Luminous Counseling

Timothy McCollum

MILITARY/VETERANS BEWARE *This review is only for Josh Howell, the only therapist I saw* I had the unfortunate experience of having sessions with this individual for over 6 months. First impressions speak for themselves. During the first session, this therapist asked if he could vape during our sessions. I was shocked I was even being asked this information, in dismay he couldn’t even go 50 minutes without nicotine in the form of a vape, and considers himself a “professional”. Being taken off guard, I reluctantly agreed. Continuing into this FIRST session approximately 15 min in, I noticed what appeared to be a video camera in the upper right corner of the room. I knew I hadn’t consented to this, nor been informed. I questioned him and was told “I tape all my sessions”. What?! Perhaps for a client with a history of violence, needed for an underaged child, etc., but not just because, and especially not without mentioning it to your client. January 2022 I needed my records for Veterans Affairs purposes/claims filing. I was told many times by the office manger, Josh had been informed and would get me the information. I called once a week for over 3 months (I was never contacted by the office). Just to get my records, I had to file an official complaint with the licensing board of Alabama, which has to mandatorily investigate all complaints. Additionally, I mentioned to the investigator that I had been videotaped during sessions without my consent. ****Per the state of Alabama, you CAN be videotaped in counseling sessions, WITHOUT your consent, as long as ONE party is aware the taping is going on. WHAT?! This means this therapist can (and does) record all sessions without your consent. He knows its being recorded, and he is the “one party” who knows. When I finally received my records mid April 2022, there were so many fabrications I was shocked. For example, “one weekend (2020) I spent with my grandmother in XXXXX city to get away”. I haven’t had a grandparent alive in 19 years, nor do I even have any family in said city. The fabrications continued not in just one, but over 1/3 of my official notes. If you need a therapist, avoid Josh H. at ALL costs. Thank you to the true health professionals in the mental health community who strive to improve the well being of their clients.

Lis S

Rude and just didn’t seem to care. Very disappointing experience, especially for someone seeking counseling for the first time.

Reese Cup

They take evaluations on your kids and say it takes 8 to 10 weeks and they will get incontact with you and they don't. This evaluation was done five months ago and I still haven't heard nothing. Every since Ashely left they are unprofessional rude and impatience. And there not understanding. They will stop your from coming after a few missed visits and they give you wrong appointments time which causes you to miss appointment. Ashley was the best worker there and now that she's gone I dont know what to say about the rest of them there. They tell you anything and take what you say threw one ear and out the other. Not a good place to send your child. For evaluations or therapy.

Anonymous Reviewer

I did not have an issues setting up my appointment although I was on the waiting list for several months. My visit with Josh was not good. First off, he asked if he could vape in the room with me. I was so shocked that I said it was fine. But, I feel it’s incredibly unprofessional to put the client in the position to validate the therapists unhealthy choices. Terrible boundaries for a therapist. Most importantly… After talking with him, I left feeling worse rather than feeling like there was a hopeful path forward. I changed to another counselor and it was so much better. In my opinion, keep looking, there are better counselors out there.