If you’re looking for a therapist in Columbia, SC, there are many independent practices that have provided therapy services to the area for years. Sometimes, though, it can be challenging to find a therapist with an available appointment time that fits your schedule.
BetterHelp is an online platform that has been providing therapeutic services for more than a decade. With online therapy, you can attend mental health counseling from home at a time that fits your schedule. Whether you’re a busy professional whose job is to develop community events or a college student busy with back to school events, this flexibility can make therapy more accessible.
Attending sessions with a licensed professional counselor (LPC), psychologist, or other mental health professional can help you navigate life's challenges. You can seek therapy if you need help coping with the symptoms of depression or anxiety disorders or if you need help managing stress or improving your self-esteem. (Even though many therapists on the platform may have experience counseling children, BetterHelp does not currently offer family systems therapy.)
Talk to a Columbia-based therapist to take the first step toward better mental health and a more fulfilling life.
Bertha Myers
As a licensed therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to addressing issues like social anxiety, self-love, communication barriers, and workplace challenges. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to develop resilience, heal from past experiences, and cultivate meaningful connections. I have extensive experience supporting diverse populations, including young adults, caregivers, veterans, and individuals facing significant life changes. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and deeply committed to honoring each client's unique journey and strengths. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space where you can explore your experiences, develop coping strategies, and move towards personal transformation. Together, we'll work to understand your challenges and build pathways toward healing and growth.
Barbara Lester
Hi. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in counseling individuals, couples, and families. I have worked with a wide range of issues and concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, work related issues, stress, parenting problems, addictions, and trauma related problems. I believe counseling provides the opportunity for growth and self-discovery in the context of a safe, supportive, and therapeutic relationship. The theory that guides my approach to counseling is Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which means that we will together identify how your cognitions (i.e., thoughts and beliefs) impact your feelings and behaviors. What an honor and a privilege to assist you through life's transitions. I am here to help "Develop a Healthier You."
Bruce Lindsey
Bruce Lindsey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/MSW) based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2000, he earned his Master of Social Work degree with honors at Simmons University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Gettysburg College from 1996. He has practiced in Massachusetts and New Mexico. Bruce has more than 24 years of diverse practice experience. He has worked with individuals, families, and couples. Bruce has worked in public school systems for 12 years, with the justice system and residential treatment facilities for 12 years, and in outpatient therapy for 13 years. He has concentrated experience with special needs including Autism, chronic mental health disorders, trauma, substance abuse,and foster care. Mr. Lindsey's personal experience with dyslexia/dysgraphia gives him a unique empathy and insight into Specific Learning Disabilities.
Audrey Williams
I am a Licensed Processional Counselor, practicing for five years with individuals and families. I have mostly focused on helping adolescents, children and adults work through issues of anxiety, depression, insecurity, poor self-image, behavior issues, family relationships and more. My passion is helping others find the answers they need to feel themselves and live the lives they wish to live. My belief is that we know ourselves best, and a therapist supports you in this process of self-discovery and helps you with techniques to battle ineffective habits or thoughts we have. My approach is centered around empowering, encouraging, and validating my clients with a warm and nurturing approach. If you are interested in working together, i would love to virtually meet you and let you see if we are a good fit. Finding the right fit in a therapist sometimes takes a few tries and that’s okay. It’s all about how you click with your therapist and how comfortable you feel to work on lasting change. If you’d like to work together, welcome!
Linda Jarels
As a licensed therapist in South Carolina, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience to my practice. My professional journey has been dedicated to supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. I have a deep commitment to working with adults of all ages and providing a supportive, progressive therapeutic environment. My approach centers on understanding each client's unique experiences and helping them develop meaningful coping strategies. With particular sensitivity to challenges faced by individuals living with chronic health conditions I strive to create a safe, affirming space for healing and personal growth. My therapeutic style is collaborative and empathetic, focusing on building resilience, enhancing self-esteem, and supporting clients through significant life changes. I believe in meeting each person exactly where they are, offering gentle guidance and evidence-based support tailored to their individual needs and goals.
Robin Grace
As a licensed therapist serving for 4 years South Carolina, And as a retired school counselor for over 19 years. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, with expertise in trauma recovery, grief support, and healing from life transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering clients to develop deeper self-understanding, improve communication skills, and cultivate resilience. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals working through social anxiety, attachment challenges, and personal transformation. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and move toward more fulfilling lives. I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and believe in honoring each person's unique journey. Whether you're struggling with stress, seeking personal growth, or navigating significant life changes, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Johnnie Terrell
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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. Stephen Gunsallus
I am licensed in South Carolina with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I earned my Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)in Pastoral Community Counseling in 2017, a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) in 1999, and a Master of Arts in Counseling (MA) in 2003. I also have seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) of which four were done as a residency. I am also a recipient of an award for Community Organization by Adapt Advocacy Association (aaa+) in 2011. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Beth Kaminsky
As a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address challenges like depression, grief, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. I'm particularly passionate about creating compassionate spaces where people can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop stronger communication and coping skills. My therapeutic approach focuses on understanding each individual's unique journey. I work closely with clients experiencing social anxiety, relationship difficulties, and emotional struggles related to identity, purpose, and personal empowerment. Whether you're dealing with life changes, interpersonal challenges, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I draw from evidence-based practices to support clients in developing resilience, self-compassion, and meaningful strategies for personal transformation. My goal is to help you build inner strength, reconnect with your authentic self, and create positive pathways forward.
Frankie May
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's most challenging emotional landscapes. My practice in Georgia centers on helping clients work through depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and significant life transitions. I offer a compassionate, understanding approach that respects each person's unique journey and personal beliefs. My therapeutic style is adaptable, providing support that can be faith-aligned or secular, depending on each client's comfort and preferences. I'm committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, develop resilient coping strategies, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I help clients build emotional strength, process complex feelings, and develop practical tools for managing anger, stress, and life changes. My goal is to empower you to discover your inner resources and create positive, sustainable transformation in your life.
Stacey Tenbrink
I am a licensed mental health counselor in Rhode Island and South Carolina with over 5 years of experience working in clinical practice. I am also a licensed chemical dependency professional in Rhode Island. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, life changes/transitions, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse and other addictions, personality disorders, and schizophrenia type disorders. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals exploring self-love, communication skills, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and collaborative, designed to create a safe space where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, acceptance and commitment, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I bring a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique journey, drawing from evidence-based practices to help individuals build resilience, improve self-understanding, and create positive life changes. My goal is to empower clients to develop stronger coping mechanisms, enhance self-esteem, and move toward more fulfilling personal and professional lives. I am here to support and empower you when you are ready to take steps towards happiness and fulfillment I look forward to working with you!
Sharon Smith
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 40+ years of experience working in the mental health field. The last 25 years I was practicing in an office setting and now I am offering the same services but in a virtual platform. I work with clients who have a wide range of issues and concerns, including depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns and phase-of-life transitions. My therapy style is warm and inviting and my biggest wish is to help you feel welcome and safe and comfortable as you discuss your most private emotions. My approach is respectful and non-judgmental and my years of experience have helped me learn to listen effectively and offer brief solution focused therapy approaches as necessary. I am aware of how hard it may be to reach out to discuss personal matters with a stranger but I assure you that I will help you to feel as comfortable as I can. If you are ready to make that step, please know that I am here to support and guide you.
Toni Mendillo
As a licensed therapist with nearly a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My approach centers on helping clients work through stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and significant life transitions. I bring a compassionate, faith-informed perspective to therapy, focusing on healing communication patterns, addressing feelings of guilt and shame, and supporting personal growth. My clinical expertise spans a wide range of areas including women's issues, workplace challenges, family dynamics, and caregiver stress. My therapeutic style emphasizes understanding individual experiences, promoting forgiveness, and developing healthy coping strategies. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotional landscapes, rebuild resilience, and move toward meaningful personal transformation. Whether you're dealing with attachment challenges, processing grief, or working through relationship transitions, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance.
Bonnie Rauch-Bouie
As a licensed therapist with extensive experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and challenges related to self-esteem and life transitions. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic environment where individuals can explore communication challenges, discover life purpose, and work through feelings of guilt and shame. My approach emphasizes personal growth, emotional healing, and developing meaningful strategies for forgiveness and self-understanding. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower clients to build resilience, enhance emotional well-being, and cultivate transformative insights. I believe each person has unique strengths and the capacity to create positive change in their life. My goal is to provide supportive guidance that honors your individual journey and helps you develop more effective coping mechanisms.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Columbia, South Carolina
Finding a therapist near you in Columbia, South Carolina starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. South Carolina is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In South Carolina, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across South Carolina, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in South Carolina
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In South Carolina, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in South Carolina
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in South Carolina
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in South Carolina through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in South Carolina
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across South Carolina, including residents in Columbia.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in South Carolina do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Columbia, South Carolina
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Columbia and the surrounding SC area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.