Having a child is supposed to be one of the best times in your life, but there are some women that have a harder time than others. Postpartum depression (PPD) can cause you to feel like you are not doing a good job as a mother, or has you feeling too overwhelmed. It is essential to talk to a therapist or counselor if you have any of these or other abnormal feelings after giving birth. If you’re struggling with any other mental health issues, a Columbus area licensed therapist can help with these as well. 

Columbus, Nebraska is known for its Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial at Pawnee Park, which has a life-sized model of the Higgins Boat and soldiers stepping out onto the sand. This is one of many places in town that are on the National Register of Historic Places. However, if you are suffering from PPD or any other mental health condition, it can be hard to do anything, including visiting historical sites. Consider working with a dedicated counselor near you. 

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Sara Irwin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LMHP,LADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't" Hello! I am glad you are here and I look forward to working with you. I am a licensed mental health and addiction therapist in with over 10 years of experience in the field. I graduated from Creighton University in 2008 with a Master's degree in Community Counseling. I have worked with all ages in clinic setting and private practice on various issues including substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship issues, grief, parenting struggles, stress management, and poor impulse control. In addition, I am also trained as a certified Clinical Trauma Professional. My therapeutic style is based on being genuine and understanding with clients. I believe it is essential to actively listen and effectively problem solve with my clients. My therapeutic foundation is a mix of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and rational-emotive theories. There are so many benefits from seeking out therapy. It can be the beginning of a powerful change for a person's life. I enjoy helping people reach their goals or resolve what is bothering them. I encourage you to start today to change your life for the better by allowing me to help your through your journey. When I am not working, I stay busy with my family. I have two little guys, so I am always on the go with these two. I also love running, traveling, reading, learning new things, and being outdoors. I am here to help you get unstuck and live your best life!

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Ellen Shafer-Lind

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LMPH,PCDGC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
36 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My purpose in counseling is to provide encouragement, insight, and guidance to individuals and families so they find resolution and peace. In addition, I am versed in Grief and loss counseling, developing problem solving skills, gender issues and marriage/couples' counseling. I am also versed in Veterans issues, having work with all types of Veterans through the VA for 5 years. I enjoy my work, as you may have noticed, I have been counseling for 31 years. I typically use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which is an evidenced based therapy for most mental health diagnoses. However, I use other formats of counseling so to better individualize counseling to your needs. I do understand counseling for some is rather scary, yet I believe you will fast realize that I have compassion and empathy for your issues. That I will be available to help you as often as possible unt l " you feel solid on your own two feet". My education background :1988 Graduate of UNO MSW Degree 1993 LMHP and CMSW Licensure 2012 Certified IP Counselor 2015 Provisional Certified Disordered Gambling Counselor Work History: Richard Young Hospital Adolescent Unit, Home-based Counselor Veterans Health Administration I am currently in private practice.

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Alyce Clasen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,LISW,BCD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
48 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Successful therapy depends on two variables - therapist expertise, and relationship between the clinician and patient. My expertise. I am a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work. I have provided therapy in private practice, and in other therapy settings. I help people with everyday problems who may have variety of mental health needs, including PTSD. What you need to know is - I’m a real person, who is excited to listen to you, help you confront your problems, anxieties, trauma or sadness that hold you back so you can move forward in your life. Currently accepting clients outside of the USA.

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Daniel Fender

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I received my masters degree in social work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I also went on to partial completion of a PhD in general human services. I have been treating anxiety, depression, trauma related disorders and bipolar disorder quite extensively over the last 18 years. I also have a significant amount of experience treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder utilizing EMDR, PE, and CPT. I utilize various other approaches such as CBT, Solution Focused, and Interpersonal Process to treat depression, anxiety, and other problems.

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Alexandra Madsen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Nebraska with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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James Gross

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Nebraska with 20 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Robert Neve, LPC

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
AddictionsRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hey there, call me Bob. Having been a therapist for 22 years, I know that the only thing I know about you right now is that you don’t care about my expertise and credentials until you know how much I care. I care. I really do. It’s my greatest asset. It's the central mission of my life, to help you. Besides that, I do also have some great expertise and credentials. My wife, my greatest blessing, and I are both therapists and are very happily married. In 2022, we moved here to Saint Pete Florida — fulfilling a life long dream of living by the beach — from Omaha where I ran a successful mental health and substance abuse treatment center in the Dundee neighborhood. Before my 22 years of professional therapy experience, I earned 8 years of experience in AA and NA. I've been clean (drug-free) and sober (alcohol-free) and happy (depression-free) and calm (anxiety-free) since February 15, 1993. I'd like to help you through what I've been through. Addiction. Depression. Anxiety. Finding and fulfilling my God given purpose. Building a great business. Developing the mindset that cashes in on the stock market and real estate. Nurturing great relationships, with others and with God. Most recently, I’ve lost 85 pounds with Weight Watchers. Of utmost importance to me is respecting people's choices without judgment. Up to this point in your life you truly made the best decisions you could make with the resources you had. You did your best. You did everything you know to do. Let me give you some new resoures with which to make better decisions. That is why I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion in alignment with the principles and practices of Motivational Interviewing and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and I will keep you encouraged. You know more about how to make your life better and feel better than you think you do. I know the questions to ask you to get you there. Come talk with me. You'll be glad you did.

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Ashley Paulson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,NCC,CHt
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed to provide mental health counseling in Iowa and Nebraska. I earned my Master of Arts degree with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. I have helped clients with a variety of issues in different therapeutic settings over the past 11 years. I have counseled children, adolescents, and adults as well as provided individual, group, and family therapy. I have experience working with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting struggles, relational problems, and trauma. I provide a compassionate and accepting space for clients to discuss their issues and work toward making positive changes they desire. I am passionate about empowering clients in the counseling process. I aim to help clients live the best version of themselves. I utilize client-centered, strengths-based, mindfulness oriented, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. I have additional experience in using DBT, EMDR, PCIT, and hypnosis. I focus on helping clients harness their strengths and identify steps toward achieving their goals. I have immense experience in helping clients develop healthy coping skills and adaptive beliefs. I tailor my approach to fit what works best for each client. I firmly believe it takes a brave person to reach out for help. I am here to support you when you are ready to take the first step. I am grateful to be part of your journey toward developing a more fulfilling life!

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Carole Nelson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Nebraska with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Ashley Emerson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NE
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I hold licenses in Mental Health Practice (LIMHP #1984) and Substance Use Counseling (LADC #1014) in Nebraska with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with issues related to being a first responder (law enforcement, EMT, corrections, etc...) stress and anxiety, the criminal justice system, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients process emotions and think differently about the situations that life sends their way. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Columbus

Finding the best therapist close by in Columbus 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 in Columbus 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 Columbus. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Columbus, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Columbus region and in the state of Nebraska. 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 Columbus 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 therapist 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 Columbus area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Columbus therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Columbus, elsewhere in Platte, or in the greater state of Nebraska.

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 Columbus 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 Columbus therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Columbus due to a higher cost of living. 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 Columbus may not take health insurance, some in the state of Nebraska 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 Nebraska you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Columbus online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Columbus, Nebraska 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. They 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, they 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 Columbus 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 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 therapist, including the therapists in Columbus 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 lead by a therapist in Columbus 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. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Columbus 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques 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 - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy 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 Columbus therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Columbus?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Columbus 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.

Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 NE, 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 68602 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. 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 Columbus counselor?

Before seeing your Columbus therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They 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 in Columbus.

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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Columbus 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 through therapy with a Columbus 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 Columbus, Nebraska 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.

Columbus has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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 Columbus, Nebraska

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Columbus.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Columbus:

68601, 68602

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