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.
Therapists in Columbia, SC
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.
Kayce Bragg
Clinician
License Type(s): LPCS,LAC,NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
15 years offering treatment
I look forward to the opportunity to walk this journey together! Let me tell you about myself: I’m a wife, mother to four, and a dog mom! I live in SC but love to travel to see new places and try new things. My favorite place is anywhere with a beach as I love anything involving sunshine and water! Professionally, I am a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of South Carolina and have been practicing in the mental health field since 2011. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois . I am currently working on my Doctorate of Psychology and was EMDR trained in 2021. I am very person-centered in my work with clients as I believe that you know you better than I know you! My practice is solution-focused as I believe in focusing more heavily on the problems you’re experiencing right now and working together to develop effective strategies for improving not only your current symptoms, but also your overall life satisfaction. I often incorporate Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at times to help identify problematic thinking and retrain your brain to be more positive! Some other theories I believe in are Positive Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have significant expertise in dealing with adults (18+) who are experiencing the following: various mental illnesses (including but not limited to Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, other Psychotic Disorders, Depression, Anxiety); difficulty adapting to life situations; relationship issues; stress caused by pressure at work or home; grief and loss; self-esteem issues; other difficulties maintaining life balance. I also have experience with addictions issues and am able to help in those areas. I am skilled in aiding others in developing coping skills, interpersonal skills, independent living skills, stress management, personal empowerment and advocacy, healthy leisure habits, and other important life skills. It is important to understand that therapy is about you and what you need, so the process is really driven by the client! My role is to facilitate discussion and prompt new ways of thinking in order to inspire fresh perspectives. :)
Dr. Diane O'Brien
Clinician
License Type(s): PhD,LPC, LCMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years offering treatment
Do you often find yourself struggling to sort out your thoughts and feelings about events in your life? Have there been times in your life when you have wondered if you have made the right choices or if there are other possibilities for you? We have all experienced life changing experiences that have shaped us into the people we are today. Sometimes, a listening ear is all we need. Other times, more in-depth exploration of thoughts and feelings is needed before you can feel better. Whichever situation fits for you, I am here to help. I have been in practice for over 20 years and have had experience working with a diverse group of individuals, couples, and families. Together, we have explored trauma events and their impact on individuals and families, family relationships, couples’ issues, and depression, anxiety, infidelity, spiritual dilemmas, and other experiences that have an effect on day-to-day living. My experience extends to adults of all ages, including an older population and caregivers. I am open to working with couples who are experiencing issues, particularly in the area of communication. Working with individuals who are in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease are a new and interesting population for me. For me, counseling is a passion. Being a counselor is a calling, it encompasses me as a person and as a professional. It is my hope that you will contact me for counseling so that I can be your companion on your journey to a more peaceful and satisfying future.
Rodney Kerr
Clinician
License Type(s): M. Div/RE,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
33 years offering treatment
I have 30 + years doing Professional/Pastoral Counseling experience in a variety of settings in South Carolina. I am an ordained Minister, Life and Relationship Coach and Certified Career and Job Development and Transition Coach. In addition to being seminary trained with a Master of Divinity, I did post-graduate work in Marriage and Family Therapy and have certifications in Gottman Couples Therapy, Couples Communication, Imago , PREP, PAIRS and Relationship Enhancement. I work with individuals and couples to work through issues and transitions by helping them set and meet goals to produce a more satisfying and meaningful life. I do this by assessing all the strengths and "growing edges" they possess and help them with the best of Emotional/Relational and Cognitive Therapy, a Jungian frame, Ericksonian Insights, Strategic Family work and Human Needs Psychology. I do much of my counseling using Assessment tools like PREPARE/ENRICH and SYMBIS for premarital Couples. I also use StrenghtFinders, MBTI I and II, Strong Interest and am a Certified Enneagram Coach. I would be honored to work with you to be everything you were created to be!
Dawnavese Sadler
Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years offering treatment
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Dawn Sadler is dedicated to providing those in need with the highest quaility of mental health, relationship & life care. Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Relational Conflict, Marital Discord and Anger Management are a few of the areas Dawn is equipped to help clients navigate toward wellness. Please don't hesitate to reach out and begin your healing journey.
Jennifer Eklund
Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LISW-CP,CDP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefADHD
9 years offering treatment
Hello, My name is Jennifer and I received my master's degree from The Ohio State University and my undergraduate degree from West Virginia University. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker- Clinical Practitioner (LISW-CP) who believes that to have a successful outcome in therapy, the client and therapist must first build a strong rapport. Once that foundation is laid, I will use one of several therapeutic modalities, depending on the issue at hand. These modalities may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Psychotherapy. An Integrated approach can be utilized as well. I have been a social worker for more than 12 years and have experience working with people from all different backgrounds who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. I have worked in various settings ranging from family and adolescents to hospice. I am known for being honest and direct, a good listener, caring, sensitive, and energetic. I approach issues from all perspectives to find the pros and cons. I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find it helpful to participate in video sessions so that we can get to know each other better. But I am also available to you via phone and text if that is more comfortable for you. A majority of my availability is in the evenings and on the weekends but I check messages at least once during each weekday. I know how hard it can be to find a counselor who you feel a connection with and I am looking forward to supporting you through this stage of your life.
Derrick Fowler
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
12 years offering treatment
I am licensed in South Carolina with12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & coping with addictions. 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. 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.
Danielle (Danni) Helms
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years offering treatment
I am licensed in South Carolina with 4 years of professional experience working with children through adults. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Antoinette Robinson
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
4 years offering treatment
I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina. I have 23 years of professional experience working in child mental health and 3 years of professional work experience as an individual therapist. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues and family challenges. 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!
Craig Leech
Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years offering treatment
Hello, my name is Craig, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor currently living in South Carolina with 19 years of counseling experience. I have a bachelor's in psychology and a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. I believe effective counseling is a collaborative relationship. I tailor the counseling experience to each individual by integrating a variety of evidenced-based counseling theories such as Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Client Centered, Strength-Based, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. In my professional experience I’ve enjoyed working with clients in various counseling settings including an adolescent residential program, adult and adolescent inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient. I believe that everyone's life has value, and I have definitely found my own meaning working in this field, where I have been fortunate to be able to help many people improve their lives and their approaches to difficult times. I do not believe there is a personal problem too small, or too large, to benefit from some good solid counseling. I look forward to working with you and seeing things improve in your life!
Melissa Ford
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment
I am licensed in South Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Columbia, South Carolina
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 SC, 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 29250 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, 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.
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 South Carolina
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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