In the search for a balanced life, many of us could use the guidance of a therapist at one point or another. When it comes to counseling services, Charleston, SC can offer a wider field of choice than many rural and smaller town areas, however finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, even in major cities.
One of the issues is that when it comes to psychology, there are a number of evidence-based approaches that can be more or less effective depending on the mental health challenge being addressed. Seeking help for relationship difficulties can take a whole different direction than therapy for treating personality disorders. The kind of therapy you need may not be accessible or available nearby.
With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can find a wider range of choices than when looking for in-person sessions in your area. BetterHelp offers access to over 30,000 mental health professionals that work in a number of specializations from psychodynamic therapy to gender identity. By filling out a simple online questionnaire, BetterHelp will match you to a therapist who meets your individual needs. And because having a truly person-centered experience can be essential to effective therapy, if you need to switch therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Online therapy can be a convenient solution for busy parents, professionals, and students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office. And while BetterHelp isn’t covered by insurance, many find that therapy cost with online therapy is more affordable than practice because practitioners don’t operate with overhead costs.
If you are in the Charleston area and have been thinking about therapy for any reason, whether for life coaching, to manage life adjustments, focus on women’s issues, or to deal with persistent feelings of stress, there is no better time to start. Therapy can offer tools and strategies that lead to a more fulfilling life, so reach out to BetterHelp to get started on your wellness journey.

Kendra Woody Simmons
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor in South Carolina with over 15 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, adolescent issues, and addictions. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have experience working with veterans, active duty military servicemen and women. My counseling style is warm and interactive. 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 solution focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific 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. I look forward to working with you!

Lauren Pointer
A wise person once said "You are always one decision away from a totally different life". I believe you are here browsing with belief that there is a better way: it is. You have just made a life changing decision to invest in yourself and your overall sense of well-being. You are courageous. I congratulate you on making the first step towards your best and most fulfilled life. Welcome, my name is Lauren Pointer and I am a South Carolina based Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist. My years of experience with diverse populations has allowed me to see the power of durable change for anyone who is simply willing and committed to evolving. I enjoy meeting people wherever they are on their journey and joining them with a compassionate and transparent approach to reach their goals. My therapeutic style includes client-centered, strengths based and humanistic approaches. I am skilled in a variety of therapy models. I am dedicated to providing the best experience possible to each person I serve. I do assign homework outside of sessions as I believe this is a key means to identifying areas of strength and opportunities for growth. Enough about me, let's get started on your path to a healthy new beginning. I am excited to see how you flourish!

Matthew Dugan
I am a licensed professional counselor and supervisor with twenty one years' experience working with individuals with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). I am also nationally certified as a Master Addiction Counselor, and in South Carolina I am certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I hold a Master Degree in Counseling from Webster University (2004). Throughout my career helping others, I acquired proficiency in crisis counseling, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapies, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I regularly work with people who are coping with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma conditions, and people with Borderline Personality Disorder. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am dedicated to helping others successfully navigate the coming out process and manage the unique challenges related to our community. The goal of my work with people is to reduce suffering in all its forms and help every person build a life worth living. Professional Disclosure Statement: Matt Dugan, MA, LPCS #7196, LPC #5264, MAC #508759, AADC #1805245 Contact Information: Office hours: Mon-Thu 6:00p-8:00p; Also, by appointment. Emergency Telephone: 911 www.betterhelp.com/matthew-dugan This statement is based upon South Carolina Code Sections 40.75.270 and 40.63.270. If you have any questions regarding the documents you have received, please feel free to discuss with me. Educational Qualifications: Masters in Counseling: Webster Univ., 2004 21 Years of Behavioral Healthcare experience SC Licensed Professional Counselor SC Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor APS Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Specialization: I am currently trained/certified in the following Best Practice Models: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Mindfulness Therapy. Please be aware that I do not offer some of these therapies via online platforms. Services: On the Betterhelp or Pride Counseling platform I provide asynchronous message counseling Monday through Thursday evenings 6:00p-8:00p. I respond to messages sent to me on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday on Monday. I will respond to your messages within one business day. I also am available for live chat, phone sessions, and video sessions online. Live sessions are available by appointment (Mon-Thu evening & Sat AM). 24-hours’ notice is requested for live sessions. Fees: Service fees are determined by your subscription with Betterhelp or Pride Counseling. If you have any questions about billing or your subscription please send your questions to contact@betterhelp.com or contact@pridecounseling.com Confidentiality: All of our messages are stored on the secure online platform, which functions as our clinical record and is accessible to you at any time. I will keep confidential anything you say as part of our counseling relationship, with the following exceptions: (a) you direct me in writing to disclose information to someone else, (b) it is determined you are a danger to yourself or others (including child or elder abuse), or (c) I am ordered by a court to disclose information. Ethics: I follow the Code of Ethics of the following organization with whom complaints may be filed: The South Carolina Board of Examiners for the Licensure of Professional Counselors, 110 Centerview Dr., Suite 202, Columbia, SC 29210. Telephone: (803) 896-4665 Emergency Situations Betterhelp and Pride Counseling are not emergency mental health service providers. If you are in crisis or suicidal, call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 (800) 273-8255 or 911 which can provide you with immediate help or visit the nearest emergency room. **Any type of sexual behavior between therapist and client is unethical. It is never appropriate and will not be condoned. **

Marla Monk
Marla Monk, MA, MSW, LCSW, LISWCP Clinician I have over 16 years of experience in the social work and mental health field. I also have experience working with the active duty military population and their families as well as veterans. Previously, I worked in Marine and Family Programs within Marine Corps Community Services as a Prevention and Education Specialist and as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. Additionally, I have volunteered as a Command Ombudsman with the Navy and a Key Volunteer with the Marine Corps in San Diego and Hawaii. In 2013, I earned my MSW from the University of Southern California with a concentration in mental health and sub-concentration in military and veteran services. In 2011 I earned MA in Human Services with a specialization in marriage and families from Liberty University and in 2001 earned my B.A. in Criminology from the University of New Mexico. I am experienced in working with those impacted by trauma, grief and loss and domestic violence as well as couples and families. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, I am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Cindy Penn
I am licensed in South Carolina with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, CPTSD (complex post traumatic stress disorder), coping with addictions, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, LGBTQI-related issues, & parenting issues. I also have extensive experience with BPD and other personality disorders. 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.

Frank Ruse
Thank yourself for taking this big step and thank you for sharing information about yourself. I appreciate that you reached out. I am Frank Ruse, a licensed therapist. Battling emotional difficulties can be frightening and hard. Why? It's fear of the unexpected. My 30 years of experience as an addiction counselor and clinical social worker, as well as, treating people with emotional difficulties has taught me how to make this process less scary and easier. We will work through these difficulties together. My approach is easy going and with touches of humor. We will combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, reality therapy and rational-emotive therapy with touches of stoicism; and of course, I will be there to listen. Bottom line, I'll meet you where you are and we'll overcome these obstacles together. As you know with the Better Help platform, you can contact me if there is a need or have questions. Also, you can schedule yourself on the schedule. In addition, if you need me, I'll get back to you as soon as reasonably possible. I'll be sending you something to look at that tells you what to expect in therapy. Take care of yourself, because you deserve it, Standing by ready to assist. Frank, LISW-CP, LCSW, LADC

Bethany Tschappat
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in South Carolina, a Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor (LPC/S) Candidate, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Owner/Clinical Counselor of Better Mind - Better You, LLC counseling services in SC, a certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP) and a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional (CCATP). I have 6+ years of professional counseling work experience and over 20 years of mentoring/volunteering/working with various populations in various stages of life. I have experience in supporting clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse including complex trauma, motivation, self-worth, communication, career options, confidence, and depression. In addition, I have specific therapy training and first-hand experience with the military population. I am trained in various therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and use various interventions from other therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), person center, and motivational interviewing. It’s important to be versed in several therapies to help ensure each client is getting individualized treatment that is tailored to their specific needs. In addition, I have experience with co-occurring and facilitating various therapy groups. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you already have skills and abilities you are using that will benefit you on this journey. Reaching out for support takes strength, it’s not easy, just taking time to read this indicates you are wanting to work on positive change!

Loretta Harris
I am licensed in South Carolina as an LPC with 6 years of professional work experience . I have experience helping clients manage trauma, stress , anxiety, and depression . 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. Healing is a process , lets get to that place. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Jessica Lonzi-McVay
I am licensed in Pennsylvania and South Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. *I am only able to accommodate chat sessions at this time*

Rashanda Coachman
I am licensed in North Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will make sure we individualize your treatment plan and discover goals that help you achieve mental wellness. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Find a therapist serving clients in South Carolina
Types of therapists available to clients in Charleston
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Charleston that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Charleston available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Charleston therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Charleston therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Charleston region and in the state of South Carolina.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Charleston can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Charleston may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.