appointments, and being willing to do the hard work. Healing isn't always easy, but I'll be right there with you through every step of it. When you reach out, please share a little about yourself, your current situation, any prior therapy experience, and whatever questions or concerns are on your mind. There are absolutely no stupid questions here. I look forward to hearing from you — I am here for YOU. Specialties: Together, we decide on your treatment plan and commit to keeping scheduled appointments — because I know life happens — as well as completing any homework assigned along the way. All therapy is interactive and may require additional readings and worksheets to support the work we do between sessions. Communication is essential to everything we accomplish here. We will work together on YOUR goals, building clear, meaningful steps to help you achieve them. Credentials & Experience: AL-PIP Doctorate in Clinical Social Work-UTK
"My therapeutic approach draws on a range of evidence-based methods, with many people finding particular benefit from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — a powerful approach that helps you clarify your values, build psychological flexibility, and move forward in life even when difficult thoughts and feelings show up. I also weave in Strength-Based therapy, which shifts the focus away from what feels broken and instead builds on the unique strengths, resilience, and inner resources you already carry with you. My tool kit holds many types of therapy, and we may start with one therapeutic approach and then thoughtfully layer in others as your needs evolve. As we explore together what brings you to therapy, it is important to stay open to different interventions — because the right combination of approaches can make all the difference in helping you reach your goal or goals. Ultimately, my goal is to help you live a wonderful life."
I work with
Age groups
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Specialties
Areas of Focus
Therapeutic Approaches
Services & Pricing
Free Consultation
15 min · Online
Individual Therapy
50 min · Online
Sliding scale available.
Qualifications
Verified by Calm at Home
Licensed · DSW, PIP, LICSW
Carolyn Neiswender · Verified May 2026
Education and Years in Practice
Attended University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Doctor of Social Work in , Graduated 2015
Additional Credentials
Membership from UAB Graduate Geriatric Faculty Scholars Program
2015
Insurance & Policies
Providing services through BetterHelp and Headway, I'm able to bill your insurance directly, making it easier for you to access the support you need. If you're based in Alabama, I'm in-network with the following insurance plans, which means your visits may be covered at a lower out-of-pocket cost: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Oscar, Oxford, and Optum affiliates. If your plan isn't listed here, you may still be able to see me as an out-of-network provider, though your costs and coverage may differ. Give me a call to talk through your options — I'm here to help make this process as simple as possible.
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My Practice at a Glance
Available for online sessions
Birmingham, AL, 35209 map
My therapeutic approach draws on a range of evidence-based methods, with many people finding particular benefit from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — a powerful approach that helps you clarify your values, build psychological flexibility, and move forward in life even when difficult thoughts and feelings show up. I also weave in Strength-Based therapy, which shifts the focus away from what feels broken and instead builds on the unique strengths, resilience, and inner resources you already carry with you. My tool kit holds many types of therapy, and we may start with one therapeutic approach and then thoughtfully layer in others as your needs evolve. As we explore together what brings you to therapy, it is important to stay open to different interventions — because the right combination of approaches can make all the difference in helping you reach your goal or goals. Ultimately, my goal is to help you live a wonderful life.
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Take our scientifically-backed mental health assessments. Gain clarity on your symptoms, understand your well-being, and share the results with your therapist when you're ready.
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Anxiety Test
GAD-7 · 7 Questions
Depression Test
PHQ-9 · 9 Questions
Stress Level
PSS-10 · 10 Questions
