Columbia has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
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Venise Darisme
Venise Darisme, M.A. NCC, CCTP, CMHIMP, LPC, EDIT Certified I - Eating Disorder Treatment Clinician I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with BetterHelp. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP). My CMHIMP training focused on Nutrition for Mental Health. Additionally, I am an EDIT Certified I- Eating Disorder Treatment Clinician. I have a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. Marymount University is ranked as the #1 Counseling program in Virginia on universities.com. for 2021. My Bachelor of Science degree is in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Mount St. Mary’s University. I have been in the Human Services field for over 10 years. Over the years I have demonstrated myself to be a dedicated professional with education, experience, and skills in Individual Counseling, eating disorder treatment, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, parent training, education counseling, career counseling, play therapy, pastoral counseling-spiritual/religious struggles, grief and loss, multicultural issues, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. I particularly enjoy working with children and families. I utilize a person centered therapeutic approach while employing behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, creative arts, play, and existential approaches. I am overjoyed to be part of the BetterHelp team.
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Zaya Kuykendall
Do you ever feel like you just need to reset, to get a tune-up so to speak? You are not alone, if you have. Life happens fast! At times it can be hard and we, as mere humans, have to fight to find balance. That balance, reset button, tune-up is within you and as my client I will assist you in finding it. I will take the time to help you reconnect with yourself, regulate your emotions and assess your goals/priorities. Through a collaborative approach, we will share our thoughts, ideas and then decide how to move forward. I encourage openness, honesty - a sense of stability that will help facilitate dialogue and growth. I have an eclectic therapeutic approach with heavy influences of Gestalt, motivational interviewing and Solution Focus therapy. I provide support and feedback - in order to assist clients in addressing obstacles that they may encounter in their lives. I focus on building personal strengths, obtaining ‘closure’ with unfinished business (road blocks) and identifying feelings/emotions. Sessions will work towards a journey of self-awareness. I have been working in the helping field for more than fifteen years, and as a practicing psychotherapist for ten. I have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology (2000) and graduated with my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2004. I have developed a knowledge base and specialization in the areas of domestic violence, child development/parenting, familial discord, women’s issues, and substance abuse throughout the years. I provide therapy with children and adults in individual, group, family, couples and e-therapy platforms. The journey of life is filled with bumps, turns, twist, manholes, road blocks & ditches; whatever the obstacles we face, we MUST stay on the road. We can not give up on self. Only on your personal road, on your journey will you find your inner calm and tranquility...let's make happiness a part of your journey. It is my belief that therapy is mental wound treatment. Just as you would not let a burn on your arm fester with no treatment, you should not let faulty cognitions (stinking thinking), past trauma and other life experiences fester. These mental wounds need care; identification, treatment, plan of care and the ability to heal.
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Daryl Flink
I have 10 years experience working in inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment centers, and I hold masters degrees in Social Service Administration and Public Policy with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. I dedicated my early career to mental health research and advocacy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds to address anxiety, depression, substance abuse, family and relationship conflicts, career stress, and low self-esteem. I always start with genuine empathy to create a safe, nonjudgemental space. I want my clients to feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing their concerns. My eclectic treatment interventions pull primarily from behavioral, cognitive and motivational interviewing perspectives. I work together with my clients to find a strategy that specifically addresses their needs. Through developing coping skills, such as social functioning tools, healthy boundaries and positive self-talk, I want to help empower my clients to improve their quality of life.
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Miriam Matthews
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Christian Counselor, specializing in anxiety, depression, and sexual trauma. I have a thriving private practice! I have a variety of experience in working in the fields of Behavioral Health, the March of Dimes (supporting the health of women/babies), Child Protective Services, Hospice Care, and Geriatric Health Care (in assisting the Psycho-Social needs of vulnerable/at-risk populations). I have served as an advocate for challenged youth, adults, and geriatrics facing emotional and mental health challenges, as well as socio-economic challenges. My unique skill set has addressed both cognitive and emotional challenges, as well as connecting clients with the necessary resources for optimal success. I am passionate about engaging clients through motivational interviews and truly believe in client-centered care, as well as integrative care. I believe that everyone is capable of change and that no one is limited to societal definitions or life’s challenges. My approach entails a client centered practice, providing quality solution focused therapy, rooted in the latest research. I have over 10 years of experience.
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Jayna Gillespie
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience working with children, families, couples, and adults. The majority of my work has been in the foster care and adoption sector helping children in foster care, children being adopted, foster parents, and adoptive parents navigate mental health struggles and familial issues. I have worked with clients on a variety of topics including the adoption process, parenting challenges, managing mental health, life planning, and traumatic experiences. The clients I have seen come from a wide range of backgrounds and have an array of diagnoses including, but not limited to, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress syndrome, depression, conduct disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. My counseling style is diverse and flexible to the clients I serve. The approach that I use is tailored to each individual client in an effort to best address the concerns or needs identified. I specialized in trauma-based work that is client-centered. Every client has a path and counseling is a journey that we can take together. You set the pace and lead the way. I look forward to meeting with you, learning about your journey and helping you find your path!
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Merissa Pryor
Sometimes in the journey of life we could all benefit from someone to journey with us during the difficult times. My name is Merissa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over eight years experience in individual counseling as well as advocacy, and mental and emotional health. I specialize in empowering individuals that may be struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship issues. My main therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as I believe there is so much power in learning how thoughts influence behavior and emotion and then changing those negative patterns. I also incorporate holistic counseling and solution based therapy among other treatment approaches and tailor my approach to your needs. I am empathetic, non-judgmental, and very passionate about the work I do. I enjoy being able to help others heal, grow and achieve their goals. I am excited about beginning this journey with you!
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Kristin Hassell
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, International Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have over 10 years of experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship concerns, mood disorders, disruptive behaviors, self-esteem, substance use, trauma, and LGBTQ.. I've been utilizing skills from treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-based interventions. My therapy style is to provide a safe and relaxed space as I am here to guide you through the process and assist you along your journey. Talk to you soon!
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Donda Goodson
My name is Donda Goodson and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama. I obtained my undergraduate degree from Auburn University in Vocational Rehabilitation and my Master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Rehabilitation Counseling. I received my counseling license in 1992 from the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. The majority of my clinical experience is from mental health agencies and private practice. I have worked with clients ages 4 to 74 with various issues to include anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, individuals struggling to maintain sobriety, those with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders and parents doing their best to parent but find themselves struggling and feeling frustrated. Through the utilization of client-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy, I work to help you work through obstacles and reach your personal goals.
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Farah Westbrook
Thank you for taking the time out to view my profile. Finding the right therapist to meet your individual needs is a very important step and I am hopeful that I will be able to assist you. I find great passion in assisting my clients in meeting and surpassing their full potential. After I obtained my Bachelors degree in Psychology, I continued my education and received a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am licensed in multiple states, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. I have experience with working with individuals of all ages, ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, and genders. Although I use multiple counseling techniques (Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, etc) in order to meet my client's individual needs, my work with clients is primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy perspective. I believe that the connections between rationality and emotion as well as mind and body are essential in accomplishing behavioral change through logical thinking. Becoming more aware of damaging automatic thoughts and acquiring the ability to revise cognitions impacts one’s behaviors and ultimately may lead to positive change. In addition, I hold a great appreciation for the unconscious and the power it has over one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The intimate process of making the unconscious conscious is a fundamental step toward growth, development, and change. Being able to recognize how unresolved conflicts from the past influence the present and manifests in unhealthy cyclical patterns gives one the power and confidence to take control. It is my belief that therapy is an intense, engaging, rewarding, and collaborative process. One of the main purposes of therapy is for one to gain a deeper understanding of self by exploring personal experiences, perspectives, and expectations. Regardless of the presenting issue, I provide my clients with a high level of respect, honesty, and genuineness. After successful completion of therapy, it is my hope that my clients will be able to incorporate what will be presented throughout therapy sessions into multiple life circumstances.
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Jennifer Schlegel
I am licensed in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression, hoarding, BFRB's, and OCD. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Please note for live sessions, I generally have availability during early morning hours. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Columbia, Virginia
Finding the best therapist close by in Columbia can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 with therapists 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. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Columbia region and in the state of Virginia. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Columbia or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Columbia area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Columbia, elsewhere in Fluvanna, or in the greater state of Virginia. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Columbia area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Columbia due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Columbia may not take health insurance, some in the state of Virginia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Virginia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Columbia online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Virginia 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Columbia psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Columbia 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Columbia therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
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.
Therapists 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 in Columbia 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in VA, therapists 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 23038 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Columbia therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Columbia therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Columbia 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 with a counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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. An experienced clinician 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 therapist 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 licensed clinician in Columbia, Virginia 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.
Counseling with an online Columbia provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Virginia
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 BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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