Barbara Smith
I have been a counselor for over 20 years and have worked with a variety of age groups who suffered from a wide spectrum of mental health concerns from mild depression to serious mental illnesses. I am EMDR trained and have experience working with clients that have experienced severe trauma. I have treated clients with EMDR using the online platform and have had great results. My other passion is teaching clients how to identify the indicators that they may be victims of manipulation by a narcissist, also known as gaslighting. My counseling style is interactive, informal, and solution focused. I'm also a big proponent of the cognitive-behavioral model by targeting each clients unique needs. My focus is to empower clients to get better. I look forward to working with you!
Sara Klahr
Hello my name is Sara P Klahr, I am proud that you are seeking professional counseling to overcome obstacles and create positive changes in your life. I have gathered 30 years of counseling experience working with individuals, couples and families in a variety of settings. I must admit I was not initially comfortable offering teletherapy until our recent national shutdown. I was not sure that genuine care and concern would not translate well. I have been nicely surprised to learn that it does! My counseling style is genuine, direct and non-judgmental. My counseling approach is client centered. Together we identify root causes of stressors and optimum coping techniques to bring about a long lasting changes. It takes courage to live this life we have been given. I would be honored to walk a part of it with you!
Donald McRae
Hello, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) in South Carolina. I am also a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina. I have been licensed for more than twenty years and have provided therapy in a number of settings to include a mental health clinic, military bases and not-for-profit agencies. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with individuals, families and couples. I have facilitated psychotherapy groups and provided individual therapy. I am certified in Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) and I am grounded in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) as well as Trauma Focused CBT. I genuinely enjoy working with others and have been successful helping people attain their goals. In addition to DBT and CBT, I have a rich background in Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Motivational Interviewing and Brief Solution Focused Therapy. I believe that it takes courage and commitment to confront oneself and bring about change in a therapeutic relationship. I am nonjudgmental, empathetic, compassionate and sensitive to the effort it takes to engage in therapy. I welcome the opportunity to work with individuals that are genuinely committed to self examination and change.
Helen Wallach
Life is full of hills and valleys. Sometimes each of us may benefit from someone to help us navigate life changes, or stressors. I am here to offer a listening ear and friendly face. I am a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor based in South Carolina. I began my professional life as a teacher and after more than 10 years in the classroom; I went back to school and got my Master’s degree from Liberty University in counseling. I have worked as a clinical therapist in multiple settings that include: outpatient, private practice, residential, individual, group, family, and acute care in a hospital emergency room. My therapeutic approach combines client-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behaviors influenced by a mindfulness approach, and driven by motivational interviewing. My style is simple and complete honesty. It is important to me that you feel safe, heard, and validated as we work together. In my experience the success of our time together comes from us working together to set your goals and achieve them. Ultimately, I will work with you to live your best life. I have used art therapy and play therapy in both individual and group settings. All of this to basically say, I work with each client to find what approach is the best fit for you. My husband of 30 years and I share our home with our golden-doodle and are celebrated empty nesters to 3 adult children, their spouses and our grandson. In my free time I enjoy all types of crafts, anything that involves creating. I also like adventures like skydiving, ziplining, hot-air ballooning, cruising, and traveling [all over the world]. I am exceptionally partial to spending time with my family and friends. I primarily use evidence-based techniques and approaches. Specifically; Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I look forward to meeting you.
Courtney Dunbaker
I am licensed in South Carolina as both a professional counselor (LPC) and as an addiction counselor (LAC). Since earning an advanced graduate degree in Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling from the University of South Carolina in 2013, I have worked with adults of all ages, college students through senior adults. My clinical experience includes assessing and treating anxiety, addiction, anger management, relationship issues and various other mental health needs. I have counseled clients individually, in groups and as couples and families. My goal is to help clients navigate life in a more positive and fulfilling manner. I strive to offer a safe and nurturing environment for all of my clients, providing a non-judgmental atmosphere. I will work collaboratively with you to identify and meet your goals.
Frank Ruse
Thank yourself for taking this big step and thank you for sharing information about yourself. I appreciate that you reached out. I am Frank Ruse, a licensed therapist. Battling emotional difficulties can be frightening and hard. Why? It's fear of the unexpected. My 30 years of experience as an addiction counselor and clinical social worker, as well as, treating people with emotional difficulties has taught me how to make this process less scary and easier. We will work through these difficulties together. My approach is easy going and with touches of humor. We will combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, reality therapy and rational-emotive therapy with touches of stoicism; and of course, I will be there to listen. Bottom line, I'll meet you where you are and we'll overcome these obstacles together. As you know with the Better Help platform, you can contact me if there is a need or have questions. Also, you can schedule yourself on the schedule. In addition, if you need me, I'll get back to you as soon as reasonably possible. I'll be sending you something to look at that tells you what to expect in therapy. Take care of yourself, because you deserve it, Standing by ready to assist. Frank, LISW-CP, LCSW, LADC
Troy J Miles
Hello, my name is Troy J. Miles, MA, LPC, EMDR. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina with over sixteen years of professional experience in this field. I currently hold a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology. I have been heavily involved in community outreach including co-founding an Addiction Recovery Program. My therapeutic orientations are primarily cognitive behavior therapy, client-centered therapy, and family systems. In addition, I am a trained EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapist. I have experience helping clients experiencing depression, anxiety, anger problems, difficulties adjusting to a life crisis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, family discord, and childhood disruptions. I have focused on personality, developmental, and cognitive assessments in my psychological training and practice as a professional counselor. I have a direct, yet empathic approach where I focus on being non-judgmental and acceptance for all as a priority. We all deserve to have the ability to be authentic and genuine. I am honored to work with you to help you identify and seek out the best modalities that will help assist you in reaching your goals. I feel sure that our teamwork will facilitate you having a brighter outlook on life. I hope you have a relaxing day. Troy
Lakeisha Norris
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina with 3 years of experience working as a Clinical Therapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, depression, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Kwan Carlos
I am a licensed therapist in South Carolina. I help individuals discover the deep-rooted issues that have created emotional imbalances in their lives, so that they can stop allowing their past to define their future, become more confident and take control of their lives. I treat individuals affected by a variety of different issues, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, sexual trauma, relationship issues, domestic violence, racism and discrimination, and geriatric/end-of-life issues. I have worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds and I am comfortable attending to the unique challenges that surface at different life stages. The goal of my therapeutic approach is to help you learn to more effectively navigate your internal and external roadblocks, so that you can have a more clearly defined pathway to achieving your own sense of happiness. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dorothy Smith
I am licensed in South Carolina with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Ridgeway
Finding the best therapist close by in Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway. 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 Ridgeway, 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway, elsewhere in Fairfield, 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Ridgeway, 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 29130 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 Ridgeway counselor?
Before seeing your Ridgeway 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. Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway, 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.
Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway, 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 Ridgeway 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 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.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ridgeway:
29130