Counseling
Counseling
Family Connection provides individual and family counseling services designed to support youth and families through life’s challenges. Our counselors provide compassionate, individualized care in a safe and supportive environment, helping young people and their families strengthen relationships, develop healthy coping skills, and improve overall well-being.
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, ALL Kids, and Medicaid for outpatient counseling services. A sliding fee scale is also available to help make counseling accessible to families in our community.
Who we help
Our counseling services are open to everyone in the community, regardless of age. We work with children, adolescents, adults, and families seeking support for emotional, behavioral, relational, or family-related concerns.
How it helps
Our counselors provide support for a variety of needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family conflict, relationship concerns, identity-related issues, and other emotional or behavioral challenges.
Counseling is available at our offices in Alabaster, Helena, and Hoover. When appropriate, services may also be provided in school or community-based settings.
Meet our Counselors
Wendy Mcnish, LPC
Director of Counseling Services
Wendy holds a Masters in Education degree from the University of Montevallo and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She spent fifteen years with Shelby County Schools, ten years with Alabaster City Schools specializing in at-risk programs, and five years in private counseling services in Shelby County. She joined Family Connection in December of 2024 to lead the organization’s expansion of counseling services to more youth and families throughout Central Alabama.
Ouida Wright, LMSW
Counselor
Ouida earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Montevallo and her Master of Social Work from Samford University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and families in school and community settings. Her work focuses on supporting youth and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, academic, and family-related challenges.
Ouida utilizes a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, incorporating Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop healthy coping skills. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where children, teens, and families feel heard, empowered, and equipped to grow and thrive.
Elizabeth Merrill, ALC
Counselor
Elizabeth is an Associate Licensed Counselor with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She brings extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families, providing support with emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges. Elizabeth’s clinical focus includes emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, crisis management, and parenting concerns. She is dedicated to cultivating a safe and supportive environment, utilizing trauma-informed care, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, and play-based interventions to foster client growth and resilience. Elizabeth is committed to empowering her clients to develop effective coping strategies and build healthy relationships as they navigate life’s challenges.
Andrea Vazquez, LMSW
Counselor
Andrea holds a Master of Social Work degree and has experience working with children and families impacted by trauma. Her clinical focus includes anxiety, depression, and the effects of abuse. Andrea has provided services in both English and Spanish, and she is passionate about making mental health care accessible to Spanish-speaking communities. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play-based interventions, and trauma-informed care to support healing and growth. Andrea is committed to helping each client feel safe, empowered, and heard throughout their counseling journey.
Hannah McCullough, LMSW
Counselor
Hannah has a Master of Social Work from Troy University. She interned at Family Connection from August to December 2025 where she focused on providing therapeutic services to youth in Shelby County. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Montevallo, where she completed her BSW internship at the Shelby County Juvenile Probation Office in 2024. Since 2023, she has also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Chilton and Autauga Counties. As a Counselor, Hannah employs evidence-based practices including Trauma-Informed care, crisis intervention, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience in techniques from Gestalt Therapy, Reality Therapy, and psychodrama to effectively engage and support youth in group settings.
Therapeutic Outreach Prevention (TOP)
Community and school-based counseling and crisis management services focused on preventing emotional, behavioral, and academic difficulties.
Who it helps
Primarily middle school students, although services are available for elementary and high school students as well.
How it helps
Provides individual counseling to students dealing with issues like bullying, anxiety, depression, and family conflict. The program aims to improve school attendance and emotional well-being through in-person or virtual counseling.
Have questions about our programs and services? Contact us for more information.
If you know a young person in crisis, call us immediately at (205) 663-6301—we’re here to help.
