Beverly Ales, PMHNP, has joined AltaPointe Health as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama, and her master’s in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health from Walden University. While at Walden University, she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Ales is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and is an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with patients of all ages from child to geriatric.
Beverly Ales, PMHNP
Megan Traffanstedt, LPT
Megan Traffanstedt, L.P.T., joined AltaPointe as a licensed psychological technician in September 2020 and works at BayView Professional Associates. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Auburn University and a master’s degree in psychology from Auburn University at Montgomery(AUM). Traffanstedt received specialty training in autism assessment at the Vanderbilt Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her special interests include the psychological assessment of children, adolescents, and adults.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
BayView Professional Associates is now offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The therapy Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when other depression treatments haven’t been effective.
What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a series of repetitive, brief and highly focused magnetic pulses, used to stimulate brain cells. TMS is an effective, non-invasive, outpatient treatment with few known adverse effects.
TMS is currently used in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and is usually prescribed when anti-depressants have failed.
How does TMS work?
When a nerve cell ‘fires’, an electrical impulse travels along its length. It communicates with other nerve cells by releasing neuro-transmitters, which create an electrical impulse in other cells. In depressed patients, the electrical activity in certain areas of the brain have been shown to be reduced. TMS uses a focused electromagnetic coil, to rapidly pulse a magnetic field to the targeted area of the brain.
The magnetic pulses induce an electrical current in the brain, stimulating the nerve cells, increasing the brain activity to normal levels.
Is TMS an option for me?
TMS therapy is appropriate for adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.
This means that if you have been diagnosed with MDD and medication is not working, or the side effects are intolerable, you should ask your doctor about TMS.
Link for more information on TMS you can visit: How does TMS work
EMDR Therapy
EMDR. It is not an acronym that rolls easily off the tongue, nor does the name of the treatment therapy for which it stands: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is considered “a bestpractices therapy for trauma,” according to John Conrad, assistant director of AltaPointe’s BayView Professional Associates.
What is the EMDR approach?
EMDR therapy is based on therapists’ understanding that when a person is very upset, his or her brain cannot process information normally, and an event can become “frozen in time,” according to Dr. Francine Shapiro, who in 1987 observed that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts.
Today, she is among recognized experts and authors on the subject, and EMDR steadily has become recognized as an effective treatment for certain people who have experienced deeply disturbing events or issues.
Though EMDR therapy initially incorporated mainly eye movements, it includes other forms of stimulation such as knee tapping and foot-tapping.
Why use EMDR therapy?
In a typical EMDR therapy session, the client may call to mind a disturbing issue or event — what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc., — and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about the event. The therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain, while the client focuses on the disturbing material. Sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about himself or herself.
Informtion for EMDR: you can also link to the AltaNews-Spring-Summer-2017
Olivia Nettles, LPC, NCC
Olivia Nettles, LPC, NCC, joined AltaPointe Health in 1993 as a therapist in child and adolescent outpatient services. Nettles steadily moved into management roles, first with a promotion to assistant director of child and adolescent outpatient services in 1996 and in August 2002 to director of performance improvement. She was the first director of BayPointe Hospital and Residential Services when the facility opened in 2002. Since 2008, Nettles has served as clinical director of AltaPointe’s children’s outpatient services where she oversees the clinical programming of the outpatient clinics, intensive outreach services, the transitional age residential services and BayView Professional Services.
A proven mental health counselor and leader, she is a member of the Alabama Council Clinical Directors Association and has held the positions of vice president and president. Nettles also has been an active member of the National Alliance for Mental Illness-Mobile Board of Directors and received the NAMI- Alabama “Mental Health Professional of the Year” award in August 2016.
Nettles graduated with honors from the University of Alabama earning a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration with a major in marketing as well as a master’s degree in counselor education. She is a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Counseling Supervisor in Alabama. Nettles is an active member of the American Counseling Association, Alabama Mental Health Counselors Association and NAMI Mobile.
Website Policies
Privacy Policy Disclaimer
Information on this website is not intended as, nor should be interpreted as, professional advice or medical or clinical recommendations. Neither AltaPointe nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or representatives endorse or guarantee the references or sites listed. No inference should be drawn from the exclusion of resources not listed. IMPORTANT INFORMATION. PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING: The information contained on this Web site is for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical examination. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while AltaPointe Health makes efforts to update the content on this site, some information may be out of date. The topics presented in this website are meant only as a guide and should not take the place of medical or psychiatric treatment by a healthcare professional.
Social Media Policy
AltaPointe is using social media. We hope you are, too. We invite you to follow and interact with us on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. To help you understand how to post to any of our sites, please read our social media disclaimer.
AltaPointe makes every effort to monitor participation to reasonably ensure that interactions are courteous. It is important that you understand that AltaPointe does not offer medical advice or consultation on social media sites. When you post a comment or other item on a social media site, your words may be read even many years from now. Please be cautious and do not post personal or identifiable information on any of our social media sites.
Social Media Disclaimer
AltaPointe reserves the right to:
- Edit comments for content
- Remove off-topic contributions
- Delete offensive comments and attacks
- Block offensive contributors
- Delete spam and suspected spam
AltaPointe is not responsible for any content or comments posted to its website or social media sites by any user.
Contact your healthcare professional for medical or treatment advice. As always, in case of an emergency call 9-1-1.
Photography Models
Content depicting patients is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted in the content is a model. AltaPointe uses photos of stock photography models on several pages within this website. They are not actual patients, employees or affiliates of AltaPointe Health, Inc. AltaPointe has obtained the rights to use these photographs via license agreements with certain third party stock photography companies. These photographs are used for illustrative purposes only. The models do not personally endorse AltaPointe or any of its divisions or affiliates.
Instances occur on this website in which actual patients and employees appear in photographs. The individuals or family members of the individual patients have given written permission for the use of their images to promote good mental health and encourage others to seek treatment.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Non-Discrimination Policy
Discrimination is Against the Law
AltaPointe Health, Inc. complies with applicable federal and state civil rights laws and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, creed, political beliefs, or disability in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment, or on the basis of sex in its health programs and activities. AltaPointe Health, Inc. does not exclude people or treat them worse because of their race, color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, creed, political beliefs, or disability.
Upon request, AltaPointe Health, Inc. will provide auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities and language services to individuals whose first language is not English when needed to ensure equal opportunity and meaningful access to the department’s programs, services and activities. Examples of aids and services include, but are not limited to, qualified sign language interpreters, written information in other formats, foreign language interpreters and information translated into other languages. AltaPointe Health, Inc. will provide aids and services in a timely manner and free of charge.
If an individual believes discrimination has occurred, a grievance can be filed with AltaPointe Health, Inc. Consumer Needs Department at 251-450-4303 or Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) at http://www.adap.ua.edu.
Civil rights complaints can also be filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal available at: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf, or by mail, phone, or fax at: (800)368-1019 Fax: (202)619-3818 TDD: (800)537-7697 Email: OCMAIL@hhs.gov Complaint forms are available at www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/ file/index.html.
To request aids and services or to file a grievance, please contact:
Consumer Needs Department
AltaPointe Health, Inc.
5750-A Southland Dr.
Mobile, AL 36693
Telephone: 251-450-4303
Email: admin@altapointe.org
If information is needed in another language, then contact 251-662-7313.
Contact Us
Thank you for visiting the AltaPointe website. We’re glad you are here. We like hearing from our patients and other customers about their experiences with our services. We’re happy to answer any questions that you have or provide you with information. Just complete the form, below, to send us a message.
Disclaimer: AltaPointe cannot offer counseling, diagnoses or schedule appointments online. Patients should not relay prescription refill requests and other personal treatment information via this inquiry, as the information will be delayed in getting to the provider. For these issues, patients should call the telephone number of the program where they are seen, or call (251) 660-2360 or (888) 335-3044.
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Corporate Headquarters
5750-A Southland Drive
Mobile, AL 36693
(251) 660-2360 / (888) 335-3044
FAQs
This is a complete listing of all our frequently asked questions, listed by subject:
Paying for Services
We appreciate your choosing BayView Professional Associates. Our professionals have reserved time to spend with you during your scheduled appointment time. Please note BayView’s payment procedures, below.
Crisis Response Team
In times of crisis, our team is here for you.
AltaPointe’s Crisis Response Team can help you when you are experiencing a time of crisis. Sometimes people need extra help. AltaPointe’s Crisis Response Teams can help you when you are experiencing a time of crisis. Our teams can provide additional services for you during those times by coming to you wherever you are in Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties. We want you to contact us if you are experiencing any new or increased signs or symptoms.
Signs/Symptoms an Individual is in Crisis
There are a number of signs and symptoms that may point to an impending crisis for an individual living with a mental illness. The following list includes some behaviors that may indicate the need to ask for help when exhibited:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Argumentative
- Anxious
- Bizarre behavior
- Crying
- Danger to others
- Danger to self
- Depressed
- Erratic behavior
- Hallucinations
- Homicidal thoughts
- Impulsivity
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Not eating
- Not sleeping
- Not taking medications
- Becomes isolated
- Paranoid/fearful
- Restlessness
- Self-injury/harm
- Sleeping too much
- Suicidal thoughts
- Verbal aggression
- Wandering
Crisis Intervention
The primary purpose of crisis intervention is to reduce the intensity of the immediate situation and help the patient overcome obstacles created by the traumatic episode. After the immediate crisis is diffused, patients are instructed in problem solving and coping skills that may help to avert future crises. A crucial benefit of crisis counseling is the prevention of serious long-term problems associated with the traumatic event.
What to do if you are in a crisis
Call and talk to someone on your treatment team, such as a case manager, therapist or nurse. If your treatment team is unavailable, ask to speak with our Outpatient Liaison, who will contact a member of our team to assist you promptly. If you call after business hours, contact us at (888) 335-3044. We have treatment teams working to assist you seven days a week. We will do whatever we can to work with you to resolve the crisis − talk with you on the phone, come to visit with you, schedule follow-up appointments, arrange for you to receive more services or whatever is appropriate for your situation.
Employee Assistance Program
BayView EAP Can Strengthen Your Team
Successful business owners recognize that everyday life stresses can cause severe damage to on-the-job performance. Studies show that employees trying to cope with distressing personal issues are more likely to be involved in accidents, make imprudent decisions or abuse sick leave.
More than 36,000 employees and their family members living in the Mobile Bay region are covered by the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by BayView with offices in Mobile and Fairhope, Ala.
Employers contract with BayView EAP because they make their employees’ well-being a priority. They want to give them an opportunity to receive help with unresolved life problems and, ultimately, to achieve balance in their lives.
About BayView
Anyone can have problems from time to time. Individuals or families whose problems persist and negatively affect their quality of life may find answers through confidential and supportive, solution-focused counseling. Thousands of people who live in the Mobile Bay region have sought and found help at BayView Professional Associates, whose offices are located in Mobile and Fairhope, Ala.
BayView’s highly qualified and experienced professional staff help their patients achieve stability so they can function at their highest possible level. Their goal is to help people gain relief from life’s stresses and to achieve peace of mind.
We employ many different credentialed providers, including the following:
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners
- Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselors
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers
- Licensed Marital and Family Therapists
- Licensed Professional Counselors
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
How can a business offer the BayView EAP?
Employers that want to offer their employees a confidential, professional place to receive personal counseling may enter into a contractual agreement with the BayView Employee Assistance Program. BayView EAP provides employers with the appropriate tools to help their employees who are experiencing life problems.
What services are designed for business owners and their employees?
Services offered through BayView include:
- Screening
- Assessment
- Brief solution-focused counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Critical incident stress debriefing
Does BayView ever refer patients to other providers?
Yes. BayView’s professional clinicians refer clients to another provider if, after assessment and using best-practice treatment approaches, it is determined that a different level of care is more appropriate. For instance, BayView professionals will refer individuals whose impairment they believe requires a more intensive level of service to another provider.
What are the benefits to employers?
- Lowers employee absenteeism
- Reduces labor grievances
- Helps retain good, productive employees
- Reduces dollar cost per day by helping employees return to work quickly
Signs/Symptoms an Individual is in Crisis
There are a number of signs and symptoms that may point to an impending crisis for an individual living with a mental illness. The following list includes some behaviors that may indicate the need to ask for help when exhibited:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Argumentative
- Anxious
- Bizarre behavior
- Crying
- Danger to others
- Danger to self
- Depressed
- Erratic behavior
- Hallucinations
- Homicidal thoughts
- Impulsivity
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Not eating
- Not sleeping
- Not taking medications
- Becomes isolated
- Paranoid/fearful
- Restlessness
- Self-injury/harm
- Sleeping too much
- Suicidal thoughts
- Verbal aggression
- Wandering
What are the benefits to employees?
- Offers debriefing sessions for crisis intervention and coping with workplace violence, death or accident
- Assists employees with work performance issues such as: drug or alcohol problems, other health issues, anger management, marital, family, employee, or supervisor conflicts
- Provides consultation with supervisors/managers regarding managing problem employees
- Offers U.S. Department of Transportation-approved Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Assessment at an additional cost
What is a supervisor’s role with BayView EAP?
When a supervisor sees that an employee has problems that continue and do not improve, the supervisor might consider dismissing such an employee. If the company has contracted for an EAP with BayView, supervisors could refer troubled employees for confidential assessment and short-term counseling instead of resorting to termination. Employers should encourage supervisors to refer employees to the EAP when personal issues begin to affect them negatively. This way the company can assist the employee and hopefully retain a valuable worker.
Will discussions with the counselor be kept confidential?
Yes. We require our counselors and staff to maintain confidentiality. This is an ethical obligation we guarantee to all employees. Every counselor abides by this regulation. Written permission must be given before information can be shared.
If an employee seeks help, is his/her job at risk?
No. Using BayView EAP services will in no way jeopardize job security or promotional opportunities.
Tina Baker, LICSW, PIP
Tina Baker, LICSW, PIP is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile and a master of social work degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In addition, she holds a private independent practice license in the State of Alabama. Baker is experienced in providing therapy for teenagers, adults, couples and families. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, brief solution-focused therapy, trauma-focused therapies used in treatment of individuals diagnosed with anxiety and mood disorders, eating and psychotic disorders, codependency issues, and grief and trauma-related issues.
The BayView Team
Click on a name to review biography.
John Conrad, LICSW
John M. Conrad, LICSW, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Substance Abuse Professional with more than 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist. He earned his undergraduate degrees in psychology and behavioral science from Athens State College and his master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
Conrad has extensive experience in marital and family systems, addictive disorders, and general psychiatric disorders. He is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems theory and addictive medicine. Conrad is the Assistant Director for BayView Professional Associates. He has extensive experience in the areas of program development, supervision and direct client services.
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