Founded in 1802, Columbia, Kentucky, has quaint and charming structures throughout town, reminding us of its 200-year history. While your own personal history doesn’t span centuries, it’s safe to say that life is full of many moments, some good and some bad.

If emotional struggles or mental health troubles are part of your personal history, know that they do not have to define you or your future. Columbia-area counselors can help you work through struggles so you can write a personal history that you’re proud of and that makes you feel better about life. Match with a licensed, confidential mental health professional to get started today.

This is Dr. Brandon Olive's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Brandon Olive

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Counselor License Type(s): PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
21 years of experience

Hello! I am Dr. Brandon Olive, a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I have learned from personal and professional experience that compassion and caring are crucial to overcoming life's struggles. It's important to acknowledge that an individual's cultural background and personal beliefs are key to individual development and change. I will work with you together, in a collaborative way, to empower you as an expert of your own life. I believe in what science and research can offer in terms of helping us reach our full potential, to use strategies for better planning, thinking, reacting, and behaving. As a clinician with 21 years of experience working in many different settings, one of my strengths has been my exposure to a wide range of clients from many walks of life, all experiencing a broad spectrum of problems and concerns. Your personal characteristics, wants, desires, and needs will help me draw from these experiences to assist you with minor concerns or more severe problems such as major depression, anxiety, panic, serious life adjustment, or prolonged grief. I have some fairly unique experience working for lengthy periods of time with patients suffering from severe symptoms who have required hospitalization and management with medications, including individuals with traumatic brain injuries and psychotic symptoms. As a provider with this background, in addition to counseling, I may be able to provide recommendations for other forms of assistance which are helpful for alleviating difficult-to-treat symptoms and guiding you toward your higher potential. I would encourage you to feel comfortable reaching out to me for an initial chat about your unique concerns and needs. This will enable you to decide in an informed way if we are a good match. No therapist is "effective" if they are not a good "fit". I believe in honesty and transparency when selecting a person with whom you will likely be sharing very personal and sometimes painful experiences. This is a person-to-person endeavor, and you should be comfortable with your selection and what you can expect from this journey. Using online services is an increasingly convenient way for me to reach out to others in my community who are very difficult to engage in my part-time private work, and impossible to reach through my full-time agency work. We can accomplish a lot through this platform. Hopefully I can be of assistance! I look forward to meeting you and mutually determining the best approach for your success. Brandon

Get started View profile
This is Chelsen Larkey's avatar and link to their profile

Chelsen Larkey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed.,LPCC-S,NCC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor licensed in Kentucky with over 10 years of experience working as a counselor in a clinic setting. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor in Kentucky. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and when appropriate, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I enjoy working with adults to help you set and achieve your mental health goals. My typical available hours are early morning. I also have some availability on weekends. If you are seeking different available times, it is unlikely that my schedule would be able to accommodate those needs at this time. I would be happy to help match you with a new counselor if you have been matched with me and our schedules do not align. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Dawn Tedder's avatar and link to their profile

Dawn Tedder

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Counselor License Type(s): LPCC,MA,BS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hi, thanks for taking time to read about me. I am Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, with experience in mental health and substance abuse counseling. This has taught me to value each person's story and journey that have brought them to therapy. I believe it is important to see things from the individual's perspective, and acknowledge how the past can impact present mental health. I've been very successful at developing positive and trusting relationships with clients. This has encouraged comfort to share very personal experiences and to start the processing of emotions. I believe having trust in therapy allows for open communication, direct and respectful feedback. This helps clients to develop insight into behavioral patterns, development of coping mechanisms, and setting positive goals. This can be very empowering for anyone! Even the smallest step you make in therapy is still progress, and needs to be recognized. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is used in session, along with a person centered approach, and other theoretical perspectives according to individual's needs.. Experience has allowed me to work with those struggling with depression, sadness, anger, grief, anxiety, ADHD, personality disorders and Post traumatic Stress Disorder, among many other mental health disorders. Starting therapy can be intimidating, but sessions move at whatever pace you choose. I understand changing behaviors and thoughts can be very frustrating, and difficult. Most importantly is meeting you where you are on your journey.

Get started View profile
This is Christina Kayrouz's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Kayrouz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Teah Moore's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Teah Moore

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical counselor in Kentucky with 15 years of professional counseling experience. I am also licensed in Georgia as well. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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. In addition to my counseling experience, I have over 20 years of experience working in social services with teens transitioning to independence, families in crisis, adoption, foster care, and return home services. Lastly, I enjoy working with single Christian women in self-discovery, seeking fulfilling relationships with others. The journey towards gaining a sense of connectedness is worth the work.

Get started View profile
This is Jessica Jacobs's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Jacobs

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington state and Kentucky with over 10 years of professional work experience. I aim to provide a non-judgmental space to walk alongside you in your journey of learning new ways to process life’s challenges and difficult emotions related, to understand one’s self, and better relate to the world around you. Our time together will be focused on understanding yourself more fully, resolving conflicts, processing your pain, and identifying together your less than helpful coping mechanisms to find peace and freedom. Therapy is your process; I just help facilitate the process alongside you. My goal in our work together is meet you exactly where you are, seek to understand you and empower you.

Get started View profile
This is Elizabeth Walden's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Walden

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Kentucky with 20 years of professional work experience. I help clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, addiction, ADHD & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Twila Hartmans's avatar and link to their profile

Twila Hartmans

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am a licensed MFT in Kentucky with 26 years of professional work experience. Much of my clinical work has focused on helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths which will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. The journey is yours. And I will support you in whatever ways you may discover that support to be needed.

Get started View profile
This is Julia Neill's avatar and link to their profile

Julia Neill

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCompassion fatigue
32 years of experience

I am an LCSW in the state of Kentucky with more than 30 years of clinical experience. I believe that everyone has within them the tools needed to reach their therapy goals. I have focused much of my career working with people with depression, anxiety as well as with people recovering from the impact of abuse and trauma.

Get started View profile
This is Tolana Murphy's avatar and link to their profile

Tolana Murphy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Columbia
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio with over seven years experience. I have worked with adolescents in the Intensive Outpatient setting, adults with severe mental illness and substance abuse detox inpatient, and adults experiencing their first psychotic break. I have also provided community mental health services and medication assisted treatment. I support individuals in need as well as those in a group setting. I have helped hundreds of patients through a variety of situations including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, mental illness, and addiction. My counseling style is eclectic. I know that no single approach is right for every individual. I have been trained in a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Brief Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person Centered Therapy to name a few. I offer careful and compassionate counseling with the focus on understanding the person. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Toledo with a primary focus in Psychology. I also have a Master of Arts in Counseling from Spring Arbor University.

Get started View profile

How to find a therapist for counseling in Columbia

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 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 with therapists in Columbia that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Columbia. 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 or are new to counseling in Columbia, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Columbia region and in the state of Kentucky. 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 counselor 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 counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Columbia therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

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 Adair, or in the greater state of Kentucky. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about 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 in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Columbia therapist?

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:

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

While many psychologists in Columbia may not take health insurance, some in the state of Kentucky 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 Kentucky you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

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

Therapists in Columbia, Kentucky 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 in therapy. 

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.

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

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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.

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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

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. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Columbia provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Columbia 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 and therapists 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in KY, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 42728 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Columbia therapist, 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. Columbia therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a 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 Columbia 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.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist 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. 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 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 psychologist in Columbia, Kentucky 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.

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 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Columbia, Kentucky

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 Columbia 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 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.

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 Columbia.

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

42728

Popular cities near Columbia, KY

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist