When looking for a therapist, Columbus, Ohio may be a better place than most in the Midwest with its large population, but counseling services aren’t always easy to find even in a big city. There are a number of different types evidence-based therapy available in the mental health field, and what kind you need may depend on what your goals are. A therapist who specializes in family conflict may not be what you need to manage obsessive compulsive disorder, and vice-versa. Not to mention that you want to work with a therapist you trust and have a good rapport with, which isn’t always easy to find. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp offers a variety of licensed professional clinical counselors. Whether working on your bachelor’s degree, or heading toward retirement, if you’re looking for someone to help guide you through life issues, simply fill out an online questionnaire to be matched with one of BetterHelp’s over 30,000 mental health counseling professionals. From adjustment disorders to mood disorders, they can find the right therapist for you. And if at any point you feel that your counselor is not the perfect match, you can switch for no extra cost. 

Therapy takes courage, and it can be helpful if the first step is made easier. With BetterHelp, you can take out a lot of the research and guesswork of finding the right therapist to meet your needs, as well as make scheduling and attending simple and convenient. As you take that first step on the path forward toward better mental health, you may find that living in a bustling city doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and that you can find balance in your work or school life.

This is Jennifer Kirkpatrick's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Kirkpatrick

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPC,NCC,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with a master's degree in clinical mental health with experience in working with a multitude of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting, and couples counseling. I also have extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) which has been a useful tool in helping others not only cope with current concerns, but assist them in coping with future endeavors. I believe in creating a strong, trusting, therapeutic environment where people feel comfortable, motivated, and not judged. I use solution-focused techniques to assist in reaching goals and CBT techniques to help with concerns such as negative thought patterns. Every person is different and you will have your own individualized therapy and plan that tailors to your needs. I really enjoy helping others explore their own strengths and I understand that sometimes it can be hard to put things into perspective. Sometimes that outside and non-judgmental assistance is what someone needs to get back on track or on a better track. You can do it! Jennifer Maggar LPC NCC

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Tandy Cyrus

Offering therapy in OH
License: M.Ed.,LPCC-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

Greetings! My name is Tandy Cyrus. I am a licensed therapist in Ohio with over 8 years of experience. I have worked in both community mental health and private practice settings. I have partnered with clients that have had a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, adhd, mood disorders, bi-polar disorder, post-partum depression, OCD, career stress, childhood trauma and anger management issues. My counseling style is warm and personable. I enjoy working with people to help them reach their full potential and lessen symptoms of their mental health issues. The counseling techniques that I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I will work with you to help you triage areas that need worked on first, treatment goals to help you reach your potential, and learn coping skills to maintain progress that we made. I am ready to put in the effort with you to help you take the first steps to reclaim your life and make progress on your mental health needs. I am excited to work with you!

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Eileen Morello-Mahdik

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSSA, LISW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am a licensed Psycho-therapist in the State of Ohio with over 30 years experience providing psychotherapy to individuals, children and families. My clients have come to me with problems of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, PTSD, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and many more! My therapy style is warm and interactive, personal, and most of all respectful and flexible. The techniques I may use are cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and client-centered therapy. Most importantly, therapy will be tailored to suit YOU. It can be difficult to seek help for issues that are keeping you from reaching your full potential. I am here to provide support and encouragement in changing your life for the better. I look forward to working with you!

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Christopher Cuda

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

I am a therapist licensed in Ohio with over 25 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with diverse range of clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, divorce, parenting problems, career challenges, autism, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced separation from their families with a history of neglect, sexual abuse, physical trauma, and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive and always with a touch of humor. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I also believe directness to show respect for your intelligence and time. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, experiential, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy, and reality therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards finding meaningful change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Margot Williams

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 25 years of experience. I have extensive experience helping clients who have experienced trauma, family separation (foster care and adoption), depression, and anxiety. I realize that starting with a new therapist can be difficult. I use compassion and collaboration to build positive working relationships with clients. I work collaboratively with clients to assist them in developing goals that are specific to their needs. I focus on emphasizing client strengths and the use of solution focused interventions. I believe that it is important to understand the culture of my clients. I provide culturally sensitive care by asking questions, avoiding assumptions, actively listening, and providing care that is consistent with the values and beliefs of my clients. I have availability on Thursdays.

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Katherine Surface

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 32 years of professional work experience. I work primarily as a School Counselor in a high school setting and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and parenting issues. I am very motivated in assisting people to move through normal life adjustments and stresses, utilizing their strengths and resources. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Rachael Barrow

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

Hello - I am a native Texan living in Ohio and have been licensed and practicing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for 6 years now. Though most of my work has been with the younger population, I have worked with families along the way and I am open to working with all ages. I have experience in helping others with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation and executive functioning skills, self esteem and confidence, and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. Our conversations will be guided by you, our plan will be what is best for you, and I will simply be an unbiased companion to help you along your journey in the most neutral yet motivational way. I look forward to getting to know you, meeting you where you are at, and helping you get where you want to be.

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Dr. Jennifer Banak

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoaching
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Rebecca Steele's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Steele

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger management
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, parenting issues, depression, and substance abuse. I have worked in Germany, England and the United States as a Military and Family Life Counselor. I have also worked as a school counselor and in a correctional facility as a primary therapist. I am currently in private practice. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Pastoral Counseling, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Neurolinguistic Programming and Hypnotherapy. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Kristen Meardith's avatar and link to their profile

Kristen Meardith

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Columbus

Finding the best therapist close by in Columbus can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Columbus. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Columbus, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Columbus or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Columbus area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Columbus, elsewhere in Franklin, or in the greater state of Ohio.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Columbus area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Columbus therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Columbus due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Columbus may not take health insurance, some in the state of Ohio may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Ohio you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Columbus, Ohio working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Columbus above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Columbus helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Columbus therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Columbus therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Columbus therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in OH, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 43204 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Columbus counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Columbus licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Columbus, Ohio can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Columbus has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Columbus.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Columbus:

43002, 43004, 43016, 43017, 43026, 43054, 43068, 43081, 43085, 43109, 43110, 43119, 43137, 43201, 43202, 43203, 43204, 43205, 43206, 43207, 43209, 43210, 43211, 43212, 43213, 43214, 43215, 43216, 43217, 43218, 43219, 43220, 43221, 43222, 43223, 43224, 43226, 43227, 43228, 43229, 43230, 43231, 43232, 43234, 43235, 43236, 43240, 43251, 43260, 43266, 43268, 43270, 43271, 43272, 43279, 43287, 43291

Popular cities near Columbus, OH

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