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.
Muma Azeh
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina with five years of experience in the United States and 23 years of experience in marriage and parenting in Cameroon, Africa, with the Worldwide Marriage Encounter and the Catholic church. I am accredited to counseling the military and their families. I have vast experience and knowledge in this field and am currently a Military and Family Life Counselor at a military base in South Carolina. I served with the faith-based organization as a parenting coach for 12 years. I served as a Behavioral Health Consultant at Brookland Medical Practice, Cayce, South Carolina, and a Qualified Mental Health Professional at the South Carolina Department of Corrections. I am a Military Family and Life Counselor in Columbia, SC, and an online Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I hold a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor. I am currently in the dissertation phase of my Ph.D. in psychology. In a few months, I will graduate. I work as a behavioral health consultant at Eau Claire Cooperative Health. Before, I worked at a Crisis Stabilization Unit in a penitentiary department. I invite you to read about my education, background, experience, and counseling approach by clicking on my name above our messages. I generally check messages a few times daily, Mondays to Fridays, and respond as quickly as possible. During the weekend, I might take a bit longer time to respond. I will appreciate your patience during such times. It takes longer during the weekend because I might be helping other clients or carrying out their duties and responsibilities. My profile's availability is tentative, so I can arrange an appropriate time with my client if requested. There are many stressful issues on earth now, including COVID–19 and all its ramifications, the vaccine fight, and people acting in response to these incidences. The world we now live in is strange. Life situations like the above can cause significant worry for some and overwhelm others. It is our place as counselors to help humanity with these issues. I welcome the client to the counseling session with a smile and encourage them to tell me their difficulties, problems, or constraints. I like counseling clients from 13 years and above. I encourage clients not to see themselves as the problem or the disorder but as people with difficulties or suffering from an illness. I treat my client with respect, sensitivity to their core beliefs, and empathy for their issues. I also handle relationship issues and other life experience issues. My core counseling approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy, but I combine this approach with person-centered, humanistic, psychodynamic, and narrative counseling. I mostly used open-ended questions when dialoguing with clients. These questions are tailored based on the client's needs. I have understood that in the helping profession, you have to love your career, and I love my career. The helping profession needs courage and determination from the counselor and the client.
Nancy Reali
I am a Mental Health and Addiction therapist licensed in Ohio , Michigan and South Carolina with over 15 years of experience . I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, self harm and family counseling. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have worked with adolescents, those in addiction, and adults. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in humor in treatment as well. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and dialectal behavioral. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My hours are 8 am to 4pm Monday through Friday . I have different hours for sessions and those include nights and weekends. Please visit my schedule. I have times and days blocked out for those who need special times like early morning, evenings and weekends. Please ask so I can open an appointment. I am very accommodating to scheduling. My schedule looks full but many times have been blocked to meet the needs of clients. Please ask. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Michelle Fox
As a licensed therapist in South Carolina, I bring over three decades of compassionate clinical experience to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach centers on creating a warm, affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their emotional landscapes with genuine understanding and respect. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and anger management, with a deep commitment to helping individuals develop stronger self-love and communication skills. My practice welcomes diverse clients and experiences, offering culturally sensitive support across various backgrounds and perspectives. My therapeutic style emphasizes collaborative healing, focusing on empowering clients to navigate social anxieties, process difficult emotions like guilt and shame, and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I believe in creating a supportive space where individuals can explore their challenges, build resilience, and rediscover their inherent strengths. Whether you're seeking support through panic attacks, relationship difficulties, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, expertise, and genuine care.
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!
Audrey Williams
I am a Licensed Processional Counselor, practicing for five years with individuals and families. I have mostly focused on helping adolescents, children and adults work through issues of anxiety, depression, insecurity, poor self-image, behavior issues, family relationships and more. My passion is helping others find the answers they need to feel themselves and live the lives they wish to live. My belief is that we know ourselves best, and a therapist supports you in this process of self-discovery and helps you with techniques to battle ineffective habits or thoughts we have. My approach is centered around empowering, encouraging, and validating my clients with a warm and nurturing approach. If you are interested in working together, i would love to virtually meet you and let you see if we are a good fit. Finding the right fit in a therapist sometimes takes a few tries and that’s okay. It’s all about how you click with your therapist and how comfortable you feel to work on lasting change. If you’d like to work together, welcome!
Susan Strain
I am licensed in South Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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.
Talisha Telsee, MS, LPC, LMHC
Hi! I come with over 15 years of clinical professional work experience in the mental health field. For these years, I have dedicated my work to navigating clients of diverse backgrounds through difficult challenges in their lives-often caused by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict/trauma, and transitional life issues. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I firmly believe in providing a safe environment for all of my clients-regardless of their diverse background. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Together, We Can!
Shakiyah Demelien
I am licensed in South Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Frances Pope
I am licensed in New Mexico, North Carolina and South Carolina with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Phoebee Sharpe
I am licensed in South Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, 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!
Megan Anderson
As a licensed therapist in South Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients work through challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship dynamics. I bring a compassionate, affirming approach to therapy, with a deep commitment to understanding each person's unique experiences and strengths. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, and heal from past wounds. I offer a supportive space for exploring social anxiety, attachment issues, mood disorders, and personal growth. My approach is particularly attuned to women's experiences, multicultural perspectives, and diverse relationship structures. I believe in creating a collaborative, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their emotions, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop meaningful strategies for personal transformation. My goal is to walk alongside you as you build resilience, self-understanding, and emotional well-being.
Dana Trudeau
As a licensed therapist in South Carolina, I bring over a decade of compassionate mental health experience to my practice. My approach centers on supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and self-esteem challenges. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment. My practice honors each client's unique experiences and spiritual perspectives, offering a welcoming space for those seeking faith-informed counseling. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop meaningful strategies for emotional wellness and personal growth. Whether you're an older adult seeking support or someone looking for a progressive, empathetic counseling approach, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional insight. My goal is to help you discover your inner strength, build resilience, and create positive pathways toward healing and self-understanding.
Stacey Tenbrink
I am a licensed mental health counselor in Rhode Island and South Carolina with over 5 years of experience working in clinical practice. I am also a licensed chemical dependency professional in Rhode Island. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, life changes/transitions, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse and other addictions, personality disorders, and schizophrenia type disorders. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals exploring self-love, communication skills, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and collaborative, designed to create a safe space where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, acceptance and commitment, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I bring a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique journey, drawing from evidence-based practices to help individuals build resilience, improve self-understanding, and create positive life changes. My goal is to empower clients to develop stronger coping mechanisms, enhance self-esteem, and move toward more fulfilling personal and professional lives. I am here to support and empower you when you are ready to take steps towards happiness and fulfillment I look forward to working with you!
Lavon Pinder
I'm a therapist with over two decades of experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. I work with clients navigating depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, and grief, helping them build resilience and find meaning in their lives. My practice focuses on a range of concerns, including communication struggles, isolation and loneliness, social anxiety, life purpose, forgiveness, divorce and separation, caregiver stress, women's issues, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. I also support clients working through self-esteem concerns and the complexities of major life transitions. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, honoring each client's unique background, values, and spiritual beliefs. I believe in creating a safe, affirming space where you can explore your experiences authentically and work toward meaningful change at your own pace. My therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered. I draw on evidence-based practices to help you gain insight, strengthen your relationships, and reconnect with your sense of purpose and wholeness. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or seeking support during a difficult season of life, I'm here to walk alongside you with care, respect, and genuine commitment to your healing journey.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Columbia, South Carolina
Finding a therapist near you in Columbia, South Carolina starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. South Carolina is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In South Carolina, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across South Carolina, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in South Carolina
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In South Carolina, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in South Carolina
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in South Carolina
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in South Carolina through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in South Carolina
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across South Carolina, including residents in Columbia.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in South Carolina do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Columbia, South Carolina
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Columbia and the surrounding SC area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.