The Amelia Center specializes in serving children, teenagers and young adults (ages 19-21) grieving the death of a loved one, and parents or grandparents grieving the loss of a child. Each person's grief journey is unique. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but there may be healthy ways of coping that will assist you in your grief journey. Grief counseling may provide a safe place to express the intense emotions and allow you to tell your story in a safe place. Many people seek grief counseling because of the intensity and duration of emotions and grief's effects. If you are unable to function in a healthy way or would simply like a safe place to talk about your experience, grief counseling might be appropriate for you. For children and teens, many times parents can see signs of distress through behavior changes at home or at school, drop in grades, and/or trouble sleeping. Grief, many times, can have an effect on these areas of a child or teen's life.
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Services Offered
* BEREAVED PARENTS PROGRAM *
Individual and family counseling - is available at no set fee to parents or grandparents anticipating or grieving the loss of a child or grandchild. To set up an appointment, or for more information, please contact 205-638-7481.
Group counseling - is also available to bereaved parents. There are both ongoing groups as well as short term groups. Some groups offered include Parents Peer Support, Mothers Group, Fathers Group, and Infant Loss Group. Other loss specific groups may be offered short term to meet the needs of clients. The Amelia Center requires an initial interview with one of our counselors before being allowed to participate.
* CHILD TEEN PROGRAM *
Individual and family counseling - is available at no set fee to children, teenagers, and young adults (age 19-21) anticipating or grieving the loss of a parent, grandparent, sibling, close relative or friend. We provide a safe place for children and teenagers to creatively express feelings for which they might not even have words. Through art, play, and expression, children and teenagers can find hope.
Group counseling - is offered for children and teenagers. Our children and teen groups are short term groups that allow individuals the opportunity to share with others that have had similar experiences. Other loss specific groups may be offered to meet the needs of clients. The Amelia Center requires an initial interview with one of our counselors before being allowed to participate.
Fees and Payment
There is no charge for the counseling services provided at The Amelia Center. Although there is no charge, the cost of services is still significant and any contribution that can be made is greatly appreciated.. We are also a non profit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Faith-Based
Payment: Sliding Scale
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Qualifying for assistance from Alabama's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Alabama's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.