If you’re looking for a therapist in Columbia, SC, there are many independent practices that have provided therapy services to the area for years. Sometimes, though, it can be challenging to find a therapist with an available appointment time that fits your schedule.
BetterHelp is an online platform that has been providing therapeutic services for more than a decade. With online therapy, you can attend mental health counseling from home at a time that fits your schedule. Whether you’re a busy professional whose job is to develop community events or a college student busy with back to school events, this flexibility can make therapy more accessible.
Attending sessions with a licensed professional counselor (LPC), psychologist, or other mental health professional can help you navigate life's challenges. You can seek therapy if you need help coping with the symptoms of depression or anxiety disorders or if you need help managing stress or improving your self-esteem. (Even though many therapists on the platform may have experience counseling children, BetterHelp does not currently offer family systems therapy.)
Talk to a Columbia-based therapist to take the first step toward better mental health and a more fulfilling life.

Amanda Polk
Amanda D. Polk, MSW, LISW-CP, is a dedicated and compassionate licensed clinician with over eight years of experience in the mental health field. Holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Walden University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the University of South Carolina, Mrs. Polk combines her academic knowledge with a wealth of life experience to provide exceptional care to her clients. A proud veteran with 25 years of service in the Army and The South Carolina Army National Guard, including a deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan, Mrs. Polk has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving others. Her passion for helping her community extends beyond her military service. She has worked as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for abused and neglected children, and as a licensed Therapeutic Foster Parent. Mrs. Polk specializes in treating a variety of mental health challenges, including borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, and parenting skills. Additionally, she has extensive experience working with couples, helping them improve communication, resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and strengthen their emotional connection. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships with her clients. Mrs. Polk integrates evidence-based techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and mindfulness to provide patient-centered care tailored to each individual's or couple's unique needs. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, Mrs. Polk is committed to helping her clients find hope, healing, and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges and build fulfilling relationships.

Dr. LaShonda Smith
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I completed my doctoral training in the field of clinical psychology and have worked with clients of all ages who are challenged by a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, school struggles, health problems, and financial stress. I believe all people are deserving of dignity and respect and no one can be defined simply by their struggles. It's my mission to bring mental health care to those who have been reluctant to seek care or have not had means or access. My approach is mostly cognitive-behavioral combined with person-centered and solution-focused features. However, I understand that all clients are individuals, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. We will work together in finding an approach that is the best fit for your needs. There's no doubt that making personal change can be scary, so congratulate yourself on taking the first step! The journey may not always be easy, but I am here to support you as you build a better you. I look forward to working with you!

Sonni Parks (Williams)
I help people to create the life that they want through owning their narrative and finding their voice. My philosophy is centered around teaching people how to rewrite their narrative and become the main character in their life. I believe we live our lives through stories and experiences. From the stories we've been told about ourselves to the ones we've adopted over time. I counseling approach utilizes narrative and bibliotherapy. Narrative therapy allows you to separate yourself from your problems or concerns. If all your life you were told that you were worthless or unlovable some point you may start to believe that narrative. Narrative therapy helps you re-write and take ownership of your story and your life.

Kimberly Bales
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Addiction counselor in South Carolina with over 22 years of experience working as a mental health counselor and 16 years working as an addiction counselor. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Master's degree in Counseling. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and stress due to life changes. I have provided therapy with children and adults in many different settings including schools, inpatient hospital, outpatient mental health clinic, home-based treatment, crisis intervention unit, and addiction treatment offices. You will be treated with respect, genuineness, warmth, and compassion in a safe and supportive environment. Therapies and techniques used are based on your individual circumstances and personality. I use theory and techniques from Client-Centered, Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Psycho-education, and Brief Solution-Focused therapies. Different therapies and techniques may be combined for the most effective treatment results. My primary focus is to assist you in gaining self-awareness and identifying new sources of hope & strength, which are crucial parts of your journey and the foundation for a new beginning. If you are ready to begin your new journey, I am here to walk with you and help you find your authentic self and reach the goal of living your most fulfilling life. I look forward to working with you!

Marla Monk
Marla Monk, MA, MSW, LCSW, LISWCP Clinician I have over 16 years of experience in the social work and mental health field. I also have experience working with the active duty military population and their families as well as veterans. Previously, I worked in Marine and Family Programs within Marine Corps Community Services as a Prevention and Education Specialist and as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. Additionally, I have volunteered as a Command Ombudsman with the Navy and a Key Volunteer with the Marine Corps in San Diego and Hawaii. In 2013, I earned my MSW from the University of Southern California with a concentration in mental health and sub-concentration in military and veteran services. In 2011 I earned MA in Human Services with a specialization in marriage and families from Liberty University and in 2001 earned my B.A. in Criminology from the University of New Mexico. I am experienced in working with those impacted by trauma, grief and loss and domestic violence as well as couples and families. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, I am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Stuart Worley
I am a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina with 4 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, autism related symptoms, relationship/ communication issues, parenting concerns, ADHD, and trauma. My therapy style is accepting and encouraging. I accept your challenging patterns absolutely worked before, and are in place to get your needs met. I accept you’re at a point where these patterns no longer yield the best results and are looking for changes. My approach combines attachment-based approaches with DBT, short-term focused therapy with a play therapy approach. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs or wants. It takes a brave soul to recognize a need for change and to reach out for help. Your life can be so much more than the life you are living now. I look forward to working with you by helping you, help yourself!

Rhonda Alston
Hello! I am a licensed professional counselor with over 8 years of experience working in clinical, residential and in home settings. I have worked with individuals and families with wide ranges of diagnosis from conduct disorder, depression, parenting issues, anxiety, anger management and much more. I am certified in trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy and also use other modalities to better assist my clients needs. My therapy style is very laid back and down to earth which tends to help my clients build trust and rapport with me. I understand the world is forever changing and sometimes its hard to adapt. I believe in actively listening to my clients needs with compassion and empathy. I also am a strong believer in accountability and truly believe that everyone has the power to overcome and change all there adversities with the guidance and tools of quality therapy and that's what I offer. The face that you are reading this profile already shows the power and strength you have to take the first step. I am more than ready to help you improve yourself and guide you to be the best you, you can be. Let's get started today!!

Barbara Austin
I am licensed in South Carolina with 20 years of professional counseling work experience. Your story and how you experience your life is yours to share. My job is to witness it, and do my best to understand how you have made your life work for you so far. Then, together we can explore alternate perspectives, nuances, colors, flavors, shapes and constructs that you may (or may not) wish to include. I can help you re-create, add to, or re-envision the rest of your story. I want to help you discover and utilize perspectives and ideas and strengths that will assist you in creating new feelings and experiences; experiences that can be useful for replacing or challenging feelings or thoughts that distress you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards exploring possibilities. I hope to support & empower you in that journey.

Dr. Elliot Sanchez
I received a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling, from Grand Canyon University in 2016. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina license number 12968. I practiced as an LPC-Intern at Davis Regional Medical Center Psychiatric Unit for a total of 6 months from June 2016 to December 2016. In addition, I have been practicing counseling from a pastoral perspective under a ministry since 2012 for a total of 5 years in that arena of pastoral counseling. I have also been working in the profession of counseling from a substance use disorder perspective since 2013 license number CADC 2108 for a total number of years of 4 years of substance abuse counselor. Prior to working as a counselor, I worked in the capacity of a pastor since 2003. The National Christian Counseling Association licenses me as a Pastoral Temperament Counselor LN-16647 since 2013. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I have a broad background in services to encompass adolescence, adults individuals, and couples. I work with individuals with a variety of issues including emotional, spiritual, relationship, or behavioral challenges; making difficult life decisions; dysfunctional eating, divorce; or those simply wanting to glean a deeper understanding of themselves. My specialties include relationship counseling, anxiety, stress and anger management, and sexual disorders.

Devyn Craig
I am licensed in South Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Find a therapist serving clients in South Carolina
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 South Carolina.
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.