Dr. Amanda Armstrong, an Alabama native and mental health professional in the River Region, has a compelling passion for helping people. As one of the few African-American female psychologists licensed in the state of Alabama, she uses her platform to challenge the stigma of mental health both locally and nationally, especially among veterans and women of color. Dr. Armstrong created Avondale and Associates Psychological Services, LLC, after seeing a need to help the community at large to normalize life’s stressors and prioritize mental health. She witnessed a disparity regarding access to affordable mental health services for individuals in the community and desired to provide a safe, nontraditional, and affordable platform to aid clients in finding balance and peace in their lives. To accomplish this goal, Dr. Armstrong uses a cognitive behavioral approach to therapy with her clients to help manage their presenting concerns by changing the way they think and behave. By promoting self-awareness and emotional intelligence, she teaches and encourages her clients to "read" their emotions and distinguish healthy from unhealthy feelings and thoughts. Dr. Armstrong’s distinct knowledge and experience spans several areas of expertise in psychology, including treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), insomnia, tobacco cessation, substance use disorders, and chronic pain. Dr. Armstrong earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University, an American Psychological Association accredited institution, in July 2020. Since that time, she has worked with the Veterans Administration where she provided behavioral healthcare consultations in a primary care setting to veterans in need of mental health services. In he personal time, Dr. Armstrong enjoys playing golf, traveling, and being active as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.