Psychologist Samantha Whelan providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Samantha Whelan

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
14 years offering treatment

Hello! My name is Samantha Whelan and I am an LPC currently licensed in Oklahoma, Alabama, and New Hampshire with 12 years of professional experience. I decided to take a sabbatical to raise my two children while continuing to keep up with professional development thru continuing education. During these years the ups and downs of everyday life with family, kids, and friends gave me more insight into personal life struggles than I could have acquired by only reading a textbook or sitting in my office. I consider it one of the greatest honors of my life to be able to help people who may be experiencing a personal, family, or relational challenge by providing support, practical feedback, skills-sets and tools that I have acquired in my many years of conducting group and individual psychotherapy sessions. The majority of my professional counseling career was spent prior to the birth of my children. This period of intense focus on my development as a counselor provided me with the chance to develop the capacity to exhibit sympathy and accurate empathy when working with some of society's most challenging circumstances. During this critical time of professional growth, I had the distinct honor to work with people struggling with the grip of addiction and mental health challenges. Because of the bio-psycho-social nature of the disease of addiction, I was challenged to become competent in addressing a myriad of my clients social, emotional, spiritual, physical, legal, familial, and financial issues caused by the trauma of unhealthy habits and poor decision making. It was during these early years that I developed my own personal style of counseling and psychotherapy. This style of therapy is deeply rooted in the discipline of cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral theory, motivational interviewing, and client centered therapy . These styles allow both you and I to work together during our therapy sessions. I would also like to mention that I myself have been where you are. I have sought out counseling as well and as a counselor myself I had very high standards. I feel like this experience also gave me such great insight into what it felt like to be "on the other side of the desk" and I truly knew how it felt to be heard and validated and I hope that I can make my clients feel the same way. It is my belief that most individuals fall somewhere along a continuum of change. Many times a person’s lack of awareness of where they might be placed on this continuum is a starting point for our counseling sessions. Change doesn't happen overnight. But, my hope for you is that we can find out what you would like to improve and find out what types of behavior change need to happen in order for you to accomplish your personal growth goals in a safe, confidential setting. Always remember your agenda is my agenda. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Rachel Fondren providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Rachel Fondren

Clinician
License Type(s): LICSW,PIP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years offering treatment

Hello!! I am a licensed independent clinical social worker and private independent practitioner with over 8 years of experience. I graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelors in Social Work and from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work. Over the years I have worked with individuals on wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD, and Serious Mental Illnesses. I am excited to work in partnership with you to meet your life goals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, TF-CBT, dialectal behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. We will work together to develop an individual treatment plan specifically for you! I am proud of you for taking this first step towards better well-being! I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Jennifer Maddox providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Jennifer Maddox

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
16 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Alabama with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Cathy Clifton providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Cathy Clifton

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years offering treatment

I am a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Life Coach in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse. 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.

Psychologist Heather Sims providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Heather Sims

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Alabama with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Teresa Utley providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Teresa Utley

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
14 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Alabama since 2009. I have professional work experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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.

Psychologist Lisa Patton providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Lisa Patton

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Alabama with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Nicole Jasmine Johnson providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Nicole Jasmine Johnson

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,MA,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issues
20 years offering treatment

I’m so glad you’re here. I believe therapy should be a safe and encouraging space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and patterns without judgment. My approach is exclusively text-based, offering a structured yet flexible way to process emotions, recognize recurring thought patterns, and create meaningful change—all at your own pace. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness with the Patterns & Pathways (PAP) framework, a method designed to help you: ✔ Recognize emotional and behavioral patterns that may be holding you back. ✔ Reframe unhelpful thought loops and develop a healthier mindset. ✔ Strengthen self-awareness and create new pathways aligned with your goals. Why Text-Based Therapy? More Space for Reflection – Writing gives you time to slow down, process your emotions, and gain deeper insight without feeling pressured to respond immediately. Structured Yet Flexible – You can revisit our conversations anytime, helping you track patterns, recognize progress, and reinforce growth. Less Pressure, More Openness – Many people find it easier to express themselves in writing, allowing for deeper self-exploration and clarity. Practical & Actionable – Our sessions will focus on recognizing patterns, reframing unhelpful thoughts, and developing tools you can apply in daily life. I know that therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time—growth can be empowering, even uplifting, and sometimes a little humor helps too! Whether you're navigating anxiety, self-doubt, life transitions, or relationship challenges, I’m here to support you. Let’s work together to create the change you’re looking for—one message at a time.

Psychologist Kianna McIntosh providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Kianna McIntosh

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
4 years offering treatment

I'm Kianna McIntosh, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and mental health therapist, with almost a decade of experience helping individuals THRIVE! I'm dedicated to helping individuals facing various challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, women's issues, family dynamics, and low self-esteem.Navigating life’s complexities can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the unique challenges that come with neurodivergence and mental health struggles. I understand that each individual's journey is different, and I'm here to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.

Psychologist Angel Melton providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Angel Melton

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Alabama with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek the first steps towards a change. I am here to support you in that journey.

Find a therapist serving clients in Alabama

Types of therapists available to clients in Columbia

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Columbia that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Columbia available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Columbia therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Columbia therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Columbia region and in the state of Alabama.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Columbia can help 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 therapist in Columbia may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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