Seeking Help to Find a Good Psychiatrist or Counselor for My Son in Auburn, AL

Every college campus has counseling services and medical services. He needs to see a medical doctor to rule out any possible medical reason and also see a counselor to start talking to someone. Call the campus's office of medical services for students immediately.

Tell him to come home for the weekend or you go visit for the weekend so you can "SEE" him and evaluate the situation. He has options for college - if this is not what is working for him, let him change his plans and do not be disappointed in him. I too have a son close to that age. Would it make him happier to return home and go to college in your hometown? If so, DO IT! Auburn is a great college, but only if it is the right fit for your son. Many kids flourish in a big college atmosphere but many do not. His mental state is what is most important. This semester will end mid-December -so he's so close to getting a few weeks off with the holidays coming soon - remind him of this. I have a sister who is soooo very successful and went away to college (only about 3 hours from home). She cried every day and was home after the 1st semester. We all stayed in the city we live for school because being away from family just was not for us. Mother and Daddy encouraged us to go to college but immediately told her that if she wasn't happy to come home. That is the most wonderful option our parents can give us when it's sincerely meant. We all held full time jobs before school was finished and have wonderful families of our own - that support from our parents made us feel great. It wasn't about what they thought was best for us and college - we had to be content with that choice too. We are home-bodies and he may be also. We talk to our parents and see them all the time.

R.,
I definitely understand the need for counseling in college. It's stressful, scary, and can be overwhelming, especially as you advance into harder classes. I went during my senior year, and it was such a relief to talk with someone who I didn't have to worry about judging me.

Now, I work for Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries. We also offer professional counseling from a Christian viewpoint for the public through our ministry, Pathways Professional Counseling. The Web site is www.pathwaysprofessional.com.
We have a counselor in Opelika, Scott Estes. Here is his contact info:
Counselor, Scott Estes, M.Ed., M.A.C.E., LPC, RPT
____@____.com
2110 Gateway Drive
Opelika, Al. 35010
Phone ###-###-####
Scott is highly qualified and professionally licensed. We do have set rates, but scholarships are available to help pay for counseling services, or the entire fee if need be. We don't turn anyone away. :)

there are 24 hour hot lines that you can call at any time. i dont the number but more then likely you can ask directory asst. for a number to the crises line. they can be helpful. depression is a hard thing to go through. did he just move away from home. has there been alot of recent changes in his life? has he been about to make new friends? he could be having difficulties in school. it could be so many things. send him a cheerful card at least once or more a month. get a humerous card. and give him encouragement. good luck and i wish him and you the best, C.

He needs to go to the University Medical Center and ask. Believe me, they have requests like this all the time. Or, you can call in and ask for yourself. But, from experience, it's a far cry between having a student needing and going....

Good luck! Your child is not unusual. College is scary and there are a lot of demands on that way to adulthood!

There is ususal a office at school to handed this type of things. I know there is a Dr serve on the campus. You might want to check what the school has to help him.

Hi R.,
Hugs to you and to your sweet boy. I have one too. He's 19 and a freshman in college, and is going through the same thing. I wish I knew of someone there, but I live in Oklahoma. I DID find a guy for my son (against my husband's wishes!) and MY SON IS GOING ONCE A WEEK. And you know what? It's helping him sooooo much. He's been going now for about 6 weeks and I see a huge change in him. I think a psychologist is probably what you're looking for, to start with. And if you have insurance, it will pay a portion, most likely. If not, they usually will work with you on a sliding scale. I think a lot of these kids' problems is that everyone expects them to know what they are going to do with the rest of their lives when they are just 18 or 19 years old! SUCH PRESSURE!!! And anymore, at least here, in the high schools there is very very little help or "guidance" from the counselor. And now, the way college is set up, it's not like it was when we went where everyone spent the first 2 years taking general education requirements. Now, you pretty much have to "jump right in" with whatever major you've declared. If you want, you can e-mail me privately. I know what you're going through, and I know it's got to be tough living 4 hours away and not able to help. If you want to talk, I'm here!
C.
____@____.com

Have your son seek help on campus immediately. There are excellent resources avsilable to him at the University (he can start with the clinic, his advisor, etc.). If he seems unable to do this himself, make the 4 hour drive and help him. Depression is serious business and adjusting to college is difficult.

is there a college any closer to home? maybe he could commute. i went through a terrible time when i went to college. leaving the nest is not all it's cracked up to be and he may need a little more time at home. i moved home and commuted 30 mins and it was great for me and for my parents (so the say :-). all my best.

Most universities have psychologists that will speak with students for free.

Church is always a great Alternative Counceling Service. If he has a set religion, Have him look up Churchs in that area. Pastor/Minister/Priests always have your needs at Heart. Unbiased Opinion of an experienced person whos heard it all and how to deal with it. If I had a problem, I know I could talk to my Pastor, and it dont cost me anything. Hes only going to give me the best advice he can, he cares about our family. He may find a Church that has services he wants to attend. Ours has adult classes, married couple classes, teens, etc. Most Churches are the same. If its something they dont have previous Knowlege of, at least they will tell you, and in that event also, they have a bond in thier community and would know the right person for them to talk too.

I agree with the others. The university has couseling and psychological services available for little or no cost to the students. Many students have trouble with depression, homesickness, etc. when away at college and out of their traditional support group. If you are religious at all I would try the BCM or Wesley foundations for fun activities and weekly worships and lunches as an added spot of support...it did wonders for me years ago. since I know no one personally in that area, that's about all I know to offer.
Good luck and he'll be in our prayers.
M.

R.,

I got this information from my aunt who lives in Auburn and used to work for the university.

She says to call the Student Counseling Services (primary counseling center for AU undergraduate and graduate student community). Their number is: ###-###-####

God bless!
K.

Hello R.:
I may know of someone in the Montgomery, Al area. Would your son be willing to come to Montgomery (about 1 hour from Auburn)? Also, most college campuses have a counseling center with many services free to students. If he is willing, he could start there and they could refer him to some reputable people in Auburn from there. They may even have psychiatrists on staff at the student counseling center.
May God Bless and Keep you and your family safe,
-J.

yes find some help some way cause he needs it may be the college can help you good luck cause boys most of the time don't cry at least where someone can hear them

If he's at Auburn University, have him try the university's Psych Services. They specialize in college students with problems, and if he is a full-time student they probably don't cost much, if anything. If he is reluctant to go, perhaps you could contact his friends, academic advisor, and someone at whatever religious instituion he attends to help influence him.