Getting Started & Logistics
How do I schedule my first appointment?
You can request a free 15-minute consultation through the contact form, or call or text (256) 906-5822. This gives us a chance to see if we're a good fit before you commit to a full session.
What happens during the free consultation?
It's a brief, no-pressure phone call where you can share a bit about what brought you here, ask any questions, and get a feel for how I work. There's no obligation to continue afterward.
What happens at my first full session (intake)?
We'll complete a bio-psychosocial assessment together, explore what brought you here, and start building a plan that fits your goals. This session is 60–90 minutes.
Do you offer in-person sessions? Do you have openings?
Currently, all sessions are offered through secure telehealth for clients located throughout Alabama. In-person services in Wedowee, AL are coming soon for those who prefer face-to-face sessions. Openings are currently available for telehealth clients.
What do I need for a telehealth session?
A private space, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or computer). I'll send you a secure link before each session.
What if I have technical difficulties during a telehealth session?
If you lose connection or run into tech issues, just text me and we'll troubleshoot together, whether that means reconnecting through the platform or finding a time to reschedule.
What states can you see clients in?
I'm licensed in Alabama, and I can only provide services to clients physically located in Alabama at the time of our session.
Therapeutic Approach & Client Focus
Do you work with adults, children, or both?
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, meeting each person where they are in their unique stage of life and tailoring therapy to fit their needs, strengths, and goals.
For children ages 4–7: When appropriate, I offer Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a structured, evidence-based approach that involves both parent and child working together in real time to strengthen the parent-child relationship, build positive interactions, and address challenging behaviors.
For children ages 5 and up: I also provide individual therapy that is developmentally appropriate, creative, and engaging. Depending on the child, sessions may incorporate play-based activities, art and creativity, storytelling, and narrative techniques to help children express themselves, understand their emotions, build coping skills, and make sense of their experiences in ways that feel natural and comfortable.
For adolescents and adults: I provide individual therapy for concerns such as anxiety, stress, self-esteem, boundaries, trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation, and the unique experiences of neurodivergent clients. My work is collaborative, trauma-informed, and neuroaffirming, with an emphasis on helping clients better understand themselves, develop practical tools, and move toward meaningful change.
For families: I offer family therapy for loved ones who want to strengthen communication, rebuild connection and trust, work through conflict, and navigate difficult seasons together. Family sessions are tailored to the needs and dynamics of each family, with a focus on creating a supportive space where everyone has an opportunity to feel heard and understood.
Do you incorporate spirituality into therapy?
If spirituality or faith is meaningful to you, I'm glad to make space for it in our work together. I don't bring any specific religious framework into sessions, but I honor and respect however spirituality shows up in your life, whether that's a formal faith practice, a personal sense of connection, or simply moments of quiet reflection. This is your space, and we'll shape it around what matters most to you.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, as a therapist I don't prescribe medication. If medication management could be helpful as part of your care, I'm happy to collaborate with your prescriber or provide a referral.
Do you offer LGBTQ+-affirming care?
Yes. Confluent Counseling is a safe, affirming space for all, including LGBTQ+ individuals and families, as well as other diverse communities. You're welcome here exactly as you are, without needing to explain or justify who you are.
Fees, Insurance & Policies
What are your rates?
Initial Consultation: Free (15 minutes)
Intake Session: $130 (60–90 minutes)
Individual Therapy: $110 (60 minutes)
Family Therapy: $130 (60 minutes)
Do you accept insurance?
Confluent Counseling is currently in-network with Optum (UnitedHealthcare), and I am in the process of becoming credentialed with additional major carriers.
Using Insurance: If you have Optum or UHC, your sessions may be covered under your plan’s outpatient mental health benefits, depending on your deductible, copay, coinsurance, and other plan requirements. Because benefits can vary from one plan to another, I recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card before getting started.
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company: When verifying your benefits, it may be helpful to ask:
Does my plan include outpatient mental health or behavioral health benefits?
Is Confluent Counseling or Emily Aldredge, LICSW, considered in-network with my specific plan?
Do I have a deductible for mental health services? If so, how much of it has been met?
What is my copay or coinsurance for an outpatient therapy session?
Does my plan limit the number of therapy sessions I can receive each year?
Do I need prior authorization or a referral before beginning therapy?
Self-Pay & Sliding Scale: If you do not have insurance, prefer not to use insurance, or have a plan I am not currently in-network with, standard self-pay rates apply. A limited number of sliding-scale spots may also be available for those who qualify. If cost is a barrier, please reach out and I’m happy to talk through available options with you.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Under federal law, self-pay and uninsured clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before starting services. I’ll provide this at intake, and you can request an updated estimate at any time.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Life happens, so every client gets one late cancellation or missed appointment without a fee, no questions asked. After that, missed or late-canceled sessions will be billed at the full session rate.
Insurance companies generally do not reimburse for missed appointments or late cancellations, so these fees are typically the client’s responsibility.
Confidentiality, Minors & Legalities
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential in accordance with HIPAA and state law, with a few legal exceptions (such as risk of harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult), which I'll review with you at intake.
Can my teenager consent to their own therapy?
Alabama law on minor consent for mental health treatment allows minors to consent to their own care at 16 years old. You can review the full legislative details directly in the Alabama SB101 Enrolled PDF.
My child is under 16. Will I be involved in their therapy, and will I know what's discussed?
For clients under the age of consent (16 in Alabama), a parent or guardian is involved in the treatment process as the legal decision-maker. I'll typically share general themes, progress, and recommendations with you so you can support your child's growth at home.
That said, I also want your child to have a space where they can be open and honest with me. While I'll keep you informed on the big picture, I protect their day-to-day details unless it involves safety, risk of harm, or concerns regarding abuse/neglect (in which case I will always let you know right away).
Note: If your child is receiving PCIT (ages 4–7), you will be an active participant in every session, working together with me in real time.
Can I request a copy of my records?
Yes. Under HIPAA, you have the right to request a copy of your treatment records at any time. Simply reach out via email or phone, and I'll provide your records within the timeframe required by law. A reasonable fee (typically under $25) may apply to cover copying and preparation costs, and I'll let you know the amount before fulfilling your request.
Fit & Crisis Support
What if we're not a good fit?
That's completely okay. Finding the right therapist is personal, and it's important that you feel truly comfortable and understood. If it doesn't feel like the right fit, there's no pressure, and I'll gladly help connect you with another therapist whose approach or specialty might serve you better.
What if I'm in crisis?
If you're in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. I'm not available 24/7, but I'll do my best to respond to urgent messages as quickly as possible.