Central, South Carolina is a small town that’s halfway between the two great cities of Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina. If that isn’t awesome enough on its own, Central is just a half hour’s drive from the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, and Lake Jocassee. None of these wonders are surpassed by the genuine caring people who call Central home. With so much beauty around every corner, you may be wondering why it’s difficult to see the beauty in life sometimes.

Mental health and wellness can be a difficult thing to figure out. Make it easy on yourself and match up to begin working with a Central area mental health professional who can help you make sense of how your feeling.

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Erica Gerring

Offering therapy in SC
License: LISW-CP,LCSW-C ,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
18 years of experience

As a licensed clinical social worker for over 15 years, my interactions with clients have been the most rewarding. From children to adolescents to teens to adults, I have addressed numerous life issues, including mental health, abuse, neglect, trauma, and offending behaviors. I have also worked with military families around a variety of stressors. I honor, respect and appreciate the fact that clients allow me into their lives and strive to build and maintain healthy and strong relationships.

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Khalid Greenaway

Offering therapy in SC
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of North and South Carolina. I graduated from Liberty University in 2013. My approach to counseling is very eclectic and person centered. I am experience in the utilization of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy (FT), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and I also assist client with implementing forms of meditation into their daily lifestyle. My aim is to empower each person I am allowed to serve, and to assist them with understanding that each person has the ability to heal, cope, and/or adapt despite life's challenges. The power to create change is within each one of us, and my job is to assist you with that process. My counseling style is non-judgmental, multi-culturally sensitive, and empathic. I take a holistic approach to counseling in that we will consider internal and external influences on your thoughts feelings and emotions. When considering our feelings and emotions there must be consideration take to the mind and body connections and how they affect one another. Our relationships and family of origin also have tremendous effects on us because we don't exist in a bubble, but within systems and relationships which must be considered. It is my goal to empower you. Working with BetterHelp is a convenient way for you to receive the help and support that you need, right from home or wherever you are with a phone, tablet, or computer. It will be important for you to understand that while there are many benefits to receiving counseling, there are risks associated with it. Talking about difficult things may make you feel worse than when you started, but if you keep up with the commitment and do the work, it will get better over time. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Diane O'Brien

Offering therapy in SC
License: PhD,LPC, LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

Do you often find yourself struggling to sort out your thoughts and feelings about events in your life? Have there been times in your life when you have wondered if you have made the right choices or if there are other possibilities for you? We have all experienced life changing experiences that have shaped us into the people we are today. Sometimes, a listening ear is all we need. Other times, more in-depth exploration of thoughts and feelings is needed before you can feel better. Whichever situation fits for you, I am here to help. I have been in practice for over 20 years and have had experience working with a diverse group of individuals, couples, and families. Together, we have explored trauma events and their impact on individuals and families, family relationships, couples’ issues, and depression, anxiety, infidelity, spiritual dilemmas, and other experiences that have an effect on day-to-day living. My experience extends to adults of all ages, including an older population and caregivers. I am open to working with couples who are experiencing issues, particularly in the area of communication. Working with individuals who are in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease are a new and interesting population for me. For me, counseling is a passion. Being a counselor is a calling, it encompasses me as a person and as a professional. It is my hope that you will contact me for counseling so that I can be your companion on your journey to a more peaceful and satisfying future.

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Matthew Kiefer

Offering therapy in SC
License: LPC,LCMHC
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a clinical mental health counselor licensed in Utah and South Carolina with over 15 years of experience working in mental health as a counselor and youth mentor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse as well as early childhood attachment issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive, but also very playful and encouraging. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines CBT, DBT, play therapy, humanistic, psychoanalytic and art. I will adjust and modify the treatment dialog to your unique and special needs. 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. Thank you and I look forward to working with you!

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Melissa Wood

Offering therapy in SC
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing mental health services for adults and adolescents. Understanding of the challenges individuals, families, and couples face daily, I am dedicated to helping you overcome those challenges by using an integrative approach that best fits your individual needs. My areas of specialization include anxiety, marriage/relationship concerns, posttraumatic stress, family dynamic concerns, life transitions and depression. I aim to provide a warm and friendly place to help in the process of empowering you to becoming a better version of yourself.

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Sonya Fields

Offering therapy in SC
License: MA,LPC,LPCS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Is something missing in your life? Do you feel like your relationships just aren't what they could be? Do you want to thrive instead of exist? Are you struggling to get started on a change or goal? You may feel stuck right now and may be looking for inspiration in making meaningful change. Or perhaps you already have goals in mind and would like support and structure to achieve those goals. I will work with you from beginning to end to identify and learn to use your internal strengths and external resources in moving forward. Leaning into your strengths allows you to naturally make positive changes and easily take action steps. You can learn to trust your own intuition and make decisions that move you toward your best life. Many people seek help from a professional, and they find that having an objective, knowledgeable person to talk with can prompt positive change. My job is to assist you in identifying the goal, discovering resources within yourself and your environment, and putting those resources to work for you. I offer individualized services to meet your needs, and I prefer to have some phone or video sessions in addition to text support. As a counselor and coach, I use my strengths of curiosity, honesty, and perspective to walk with my clients toward meaningful change. I see each client as capable and worthy of what brings joy into their lives. It's my desire to empower my clients to live their best, authentic lives. I approach counseling from the lens of positive psychology. This means being with you, the client, where you are; helping you to acknowledge what is working and not working; identifying strengths and values that are uniquely yours; using those strengths to develop well-being and a meaningful life; and achieving the goals you set for yourself. As a Certified Health and Wellness Coach, I also work with many clients to make positive changes in their health. I often incorporate Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT- commonly called "Tapping") into my therapy sessions. In case you're interested in the official pieces, I have worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a coach for over two decades, holding a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. I am a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified MentorCoach. At this time, I generally offer live sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST. I of course respond to messages throughout the week. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you to live your best life!

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Anna House

Offering therapy in SC
License: LPC,CACII,MAC
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
15 years of experience

Originally from South Carolina, I joined the US Navy in order to be able to afford to go to college. I have travelled around the world and the United States extensively which I feel has lead me to be more open to the experiences of the people I work with. I completed my Master's in Clinical Psychology in 2007 and have been practicing full time since then Hi! My name is Anna (She/Her). My approach to therapy is client centered: clients are the experts on their lives and determine the direction and depth of therapy. I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom. In addition to the work above, I am also a licensed addictions therapist. I utilize evidenced treatments such as DBT, Seeking Safety, etc to help the client explore the beliefs that have lead to the use of substances in order to deal with the struggles they find themselves facing. SPECIALTIES Trauma Substance Abuse Emotional Dysregulation Also experienced in: Addictions , LGBT , Anger management , Bipolar disorder , ADHD Years of Experience: 14

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Sandra Perks

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, adjusting to chronic medical conditions, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Erika Delco

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 look forward to working with you!

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Timothy Hughes

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find counseling in Central

Finding the best therapist close by in Central 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Central. 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 Central, 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. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Central or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Central area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find 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 Central, elsewhere in Pickens, or in the greater state of South Carolina.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Central area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Central 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 Central 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 Central 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of South Carolina you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

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

Therapists in Central, 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. 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a 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, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Central 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 Central helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Central 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:

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 Central 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?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy 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 Central 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 lot of people in SC, providers 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 29630 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Central counselor?

Before seeing your 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. 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 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. A Central 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 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Central, 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.

Central 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?

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

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 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 Central.

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

29630

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