Amanda Polk
Amanda D. Polk, MSW, LISW-CP, is a dedicated and compassionate licensed clinician with over eight years of experience in the mental health field. Holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Walden University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the University of South Carolina, Mrs. Polk combines her academic knowledge with a wealth of life experience to provide exceptional care to her clients. A proud veteran with 25 years of service in the Army and The South Carolina Army National Guard, including a deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan, Mrs. Polk has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving others. Her passion for helping her community extends beyond her military service. She has worked as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for abused and neglected children, and as a licensed Therapeutic Foster Parent. Mrs. Polk specializes in treating a variety of mental health challenges, including borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, and parenting skills. Additionally, she has extensive experience working with couples, helping them improve communication, resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and strengthen their emotional connection. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships with her clients. Mrs. Polk integrates evidence-based techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and mindfulness to provide patient-centered care tailored to each individual's or couple's unique needs. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, Mrs. Polk is committed to helping her clients find hope, healing, and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges and build fulfilling relationships.
Cameron Williams
My name is Cameron Williams and thank you for taking a moment to read about me. In doing so you have already taken a critical first step in the therapeutic process which is making the decision to seek out help. I have a Bachelor's of Science from Charleston Southern University and a Master's of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of South Carolina with nearly 20 years of experience working with primarily adolescents and adults with various life challenges. While most of my experience is working with depression, anxiety, parent-child relationships, self-esteem, stress and anger management, I also have experience with various other life issues. I have a no nonsense approach to counseling meaning that my job is not to fix you but rather to help give you the tools to fix yourself. I believe everyone has the power to improve their situation with the right guidance and motivation. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as motivational interviewing, DBT, and solution focused techniques because I don't believe there is such a thing as a cookie cutter approach to fit a cookie cutter client. I believe life's challenges affect us all differently and look forward to being a part of assisting you to make the positive changes necessary to heal yourself and live your best life. I look forward to working with you!
Melissa Wood
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.
Dr. Lynn Reed
I'm a licensed therapist in North Carolina and South Carolina with extensive experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. My work centers on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, and addiction with compassion and skill. I specialize in supporting women through a wide range of concerns—including postpartum and seasonal mood changes, pregnancy-related transitions, self-harm, panic attacks, and social anxiety. I also work with clients processing trauma, abuse, abandonment, and attachment difficulties, as well as those navigating major life transitions like divorce and workplace challenges. My approach honors the unique identities and experiences my clients bring to our work together. I'm particularly committed to creating an affirming space for clients of color and those exploring multicultural concerns, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe in meeting you where you are and working collaboratively toward meaningful healing and self-discovery. Whether you're seeking support for specific struggles or exploring deeper questions about purpose, self-love, and belonging, I'm here to walk alongside you with genuine care and professional expertise. Taking that first step toward therapy takes courage, and I'm honored to support your journey.
Frances Patton
If you're reaching out to a therapist, you're needing something better in your life. You're not willing to go on the way things are, and you have the hope and determination that things can and must change. You need someone who can help you achieve that change. You don't need someone who will just tell you what you want to hear, or who will listen but not know what to do. You need someone who has the ability to get you to that better place in your life. I have the training, compassion, and experience to help you get there. For couples, I'm trained in Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. These are two of the best-researched, most effective couples therapy methods out there, and I have seen beautiful results in my clients. I also see many individuals, as well as families. I've also been there. I know what depression feels like, and I've struggled with a difficult marriage and divorce. I've been to therapy myself, learned a lot, done the work, and have gotten to my own better place. My passion and my reason for becoming a therapist is to help others benefit from what I've learned. My training has given me the skills to do that. I won't judge you, and you won't hear, "Well, just get over it!" from me. If you want Christian counseling, let me know. If you prefer non-religious therapy, I am comfortable with that as well. Either way, you will have my full attention and my best effort.
Dr. Michelle Fox
As a licensed therapist in South Carolina, I bring over three decades of compassionate clinical experience to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach centers on creating a warm, affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their emotional landscapes with genuine understanding and respect. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and anger management, with a deep commitment to helping individuals develop stronger self-love and communication skills. My practice welcomes diverse clients and experiences, offering culturally sensitive support across various backgrounds and perspectives. My therapeutic style emphasizes collaborative healing, focusing on empowering clients to navigate social anxieties, process difficult emotions like guilt and shame, and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I believe in creating a supportive space where individuals can explore their challenges, build resilience, and rediscover their inherent strengths. Whether you're seeking support through panic attacks, relationship difficulties, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, expertise, and genuine care.
Luciana Smalls
I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in South Carolina with over 8 years of experience working as a mental health professional and over 20 years working in the human services field. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients that have challenges with depression, anxiety, adoption, relationship issues, parenting, changes in life, ADHD, ODD, foster care, and addiction. My therapy style is nurturing, challenging and supportive. It is my passion to assist you with skills and strategies to transform your challenges to strengths. I demonstrate professionalism by treating clients as an individual, being respectful, compassionate, knowledges of different cultures and values, sexual orientation, and identity. My therapy approaches combines cognitive-behavioral and humanistic also using motivational interviewing, mindfulness, narrative therapy, and creative therapy. Each individual with create a treatment plan to address challenges/needs/ goals. Addressing challenges, making changes, or facing fear is not easy, yet can be rewarding. It takes overcoming fear to transform your life to evolve into the better version of yourself. I am her to equip you with the skills needed to archive your goals. I am excited for you to take the next step. Thank you in advance for allowing me to assist you
Amy Powers
I am a licensed professional counselor with over 17 years of experience. I counsel individuals, couples and families using mainly cognitive behavioral therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of issues from depression and anxiety to bipolar and personality disorders. I have training in trauma focused counseling to deal with abuse and neglect issues as well. I feel it best to be warm and respectful, but also forward and to the point. I will tailor your treatment plan to focus on your specific needs. I will provide a safe and accepting environment so that you feel comfortable and open. It takes a lot of courage and strength to seek help and I look forward to helping you progress and grow.
Monique Gilcrest
As a licensed therapist serving South Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to understanding each person's unique journey, I offer compassionate, culturally responsive care that honors individual experiences and strengths. My therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a supportive, affirming environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and rediscover their inherent resilience. I have extensive experience addressing diverse concerns including workplace stress, life transitions, social anxiety, trauma recovery, and women's mental health challenges. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies that promote healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change. My goal is to empower individuals to cultivate self-love, improve communication, and move toward a more fulfilling life.
Oprah Ingram
As a licensed therapist in South Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through challenges such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to addressing issues such as social anxiety, workplace stress, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My therapeutic style emphasizes understanding each client's unique experience, particularly for young adults and individuals from diverse backgrounds. I focus on helping clients develop an understanding of self, improve communication skills, and effect positive change.
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!
Dr. Anthony Kelley
Licensed MFT with Texas, Florida and South Carolina, I am a retired U.S. Army Chaplain. I have experience in helping clients with various trauma, dissociation and abuse with EMDR therapy. Believing in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, I 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.
Cynthia Watson
As a licensed therapist in South Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship dynamics. I'm particularly passionate about working with older adults, women, and young professionals experiencing transitions, isolation, or seeking deeper self-understanding. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on communication, self-love, and personal growth. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients explore workplace challenges, family dynamics, sexuality, and life purpose. Whether you're processing a significant life transition like divorce, managing workplace stress, or addressing family-of-origin experiences, I'm committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment. I believe each person's journey is unique, and my role is to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance as you discover your inner strengths and navigate personal healing.
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.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Gaston, South Carolina
Finding a therapist near you in Gaston, 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 Gaston.
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 Gaston, South Carolina
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Gaston and the surrounding SC area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.