Counseling
Counseling
A counseling program that offers individual and family counseling on a sliding fee scale.
Who it helps
Youth ages 12 to 17 and their families who are seeking support for emotional, behavioral, or relational issues.
How it helps
Offers counseling for a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, conflict management, and identity issues. Sessions are available at the Family Connection Counseling Clinic in Alabaster, as well as virtually. In certain circumstances services may also be provided at school or in the community.
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. Also provides other community-based services, including the Discover U Summer Camp.
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.
Hailey McGhee, LMSW
Counselor
Hailey holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. Her areas of clinical interest include anxiety, ADHD, OCD, anger management, and self-esteem. Hailey has experience providing crisis intervention in several different settings and therapy to individuals with a wide variety of presenting issues. She also utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to explore how a person’s thoughts impact behavior, as well as principles of art therapy to heal through expression and creativity.
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, MSW
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 Baker, BSW
Intern
Hannah is pursuing a Master of Social Work at Troy University. She will intern at Family Connection from August to December 2025 where she will focus on providing therapeutic services to at-risk 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. During her internship, she will employ 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.
Family Connection Counseling accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, All Kids, and Medicaid for outpatient counseling. We also offer a sliding fee scale to ensure that every young person and family can access the care they need. For more information about our sliding scale, a specific counselor, or to schedule an appointment please call (205) 908-0271.
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) 663-2273—we’re here to help.
