Mental Health Topics
We have put together a series of helpful advice that we hope helps you to capture some information and skills to help you learn more about mental health and how to achieve a better life balance.
Why Reducing Evening Screen Time Improves Sleep
One of the most significant threats to modern sleep is our attachment to screens. Phones, tablets, televisions, and computers emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin and delays the body’s natural preparation for sleep. Studies show that even 30 minutes of screen...
How to Build a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom Environment
The bedroom environment plays a vital role in sleep quality. Temperature, lighting, and noise level all directly influence your ability to fall and stay asleep. The ideal room temperature for sleep is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. A cooler room...
Why a Consistent Sleep Schedule Is Important
It’s easy to overlook your sleep schedule, especially when life gets hectic. But going to bed and waking up around the same time each day (even on weekends) can make a bigger difference than most people realize. Your body runs on an internal clock, and when that...
Dr. Garrett’s Top Sleep Recommendations
Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule Create a Cool, Dark, and Quiet Sleep Environment Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol Before Bed Limit Screen Time Before Bed Exercise but Not Too Late in the Day Don’t Stay in Bed Awake Avoid Long or Late Naps Don’t Rely on Sleep Aids or...
Dr. Garrett’s Step-by-Step Sleep Guide
Improving your nightly sleep from 5 to 8 hours is both achievable and deeply beneficial for physical and mental health. Below is a research-backed, practical, stepwise approach that incorporates evidence-supported strategies from behavioral medicine, sleep science,...
Why We Can’t Accept Alabama Medicaid for Adult Therapy Services
One of the most common questions prospective clients ask is: "Do you accept Alabama Medicaid?" While we wish the answer were a quick “yes,” the reality is more complex. It's Not About Not Wanting to Serve Medicaid Members Our practice believes that everyone deserves...
Medicaid Changes Are Coming: What Alabama Families Need to Know About H.R. 1 Before October 1, 2026
By Dr. Ashley Garrett, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S If you or your child receives Medicaid, you may have heard about the federal budget law known as H.R. 1, also referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Like many large reconciliation bills, H.R. 1 addresses numerous areas...
Why a Consistent Sleep Schedule Matters
It’s easy to overlook your sleep schedule, especially when life gets hectic. But going to bed and waking up around the same time each day (even on weekends) can make a bigger difference than most people realize. Your body runs on an internal clock, and when that...