If you’re navigating challenges like difficult life transitions, family conflict, and unhealthy habits, talking to a therapist can help you live a more meaningful life. A therapist in Columbus, GA, can help.
If you’re interested in individual counseling, you have a few options. There are plenty of professionals in the mental health field in Columbus, whether you’re looking for a counseling center or an individual therapist. Counseling centers may see many clients, making it difficult to get an appointment, and therapy can be costly, regardless of the types of insurances accepted. An online therapy platform like BetterHelp can make finding an available counselor who fits your schedule easier.
Whether you work with a therapist online or in person, a qualified mental health professional can help you manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety disorders or panic attacks, but they can also help with things like coping with divorce, working through insomnia, or dealing with abusive family members. When you connect with a therapist, your first appointment may be dedicated to getting to know each other and developing a treatment plan that best suits your well-being. If you’re ready to get started, contact one of the therapists serving Columbus below.
Evalee Smith
Hello, my name is Evalee and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia and South Carolina with over 20 years of experience working in mental health and social services as a counselor. I graduated from Savannah State University with a Master's degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration. I have worked in a variety of settings with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, Bipolar disorder, relationship issues, parenting problems, life changes, OCD, ADHD, ODD, anger management skills, LGBTQ related issues, intellectual disabilities, women's issues, and caregiver stress. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma and abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach to therapy combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness, solution focused, psycho-education, and psychodynamic counseling. I approach therapy from a person centered and strengths based perspective. Your treatment plan will be individualized to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek improved mental health. It is brave to take this step, and I am here to support you in a safe and understanding environment to empower you. I am able to work with children, youth, teens, adults, older adults and couples. I look forward to working with you!
Brianna Brown
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Georgia with over 6 years of experience working as a counselor with children, adults, and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, severe persistent mental illnesses, relationship difficulties, and life issues. I also helped many individuals who have issues with finding a sense of purpose in life. I would describe my counseling style as compassionate, psychoeducational, and solution-focused. My core values are based upon the principles of free-will, empowerment, self-esteem, and spiritual diversity. I believe in being compassionate towards others in a manner that creates opportunity for holistic wellness and healing in evidence based practices. My approach combines cognitive behavioral theory, narrative perspective, systems theory, and problem solving approaches. Each session will be uniquely designed to fit your current needs but also to address your long and short term goals. I am excited for you to begin your therapeutic journey. I am available to assist and help you whenever you are ready. I look forward to working with you!
Goziam Ogwu
It can never be easy to admit when we’re struggling in life, and often times, whether it’s family, friends, coworkers, and or other types of relationships, trying to untangle the balls of confusion and the uncertainty impacting our hearts, can be stressful. Moreover, it may even cause us sadness, worry and affect our ability to sleep at night. Other matters can also clinch at hearts, such as dealing with loss of a loved one, difficulties with life transitions, desiring an enriching fuller life, or even the realization that your child may be struggling. Given these points, if this is you, then you have come to the right place. Together, we will think through what you want to work on and develop a plan to achieve your goals. I will help you sort through confusion and turmoil and equally help you change patterns that may be unhealthy. I offer a confidential, non-judgmental space where you can explore and move from just surviving to thriving. My style is one of many with a focus on recognizing how unhealthy behavior and thought patterns occur, providing tools necessary to manage stress and getting solutions. Without delay, in an objective space you can explore and move towards changing and receiving the life you’ve wanted.
Luciana Smalls
I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in South Carolina with over 8 years of experience working as a mental health professional and over 20 years working in the human services field. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients that have challenges with depression, anxiety, adoption, relationship issues, parenting, changes in life, ADHD, ODD, foster care, and addiction. My therapy style is nurturing, challenging and supportive. It is my passion to assist you with skills and strategies to transform your challenges to strengths. I demonstrate professionalism by treating clients as an individual, being respectful, compassionate, knowledges of different cultures and values, sexual orientation, and identity. My therapy approaches combines cognitive-behavioral and humanistic also using motivational interviewing, mindfulness, narrative therapy, and creative therapy. Each individual with create a treatment plan to address challenges/needs/ goals. Addressing challenges, making changes, or facing fear is not easy, yet can be rewarding. It takes overcoming fear to transform your life to evolve into the better version of yourself. I am her to equip you with the skills needed to archive your goals. I am excited for you to take the next step. Thank you in advance for allowing me to assist you
Carmen Shumate
I am licensed in Georgia with 26 years of professional work experience. I have worked in various areas such as a hospital, office, residential facilities, group homes, and in homes. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with trauma, grief, and loss, motivation, improving self esteem, and building self-confidence. I mainly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize our talks and treatment goals to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seek help takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I keep a schedule that hopefully can accommodate everyone - early morning, afternoon, and late night (8am-1:00am)!
Phillippe Louis
I am licensed in Georgia with 9 years of professional work experience. 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!
Sydney Adams
I am licensed in Georgia with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Deanna Dillard
I am licensed in Georgia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with anger management, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Dr. Michelle Burns
I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. 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!
Christy Bell
As a licensed therapist in Georgia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges with compassion and expertise. My practice focuses on helping clients work through stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I provide a supportive environment for exploring personal growth, communication challenges, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is deeply affirming and inclusive, with particular expertise in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, young adults, veterans, and those experiencing workplace stress, relationship difficulties, and personal identity exploration. I'm committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can heal, develop resilience, and rediscover their inner strength. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients address a wide range of experiences, including social anxiety, panic disorders, attachment issues, sexual assault recovery, and challenges related to discrimination. My goal is to empower you to develop meaningful coping strategies, enhance self-love, and move toward a more authentic and fulfilling life. I am a geek and will sometimes bring this into therapy when it will help my clients. Do you need to work on identity development, I have a Star Trek exercise for that. We can use DnD character sheets and RPGs to help you level up skills and tools. Tell me why your favorite book character is so relatable? What class do you usually roll when you play an RPG that can help me understand a bit about your personality. I will meet you where you are and walk with you towards your goals, I will challenge you, support you, encourage you and hopefully help you grow.
Dr. Sherry Aaker
As a licensed therapist in Georgia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach is deeply compassionate and rooted in understanding life's challenging transitions. I focus on helping clients work through depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem challenges with sensitivity and care. My therapeutic work centers on addressing isolation, life purpose, guilt, shame, and personal growth. I have extensive experience supporting individuals through significant life changes, including divorce, workplace stress, midlife transitions, and caregiver challenges. I'm particularly committed to supporting women, veterans, and older adults as they navigate complex emotional experiences. Drawing from a faith-informed perspective, I create a safe, understanding environment where clients can explore their struggles and strengths. My goal is to help you develop resilience, find meaning, and move toward healing with compassion and practical support.
Maria Annalise Robinson
I am licensed in Georgia with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Patricia Williams
I am licensed in Georgia with 20 years of professional work experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Most of my work has been with adolescents, young adults, families, refugees/immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ population. I believe in collaborating with my clients, treating them with respect, dignity, and sensitivity so that they will reach their potential. I have worked in school settings, rural areas, and urban areas. I am a strong believer in focusing on an individual's strengths and how they can utilize those strengths to achieve optimal growth. Therapy is a safe space with no judgment.
Tashara Jones
I'm a therapist with a decade of experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. I work with clients across the lifespan, helping them navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and the complexities of relationships and life transitions. My approach is grounded in understanding the whole person—your background, identity, and unique circumstances. I specialize in helping clients work through grief, shame, abandonment, attachment wounds, and the impact of trauma and abuse. I'm also experienced in supporting people facing relationship challenges, family conflicts, workplace stress, financial concerns, and major life changes like divorce or midlife transitions. I bring particular expertise to issues around self-worth, communication, isolation, social anxiety, and body image. I'm also skilled in supporting clients navigating women's and men's issues, sexuality, caregiver stress, chronic pain, and recovery from harmful behaviors. My work is rooted in cultural responsiveness and an awareness of how identity, discrimination, and systemic challenges shape our experiences. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and respected for who you are. I believe therapy works best when it's collaborative and personalized to your needs. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and genuine care as you move toward healing and growth.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Columbus, Georgia
Finding a therapist near you in Columbus, Georgia starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Georgia 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 Georgia, 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 Georgia, 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 Georgia
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Georgia, 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 Georgia
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 Georgia
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Georgia 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 Georgia
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Georgia, including residents in Columbus.
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 Georgia 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 Columbus, Georgia
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Columbus and the surrounding GA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.