This is Alfred (Al) Thomas's avatar and link to their profile

Alfred (Al) Thomas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I'm Al, Licensed Professional Counselor located in South Carolina. I know it is not easy to take those initial steps to reach out to someone to address things that have been going on in your life, so I commend on doing so. I appreciate your ability to be self-aware and realize that seeking out a professional could be beneficial. I'm here to meet you where you are and discover what you would like to accomplish while you and I work together. I pride myself on building strong relationships with everyone I work with. I see this as a partnership. A partnership which must start with you and I building strong rapport. I believe the relationship between you and I is the most important part of the process. If I show an ability to be open, honest and transparent, you will be more receptive of my recommendations and feel far more comfortable opening up about the things that brought you here. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is having an understanding of how our thoughts, emotions and behavior are all linked. Even though most times we are not aware of our thoughts because they happen automatically. We are only aware of how we respond and how we feel emotionally. We will definitely explore this in greater detail in the future. I also utilize Motivation Interviewing and elements of Clinical Hypnotherapy in addition to CBT to help address the emotional subconscious parts of us that are impacted by our life experiences as we navigated life from childhood. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions. I'm an open book. I'm excited to have this opportunity and I'm looking forward to hearing back from you! Talk to you soon. Al

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May Kirby

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC,LAC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is May Kirby and I have eight years’ experience in an intensive outpatient mental health treatment setting. I am skilled in a variety of modalities, but my core belief is the therapeutic alliance is the catalyst to growth and change. My love of people and their stories fuels my curiosity and motivation to discover and fortify your strengths through our therapeutic partnership. How can we work together for your benefit?

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Alvin. (Al) Watson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
Counselor License Type(s): LISW-CP
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am Al Watson, a Licensed Independent Social Worker for Clinical Practice in the state of South Carolina. I obtained my license in 1989 after completing a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Georgia in 1979. I have both administrative and clinical experience in the mental health field since 1972. I have been in solo counseling practice part-time since 1988 and full-time since 2010, providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. While I have worked in a variety of mental health services, for the last ten years I have focused on adults, children/adolescents, and families in private practice. I have provided services for those who are trying to resolve issues related to depression, anxiety, grief, being abused, self awareness and acceptance, sexual orientation, and parenting. I am trained primarily in analytical and cognitive-behavioral counseling and believe in providing client-centered service to my clients. I try to make contact with my clients to understand their physical, mental, and spiritual makeup and how they apply this combination in their daily life and in their plans for the future. I believe it is important to pay attention to your talents, and potential for creativity. I work to also understand your present life through past and present personal and family relationships. I will use this information to develop a treatment plan with you that best serves your needs. Really listening to you is the key to success in counseling goals. We all can experience difficult times in our lives, and come to wish there was someone in the professional counseling field to talk with to help us grow, finding ways to better cope with such times. I am happy to be available to work with you in finding ways to increase personal healthiness and I look forward to working with you.

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Luciana Smalls

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in South Carolina with over 8 years of experience working as a mental health professional and over 20 years working in the human services field. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients that have challenges with depression, anxiety, adoption, relationship issues, parenting, changes in life, ADHD, ODD, foster care, and addiction. My therapy style is nurturing, challenging and supportive. It is my passion to assist you with skills and strategies to transform your challenges to strengths. I demonstrate professionalism by treating clients as an individual, being respectful, compassionate, knowledges of different cultures and values, sexual orientation, and identity. My therapy approaches combines cognitive-behavioral and humanistic also using motivational interviewing, mindfulness, narrative therapy, and creative therapy. Each individual with create a treatment plan to address challenges/needs/ goals. Addressing challenges, making changes, or facing fear is not easy, yet can be rewarding. It takes overcoming fear to transform your life to evolve into the better version of yourself. I am her to equip you with the skills needed to archive your goals. I am excited for you to take the next step. Thank you in advance for allowing me to assist you

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Lisa Godwin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC
Family conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
21 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my page! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina with over 20 years of experience in the counseling field. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, providing individual, couples, group and family therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, military lifestyle challenges (deployment/reintegration cycle), addictions and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach includes client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. I also specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), working with caregivers and their children (ages 2 -7) who are experiencing behavioral and/or emotional challenges. 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 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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Karen Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety depression, grief, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that everyone has the ability to problem solve and work through their situations. I will always treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will remain unbiased and be intentional about helping develop a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Hannah Miller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
LGBTParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 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.

This is Essence Jackson's avatar and link to their profile

Essence Jackson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
GriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia and South Carolina with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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!

This is Alexandra "Alex" Dow's avatar and link to their profile

Alexandra "Alex" Dow

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues
10 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina with 10+ years of professional counseling experience. I have worked in a variety of settings with a diverse client base, including children, adolescents, parents, singles, couples, blended families, and more. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I strongly favor therapeutic modalities that create immediate relief and powerful, lasting change. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Joshua Martin's avatar and link to their profile

Joshua Martin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Blythewood
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & career difficulties. I provide a therapeutic relationship that allows you the space to be yourself. We will work together to understand the needs and goals that best fit your desire in pursuing therapy. I understand that therapy is hard to squeeze into a busy life schedule . Due to that, I primarily provide text therapy/ live chat services to help navigate the chaos. I look forward to assisting you in your journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Blythewood

Finding the best therapist close by in Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood. 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 Blythewood, 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 Blythewood region and in the state of South Carolina. 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood, elsewhere in Richland, or in the greater state of South Carolina. 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood may not take health insurance, some in the state of South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 Blythewood online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Blythewood, South Carolina 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 SC, 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 29016 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 Blythewood counselor?

Before seeing your Blythewood 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. Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood 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 Blythewood, South Carolina 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.

Blythewood 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 Blythewood, South Carolina

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Blythewood 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 Blythewood.

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

29016

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