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The Best Local Online Counseling in Birmingham, AL

If there's one universal truth about humans, it's that at some point in our lives, we have to work through difficult circumstances. When that happens, we often need someone to talk to - someone we can trust who can give us an unbiased opinion or advice. Sometimes, that person is a family member or close friend. In some situations, however, only a qualified professional like a therapist will work. If that sounds familiar, don't be ashamed because you're most certainly not alone. According to recent statistics, in the U.S., approximately 55.8 million adults needed treatment or counseling for mental health reasons in 2022.

If you've been thinking about mental health treatment, you may be considering virtual therapy with an online counselor. Online therapy gives you the chance to connect with licensed therapists and mental health coaches without needing to set foot in a traditional therapy setting. Working with an online therapist can be every bit as effective as seeing an in-person therapist. From anxiety disorders to stress management, virtual therapy provides help for mental health concerns without the need to sit for long periods in a therapist's waiting room. If you're in search of counseling online in Birmingham, AL, ZenZone Health is among the best choices available.

Wellness Therapy Birmingham, AL
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What Clients Say About Us

ZenZone Health: Online CounselingWhen You Need It Most

At ZenZone Health, our team of licensed therapists and mental health coaches are committed to delivering reliable and collaborative mental health care to those who need it most. With extensive experience in our field, we recognize the significance of customized, compassionate treatment for mental health. That's why we approach treatment in a comprehensive manner, taking into account each client's specific needs and wellness goals. Our virtual therapists use evidence-based methods to help clients develop resilience and build coping skills that they can use every day.

We know that reaching out for help when you have mental health challenges can be tough, which is why we always offer a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere for our clients. We emphatically believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care and work hard to ensure that our services are easy to understand and affordable for all.

Our telehealth therapists in Birmingham, AL, focus on a range of specialties, including:

  • Depression Therapy
  • Anxiety Therapy
  • Stress Management
  • First Break Psychosis
  • Mood Disorders & Bipolar
  • Panic Attacks & Panic Disorders
  • Family Counseling
  • Couples Counseling
  • Grief & Loss
  • PTSD
  • Substance Use Disorder
  • Business Consulting
  • Wellness Coaching
 Mindfulness Therapy Birmingham, AL

Booking an Online Therapy Session is Easy at ZenZone Health

Some online counseling websites make booking a session convoluted and confusing. We strive to make the process streamlined and simple. We're also committed to matching you with quality therapists. In fact, the president of ZenZone Health conducts a free 15-minute assessment for every one of our new patients. By relying on a trained, licensed professionals, instead of an algorithm, we can pair you with a counselor who has experience best suited to your needs.

Here's how to Request Information:

Initial
Schedule Your Initial Appointment

Fill out the appointment request form on our website or call our office today to discuss how to Request Information with counseling online.

Ongoing
Ongoing Therapy

Once we have completed your initial appointment, you're in the Zone. At this point, you continue to make progress in your virtual coaching or therapy sessions.

Program
Package Savings Program

We want to maintain and build on the progress you're making at ZenZone Health, which is why we created our wellness program, which helps make sure you're in the Zone you want and deserve to be in. This program is dedicated finding the right package for you, to schedule continual sessions 1x per week, 2x per month, what ever is right for you and the price point suited for you.

you-insurance
Insurance

Navigating insurance for online counseling can be a headache, but we go out of our way to make it as easy as possible for you by working with many insurance companies and plans. In some instances, and depending on licensure, we can take your insurance. Please call or message us for more details.

FAQs About Online Counseling and Therapy from ZenZone Health

 Stress Relief Therapy Birmingham, AL

Therapy will be different for each person, depending on their issues and goals. Typically, sessions involve discussing current events, personal history, and progress from previous sessions. Therapy can be short-term or longer-term, and it's common to have regular weekly sessions. Active participation is important for results, and your therapist may suggest activities outside of sessions to support your progress. Therapy is for those ready to make positive changes, open to new perspectives, and willing to take responsibility for their lives.

Therapy can help with mental and emotional problems better than medication alone. Therapy does more than just treat symptoms; it also addresses the causes of distress and the behavior patterns that limit progress. An integrated approach to wellness is best for long-term growth and well-being. Your doctor can help you decide whether medication, therapy, or both are the right choice for you.

Everyone experiences difficult times in life, and while you may have effectively dealt with other challenges you've encountered, there's no shame in reaching out for extra assistance when you require it. Seeking therapy is actually a sign of self-awareness and strength, as it indicates that you recognize the need for support. By seeking therapy, you are demonstrating accountability for your current circumstances and showing a commitment to making a change. Therapy offers enduring advantages and guidance, equipping you with the necessary skills to avoid potential triggers, redirect harmful behaviors, and conquer any obstacles that come your way.

Now that you know more about what makes ZenZone Health different, let's dig deeper into the benefits of telehealth therapy sessions and who benefits the most from them.

Anxiety, Stress, and Depression: How ZenZone Telehealth Therapists in Birmingham, AL Help

In today's fast-paced world, mental health disorders are increasingly common and impacting millions of lives worldwide. In the Southeast United States, the prevalence of these disorders has led to the development of specialized treatments and therapies. In this pursuit, ZenZone Health has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering exceptional services in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management.

A Personalized Approach to Mental Health

What sets ZenZone Health apart from other remote therapists is our personalized approach to therapy. We understand that every person who needs therapy has unique needs and goals. That's why we develop customized treatment plans that address those needs and goals in a structured, compassionate manner. By providing you with a custom treatment plan, we can help ensure that you get the highest quality, most effective interventions possible, leading to positive outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

 Integrative Therapy Birmingham, AL
 Healing Therapy Birmingham, AL

Depression Therapy from ZenZone Health

Struggling with depression can feel like an ongoing battle, overshadowing everyday life. At ZenZone Health, our depression therapy brings a glimmer of hope to those facing this challenging condition. Our licensed therapists use proven techniques to create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and build effective coping strategies. By combining psychotherapy and counseling, patients are gently guided toward healing and self-discovery.

Stress and Anxiety Therapy at ZenZone Health

Chronic stress has become a widespread concern in today's modern society, impacting individuals of all age groups. ZenZone Health offers stress management programs that provide practical tools to effectively deal with life's pressures. Our experienced therapists empower clients with relaxation techniques and time management strategies to help achieve balance amidst the chaos.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, making even simple tasks seem like huge challenges. At ZenZone Health, our anxiety therapy is customized to tackle the underlying issues that your brain won't let go of. Our therapists work closely with you, using cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices to help you handle anxious thoughts and behaviors. Through personalized sessions, you can learn to take back control and live a more peaceful and balanced life.

 Mental Health Therapy Birmingham, AL
 Relaxation Therapy Birmingham, AL

Trauma & PTSD Therapy at ZenZone Health

At ZenZone Health, we understand that the aftermath of trauma can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life. Our specialized PTSD and trauma therapy programs are designed to help you regain control and find peace. Using evidence-based techniques, our compassionate therapists work with you to process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies. Whether through cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, or mindfulness practices, we provide a safe and supportive environment for healing. At ZenZone Health, we are dedicated to helping you move forward, reclaim your life, and achieve lasting well-being.

Exploring the Many Benefits of Online Counseling in Birmingham, AL

Studies indicate that therapy is generally effective and offers numerous advantages. Therapy can help you recognize sources of distress, gain better self-understanding, and reach your goals. While traditional in-person counseling is an option for many, it's not for everyone. Here are some of the biggest benefits of online therapy:

 Personalized Therapy Birmingham, AL

Access to Support When Living in Remote Areas

Online therapy provides mental health support to individuals living in rural or remote areas who may not have access to traditional in-person therapy due to a lack of local mental health services. Seeking face-to-face therapy in such cases often involves long drives and significant time commitments, which can be challenging for those with busy schedules. However, with reliable internet access, telehealth therapy sessions offer a convenient and relatively quick way to access treatment that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.

 Emotional Wellness Therapy Birmingham, AL

Affordable and Convenient

While this wasn't always the case, modern counseling online is usually quite affordable and convenient. You can schedule therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home at times that suit you best. Plus, many states now mandate that insurance providers cover online therapy just like traditional therapy (you should contact your insurance company to see if telehealth counseling is covered). Add that to the fact that telehealth is generally affordable even without insurance coverage, and you can see why so many people check in with their counselors on a weekly and even daily basis.

 Holistic Counseling Birmingham, AL

Access to Counseling if You're Physically Disabled

When you're disabled physically, everyday tasks like getting dressed and running errands can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately, disabled men and women often forego therapy because they can't make it to the therapist's office. Online therapy offers a way for people with disabilities or limited mobility to access mental health care. A therapist working from home may not have the facilities to cater to clients with different needs, but with online counseling, you can still access quality care.

 Wellness Counseling Birmingham, AL

Better Availability

Telehealth therapy sessions in Birmingham, AL offer an easier way for people to connect with a counselor, especially for those who need help but might be deterred by various obstacles. Individuals struggling with mental health issues like social anxiety disorder, depression, mood disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder may find it difficult to motivate themselves to seek out a therapist, book appointments, and travel to their office for the initial and subsequent meetings.

If booking an appointment with a traditional therapist isn't in the cards, it could be time to try counseling online.

 Mindfulness Counseling Birmingham, AL

Therapy is More Approachable

The internet has made mental health treatment more accessible. People might find it easier to discuss physical health problems with friends and family than mental health concerns. However, online access can help overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues. Teletherapy can also be a valuable tool for learning more about mental health and strengthening your psychological well-being, even if you're not struggling with mental health issues.

A Note from ZenZone Health: If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 on your phone. You can contact this number 24/7, day or night.

When is the Best Time to Seek Counseling Online in Birmingham, AL?

If you're reading this, chances are you or a loved one is struggling in life. You may be dealing with added stress at work, grieving after a traumatic life event, or working through a rocky relationship. Dealing with these issues alone can be challenging. But asking for help can be, too. That's especially true when you're dealing with mental health issues. Fortunately, a licensed therapist may be able to provide the support and tools you need to get back to a normal life. If you're wondering whether you need online counseling, keep these situations in mind.

1

Living with Substance Abuse Problems

Dealing with addictions, whether it's substance abuse or behavioral addictions like gambling, can feel incredibly daunting. Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process as it delves into the underlying causes of these issues. With help from remote therapists, you develop skills to help maintain sobriety and prevent relapses. For example, if you're struggling with alcohol addiction, an online therapist can help you identify triggers and teach you new, healthier ways to cope with those triggers instead of using alcohol.

2

Dealing with Relationship Issues

Relationship struggles can be a huge motivating factor for seeking therapy. These issues may involve friends, romantic partners, or family members. For instance, a couple may turn to couples counseling to address communication or trust issues. An online counselor can assist individuals in resolving these issues and developing improved communication skills, boundaries, and coping strategies.

3

Symptoms of a Mental Health Condition

Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, and PTSD can significantly disrupt daily life. Symptoms can manifest as constant feelings of worry or frequent headaches. Therapy, along with medication or lifestyle adjustments, can be an effective treatment for mental health. For example, a person with anxiety might learn relaxation techniques to manage stress levels with the help of a therapist. Similarly, someone experiencing depression may learn coping skills to maintain a more positive outlook on life.

4

New Challenges in Life

Dealing with common - albeit challenging - events in life, like losing a job, coping with grief, or undergoing major changes, can be very disruptive. If you find yourself losing interest in your usual activities, it could be a sign of a mental health condition like major depressive disorder. Therapy offers essential support and guidance for managing these issues, which can help individuals overcome their obstacles. For instance, a person grieving the loss of a loved one may benefit from online counseling as they navigate through their emotions. Similarly, someone who has relocated to a new city might find online therapy beneficial as they adapt to their new home, community, and workplace.

5

Trauma from Childhood

Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on people as they mature. Virtual therapy with a licensed professional can assist people in processing these experiences and recovering from them, which may help them comprehend and address any existing issues. For instance, individuals who experienced neglect as children can work through feelings of abandonment in therapy, potentially alleviating the anxiety they may be feeling in their romantic relationship.

Nurturing Your Mental Health One Session at a Time

In the pursuit of mental wellness, ZenZone Health stands as your steadfast ally, offering specialized therapies that cater to a range of mental health and lifestyle challenges. Through our expertise in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management, we aren't just providing treatments; we're offering a lifeline to those struggling with mental health disorders. When you trust ZenZone Health for online therapy in Birmingham, AL, you're taking the first step toward rediscovering joy in your life, one session at a time. Contact us today to learn more about telehealth therapy and how our providers can help you overcome the hurdles holding you back.

Latest News in Birmingham, AL

Researchers: Alabama’s $5B ‘bridge to nowhere’ offers ‘little benefit’

This is an opinion column.It’s about the money. They’re still trying to spend $5.4 billion on this boondoggle called the Northern Beltline.The Highway to What the Hell? The Do-Nothing Doughnut. So much dough that it’s nuts.Think about $5.4 billion. With a “B.” That’s $2,817 for every family in Alabama. To build a 52-and-a-half-mile road around Birmingham for ...

This is an opinion column.

It’s about the money. They’re still trying to spend $5.4 billion on this boondoggle called the Northern Beltline.

The Highway to What the Hell? The Do-Nothing Doughnut. So much dough that it’s nuts.

Think about $5.4 billion. With a “B.” That’s $2,817 for every family in Alabama. To build a 52-and-a-half-mile road around Birmingham for what researchers say are the wrong reasons, based on bad data, that will likely damage the environment and backfire on the city it is to skirt.

Try to get your head around this project, which is slated to be the most expensive road ever built in Alabama. At current projections it’s $104 million a mile. A road that will do nothing at all to help with overcrowded roads in Huntsville or Baldwin County or even Shelby County.

It’s $5.9 million for every 100 yards of road. That’s a football field’s distance, or about 10 seconds out of Derrick Henry’s day.

Henry makes about $8 million a year. That’s worth 136 yards of this road – less distance than the Heisman winner averaged per game in college. But then. Alabama Defensive Coordinator Kane Wommack makes $1.55 million a year. That’d only get you 27 yards on this road. Too bad he couldn’t hold Vandy to that. Ever.

But I digress. An average Alabamian’s income wouldn’t buy two feet of this road. It’s $58,929 per yard, $19,643 per foot, $1,637 per inch.

All this in a state that hates the federal government but is happy to play politics with the federal money it gets to build roads to anywhere. In a state that claims it’s too broke to expand Medicaid to help families and children, too broke to fully remove the sales tax on food. In a state where a kid can’t even qualify for Medicaid unless his family makes less than $5,400 a year -- or about 3.3 inches of this damn road.

Yes, it’s about the money. But it’s also clear now, after years of hype and spin and unconvincing argument, it’s not just about the money.

A new study by a team of economists from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte found the Alabama Department of Transportation not only used flawed studies to justify what will be the most expensive road project in Alabama history, but continued to use that data even after it was discredited by economists.

“The current re-evaluation of the Beltline project continues to use outdated and inaccurate numbers,” the new study says. “As such, the benefits of this project have been dramatically overstated while the costs have not been fully considered.”

The study was commissioned by the Southern Environmental Law Center, which has – commendably, as far as I’m concerned – shuddered at the impact of this project.

Matthew Metzgar, one of the authors of the report, said the SELC asked for an honest assessment of the plans.

“It seemed on the surface that this was a large amount of money for a little gain,” he said. “They wanted us to take a look and see if that was true or not.”

An ALDOT spokesman said the department is still reviewing the new study, but said residents in the area of the beltline overwhelmingly support the project, which they contend will spur economic development.

This study doesn’t just bust all the myths about this boondoggle, though. It deconstructs them. And it’s blistering.

“The Northern Beltline project is being sold primarily as an economic development project,” it says. “However, the primary purpose of any transportation project should be the efficient movement of people, goods, and services … Building a ‘bridge to nowhere’ may create temporary construction jobs but provides little benefit to the overall community.”

It says the notion of “if you build it, they will come” is bogus. In fact the reverse is true, that economic development and jobs create demand for roads, not the other way around.

And the promise of jobs is, well, like the promise of the Edsel.

ALDOT has predicted the project will result in 2,842 permanent jobs, the report said. That sounds great, until you realize that’s $2.3 million a job. And that more than a million people live in the Birmingham metro.

There will certainly be plenty of temporary construction jobs. But taxpayers will pay $845,453 for each one if the project is completed in 30 years, the researchers said.

It clearly won’t be done in 30 years, but Birmingham might be.

As the study points out, Birmingham is losing population, the MSA is growing slower than average. And where it’s been growing the most, where we do need better and bigger roads, is on the exact opposite side of the city. Plus,Jefferson County already has its hands full without paying to build more roads and sewers and other infrastructure in the hinterlands, and there is simply no demand for this kind of investment.

Except from road builders and landowners who think they’ll get a boon from this doggle.

But that hope is as overblown as the price tag.

The study makes clear that this is a road around Birmingham that will benefit – if anybody – out-of-state travelers and maybe a few people high-tailing it back and forth between Tuscaloosa and Gadsden. Economic development will likely be limited to the kind of stuff you find at every interstate exit.

“A bypass-focused beltline will essentially create a series of travel stops, rather than building vibrant communities,” the report said. “Fast food restaurants and gas stations are not the main drivers of economic development.”

It’s not just that it won’t live up to the expectations. It’s that it will hurt.

“Building a large northern beltway will only serve to pull more traffic and potential development away from the city itself,” the report says,

It may shift people and resources from the city toward those outer areas, but “shifting population from one area of an MSA to another however is not growth,” it said.

It’s an illusion. Like this boondoggle.

We are spending $5.4 billion to stick a knife in the heart of the city of Birmingham. All while Madison and Baldwin County, and Shelby, for that matter, beg for real traffic help.

“The funds for this project could be better used for other transportation projects in the Birmingham area, or for other non-transportation projects which would create more jobs and produce economic growth,” the report said.

It goes on to say what everybody around Birmingham already knows, but relentlessly refuses to address. That the Birmingham-Hoover MSA needs regional cooperation to reverse its course. Not a $5.4 billion road.

It’s harder to cooperate, I guess, than to spend $4,900 for every man, woman and child in the metro area.

It is incompetent at best, corrupt at worst. Yet the politicians and spin doctors boast of it and put up signs calling it “another project to rebuild Alabama.”

This is not rebuilding Alabama. It is breaking it.

John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner at AL.com.

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Goodman: What’s the future of UAB football?

Get Joe Goodman’s newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to Joe’s weekly newsletter, Sports Happy Hour:This is an opinion column.______________________There was always a chance at UAB with Trent Dilfer that things could go horribly wrong in a hurry.Well, we’re here after six weeks of his second season on the Southside.I’ll always believe that it could have been a good hire under different circumstances, but by “different circumstances” I mea...

Get Joe Goodman’s newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to Joe’s weekly newsletter, Sports Happy Hour:

This is an opinion column.

______________________

There was always a chance at UAB with Trent Dilfer that things could go horribly wrong in a hurry.

Well, we’re here after six weeks of his second season on the Southside.

I’ll always believe that it could have been a good hire under different circumstances, but by “different circumstances” I mean that Dilfer should have hired an experienced defensive coordinator from the beginning instead of giving his friend from high school a job he wasn’t prepared to take.

It’s more important to Dilfer to take care of his friends than it is his football team. That’s his choice to make, but in reality Dilfer’s blind loyalty is making things difficult for the Blazers.

At its worst, UAB football should at least be even with Tulane every season in this new American Athletic Conference. Before this season, the all-time record between UAB and Tulane was 6-6.

At its best, UAB should be competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff. That’s not out of the question for the Blazers now that the CFP has expanded to 12 teams. More expansion to the playoffs are coming soon, too. There is a path for UAB to the playoffs. A couple months ago, Memphis was a preseason favorite to make the CFP. UAB’s all-time record against Memphis is 10-6.

Last Saturday, UAB lost at home to Tulane 71-20. It was 57-6 at the end of the third quarter after an interception return by Tulane defender Chris Rodgers, a transfer from Troy. UAB plays Army in West Point, N.Y., on Saturday and the Black Knights are 26.5-point favorites. UAB is 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the AAC. These are all signs of a football program flying off the rails.

If not for UMass, UAB might be the worst team in the entire Football Bowl Subdivision.

Dilfer is not without his positive qualities, but he needed help making his transition from high school to FBS. He needed someone with experience as a FBS coordinator on his staff. UAB athletics director Mark Ingram either lacked the vision or leadership to steer Dilfer in the right direction, and now they’re in this mess together.

Ingram took a chance on Dilfer and there is nothing wrong with taking chances. But UAB jumped to the American Athletic Conference last year and at the same time college football shifted to its transfer portal, pay-for-play era. Former UAB coach Bill Clark retired due to a back injury rather than wading into those waters, and I can’t really blame him. Alabama’s Nick Saban retired, too.

Clark now has a podcast, Saban is on ESPN College GameDay and Dilfer, the former ESPN talking head, is a coach. Weird stuff.

Clark never had a losing season at UAB. He turned the Blazers into a perennial contender for conference championships after bringing UAB football back from the dead. He’s a legend for that and should be in the College Football Hall of Fame for everything he did for UAB.

But I got to be honest here. Clark did not get along with Ingram, UAB’s athletics director. It’s not uncommon for ADs and football coaches to clash, but I’ll always believe that a different administrator could have kept Clark around.

Ingram was never going to hire Clark’s first lieutenant, Bryant Vincent. When Clark retired suddenly, leaving Ingram in a bind, UAB’s athletics director had no choice but to promote Vincent to interim coach. Ingram wanted to make a splash, and so he hired Dilfer.

Vincent is now the head coach of Louisiana-Monroe. I’m not saying Vincent was the answer for UAB, but his ULM Warhawks are now 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Sun Belt. In the second week of the season, Dilfer’s UAB was outclassed by Vincent’s ULM 32-6.

It was ULM’s easiest victory of the season.

ULM’s all-time record as a football team is 329-465-8. That’s 128th out of the 135 teams currently competing at the FBS level.

For those wondering, UAB’s all-time record is 173-191-2, or 108th out of 135.

People aren’t going to like hearing this, but UAB football needs help and support from the University System Board of Trustees in figuring out a path out of the AAC basement. UAB football can be a Group of 5 powerhouse, but the bottom line is that it takes support from the top to make anything work in any industry.

I’m pretty invested in the future of UAB football. UAB football is important for the success of Birmingham. My biggest fear as a graduate of UAB, and former editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, and father of a son who is a recent UAB graduate, is that the Board of Trustees is just going to kill the football team again.

It’s an irrational fear at this point, right? But some trauma you just can’t shake. My great wish for UAB football is that the BOT’s leadership would assist UAB President Ray Watts in cleaning up the UAB athletics department.

What’s the future for UAB football?

Dilfer told me before last season that UAB could potentially win the AAC in his first season. At this point, I’m not sure if he’s going to win another game. Last week, I asked Dilfer what defensive adjustments UAB was making for the game against Tulane. He said that UAB was trying everything it could.

For those who think President Watts doesn’t care about athletics at UAB, you’re wrong. Watts cares. It’s just that he doesn’t know much about what it takes to win football games.

That’s probably for the best, considering UAB — the state’s largest employer — has more important things to worry about at any given second of any given day.

For the UAB football fans, though, these are embarrassing times. President Watts said UAB would compete to be the best in the AAC. The Blazers have a new downtown stadium and the undergraduate campus is on the rise. UAB football isn’t hopeless by any means, and the administration just this year invested a considerable amount of money into rebranding the image of the entire university to give the massive campus a more collegial aesthetic.

It’s now on President Watts to fix UAB football, and the good doctor might need to bring his scalpel for the job.

MAILBAG

Got a question for Joe? Want to get something off your chest? Send Joe an email about what’s on your mind. Let your voice be heard. Ask him anything.

Joseph Goodman is the lead sports columnist for the Alabama Media Group, and author of the book“We Want Bama: A Season of Hope and the Making of Nick Saban’s Ultimate Team.”

Slutty Vegan reopening Birmingham location after temporary closure

Slutty Vegan’s Birmingham location will reopen Friday, Oct. 18.The reopening comes after the store announced a temporary closure in June for “operational changes.”The restaurant will have a soft opening at 2-7 p.m. on the 18th, and then an official grand reopening Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2-8 p.m. The sto...

Slutty Vegan’s Birmingham location will reopen Friday, Oct. 18.

The reopening comes after the store announced a temporary closure in June for “operational changes.”

The restaurant will have a soft opening at 2-7 p.m. on the 18th, and then an official grand reopening Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2-8 p.m. The store’s regular business hours will then be Tuesday through Thursday noon until 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday noon until 9 p.m., and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

According to a Slutty Vegan representative, the business offered positions to all Birmingham-area staff who were in good standing at the time of the store closure.

The June closure wasn’t the first time Slutty Vegan has closed temporarily. In early 2023, the restaurant closed for four days due to mechanical issues, and for a few days earlier in 2024 due to technical difficulties. In 2023, the restaurant was vandalized.

The Slutty Vegan food truck first came to Birmingham in 2020, and the average wait-time was two hours to get “sluttified” with one of their menu items. After the success of their food truck pop-up, the Birmingham Slutty Vegan location was opened in August 2022 and became the first location outside of Atlanta. When the store first opened, people from across the city looked to support the Black-owned business.

“Birmingham was the springboard to be able to identify things will be different...I was used to Atlanta systems, county and state taxes. So coming to Alabama, the laws and permits are set up differently,” Slutty Vegan owner Pinky Cole told AL.com. “So there were a lot of learning curves that took us over a year to be able to identify. But now, I feel like we have arrived and we’re past the toddler stage.”

Since the Birmingham location opened, Cole opened up other various locations across the country including Dallas, Harlem, Brooklyn, and on Spelman College’s campus.

The restaurant is known for “bangin’ plant-based” burgers, fries, other sandwiches, sides and desserts in a yellow and red-colored storefronts among their 12 locations across the country.

Goose Sets Benefit Shows For Hurricane Helene Relief In North Carolina, Alabama

Goose has announced a pair of special benefit shows set to raise money for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The two shows, set to take place at Winston-Salem, NC’s Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (10/25) and Birmingham, AL’s Avondale Brewing Company (10/26) will take the place of a pair of performances in Asheville, NC which were canceled in the ...

Goose has announced a pair of special benefit shows set to raise money for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The two shows, set to take place at Winston-Salem, NC’s Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (10/25) and Birmingham, AL’s Avondale Brewing Company (10/26) will take the place of a pair of performances in Asheville, NC which were canceled in the aftermath of the devastating storm.

Proceeds from the two new dates will support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the Carolina Region, in partnership with Conscious Alliance and local organizations working directly with impacted communities in Western North Carolina. These benefit shows will support the delivery of essential supplies to Swannanoa, NC and surrounding areas and aid local organizations such as BeLoved Asheville and Hearts with Hands in their on-the-ground recovery and clean up work. Find more details here.

Pre-sales for the Goose Hurricane Helene relief benefit shows will take place on Thursday, October 10th between 10:00 am ET and 10:00 pm ET. General on-sales will follow on Friday, October 11th at 10:00 am ET.

Related: Hurricane Helene Relief: Canceled Concerts, Who’s Helping, & How You Can Get Involved [Updates]

The Connecticut-based five-piece is currently traversing the U.S. on a run of late-2024 headlining tour dates. Upcoming tour highlights include the band’s 11th annual Goosemas holiday celebration on December 13th and 14th at North Charleston, SC’s North Charleston Coliseum and a two-night New Year’s run at Austin, TX’s Moody Center ATX on December 30th–31st billed as A New Year’s Formal Affair. The tour also includes a three-night stand at Cincinnati, OH’s Andrew J Brady Music Center (11/8, 11/9, 11/10); two-night stands at Miami, FL’s The Fillmore Miami Beach (10/29, 10/30), St. Augustine, FL’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre (11/1, 11/2), and Washington, DC’s The Anthem (11/12, 11/13); and one-night-only performances at Nashville, TN’s Ascend Amphitheater (10/24), St. Petersburg, FL’s St. Pete Pier (10/31), and Pittsburgh, PA’s Petersen Events Center (11/7).

Related: Goose Welcomes Actor Will Forte For Black Sabbath “War Pigs” Cover In West Hollywood [Watch]

In addition, Goose recently announced Viva El Gonzo, a three-day destination festival presented by 100x Hospitality and set for May 8th–10th, 2025 in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The festival will feature three nights of Goose along with sets from The War on Drugs, Tycho, Dawes, LP GIOBBI, LA LOM, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Eggy, Dogs In A Pile, and more.

Click below for a full list of upcoming Goose tour dates. Find tickets to upcoming Goose shows here.

GOOSE – TOUR 2024/2025

OCTOBER 24 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater 25 – Winston-Salem, NC – Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum † 26 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Co. † 29 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach 30 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach 31 – St. Petersburg, FL – St. Pete Pier

NOVEMBER 1 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre 2 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre 7 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center 8 – Cincinnati, OH – Andrew J Brady Music Center 9 – Cincinnati, OH – Andrew J Brady Music Center 10 – Cincinnati, OH – Andrew J Brady Music Center 12 – Washington, DC – The Anthem 13 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

DECEMBER 13 – North Charleston, SC– Goosemas @ North Charleston Coliseum 14 – North Charleston, SC– Goosemas @ North Charleston Coliseum 30 – Austin, TX – A New Year’s Formal Affair @ Moody Center ATX 31 – Austin, TX – A New Year’s Formal Affair @ Moody Center ATX

MAY 2025 8-10 – San José del Cabo, Mexico – Viva El Gonzo

† NEW DATE – HURRICANE HELENE BENEFIT EVENT

View Tour Dates

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Steak and seafood restaurant opening in historic downtown Birmingham building

Armour House, a neighborhood brasserie that will feature dry-aged, fire-grilled steaks and fresh raw bar options, will open next month in downtown Birmingham’s 113-year-old Armour & Co. building.Jeffrey Compton, who spent five years as chef de cuisine at Auburn’s acclaimed Acre restaurant ...

Armour House, a neighborhood brasserie that will feature dry-aged, fire-grilled steaks and fresh raw bar options, will open next month in downtown Birmingham’s 113-year-old Armour & Co. building.

Jeffrey Compton, who spent five years as chef de cuisine at Auburn’s acclaimed Acre restaurant before moving to Birmingham to be the opening chef at The Battery in Homewood, is the restaurant’s executive chef and an operating partner.

Other investors include Birmingham entrepreneurs Rollins Montgomery, CEO of Montgomery Entities, and Chris Reebals, president of Christopher Architecture & Interiors.

The restaurant, at 2309 First Ave. North, is scheduled to open for dinner service beginning Friday, Nov. 8.

“We’re thrilled to bring elevated brasserie dining and a new culinary experience to the Birmingham community,” Compton said in a media release.

“Our team has poured their hearts into bringing this concept to life, and we look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors alike to experience all that Armour House has to offer.”

Compton joined the Armour House team in April 2023, after investors Montgomery and Reebals gave him a tour of the building.

“Once Rollins contacted me about the space and walked me through it, my jaw was on the floor because it’s just such a cool, unique space,” Compton said in an interview with AL.com. “It’s been a long time coming, getting this restaurant going, but we’re biting at the bit.”

An old building gets a new life

Built in 1911, the space had formerly been a pork-processing facility and distribution center for Armour & Company meatpackers.

In addition to Armour House, the four-story building, which faces First Avenue North on the front and Morris Avenue in the back, currently includes about 20 luxury apartments and a rooftop terrace with a sweeping view of Birmingham’s Southside.

The restaurant’s interiors blend the building’s history with modern touches, including original tiled brick flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows and tables hewn out of repurposed wood from the building.

“We’re not going to do white tablecloths because we want to show off the tables,” Compton said.

The visual centerpiece will be the glass-enchased, dry-age cabinets where the meats and seafood will be on display for the guests as they enter the dining room.

The restaurant will seat up to 116 guests in the main dining room, at the chef’s counter and on the front patio.

In addition, the space will also include a separate cocktail bar, a speakeasy-like lounge called Pogo, on the floor below the main dining area. It will open Nov. 22, Compton said.

Beef tenderloin and bluefin tuna

Among the dishes on the Armour House menu, according to the media release, are a Black Angus beef tenderloin with pomme puree, charred broccolini, lamb shank jus and bone marrow butter, and a bluefin tuna crudo with huckleberry and champagne granita, Fresno peppers, Georgia olive oil and herbs.

“We’re going to do a little bit of everything,” Compton told AL.com. “We’ll have a raw bar section, along with curated appetizers and entrees, and we’ll also have more of the classic steakhouse, a la carte style. We’re going to emphasize seafood and steak.”

Compton will source most of his meats and seafood from Evans Meats and Inland Foods, both in Birmingham, and his produce from such growers as Ireland Farms in Alpine, Belle Meadow Farm of Tuscaloosa and Magic City Mushrooms in Birmingham -- as well as forager Knox Fanelli of Larder Foods, also in Birmingham.

The beverage program will offer classic and cutting-edge cocktails, including an Armour House Martini and a Morris Avenue Mojito, as well as a curated selection of beers and wines.

An all-star culinary team

Caleb Reeves -- who previously served as the beverage director and assistant general manager at The Depot in Auburn and, more recently, as the beverage director at The Club in Birmingham -- is the Armour House general manager.

“Jeffrey and I have a lot of parallels,” Reeves told AL.com. “We always worked like right next to each other (in Auburn) but never really got to work together until this project. Acre and The Depot were about a block away. We were just working on opposite sides of the train tracks. . . .

“But once Jeffrey gave me a call and let me know what he was working on (at Armour House), there was no way I could pass this opportunity up.”

Compton’s wife, Kristen, whom he met while they were working for chef David Bancroft at Acre, is the restaurant’s events coordinator and marketing manager.

It was through his wife, who left Acre to move to Birmingham to work for Montgomery Entities, that Compton got to know Rollins Montgomery, a meeting that eventually led to them partnering with Chris Reebals to open Armour House.

“With Kristen working with Rollins, he and I got to know each other,” Compton said. “He always wanted (to own) a fine-dining restaurant, and I always wanted to open a fine-dining restaurant.”

The rest of the Armour House management team includes:

Chef de cuisine Tyler Ray from Birmingham’s Stitt Restaurant Group.

Executive sous chef Davis Tullier, who previously worked with Compton at Acre and more recently worked at Bacchanalia in Atlanta.

Sous chef Tyler Murphy, who also comes from Acre, and more recently, Helen and Automatic Seafood and Oysters in Birmingham.

Beverage director Carla Irene from Bar La Fête and The Essential in Birmingham.

Assistant general manager and sommelier Logan Turner, another Acre alum.

Maître d’ Mary Kathryn McCullough, also from the Stitt Restaurant Group.

“We really have a stacked team,” Compton said. “They’re all all-stars. . . . Most of our management team, we’re from Auburn. We didn’t do that intentionally, but it just kind of worked out.”

Armour House will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Reservations will be available soon.

For more information and updates on the opening, go to armour-house.com or follow @armourhousebhm on Instagram.

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