Susanne Sanders
I am a licensed professional counselor with 15 years of experience, licensed in Georgia and South Carolina. I have a master's degree in Community Counseling from Clemson University and am also a certified school counselor. I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, corrections, private practice and schools with individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety and addiction. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship, and see this relationship as one based on compassion and unconditional acceptance. My therapeutic style combines interpersonal and cognitive behavioral approaches, but I believe in tailoring treatment to meet the needs of the individual, so that your therapy is specific to your process. I enjoy working with people to help them realize their potential and reach their goals. Reaching out takes courage and is the first step to change. I would appreciate the chance to work with you!
Darlinda Banda
Hello! My name is Darlinda and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-S), Registered Play Therapist (RPT-S), and National Certified Counselor (NCC) licensed in South Carolina and North Carolina with over 8 years of counseling experience. I also provide supervision for LPCI and have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, foster care/adoption, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD and ODD. I also help people who have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse and trauma. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and sometimes playful when needed. I believe in treating everyone as I would like to be treated, with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe in the inherent worth and value of others and that nutritional deficiencies underlie many of the lingering issues. My approach combines person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, motivational, and dialectic behavior counseling. If you would like to schedule a time to talk, go to my schedule and select a day and time that is convenient for you. In addition, you can always let me know if there are no convenient times for you. Congratulations on taking the first step to a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you. I look forward to working with you! Darlinda
Amber Lynn Dicker
Hi! My name is Amber Lynn Dicker and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina with over 4.5 years of experience working as a clinical mental health clinician who has specialized training as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) & a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I have worked with clients who struggle with various concerns including anxiety, depression, self-doubt, distorted thought processes, trauma responses, and family discord. I would describe my approach as strengths based & goal oriented. I blend Cognitive Behavior Theory (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients identify what they would like to get out of their experience while building healthy coping skills to manage distress. The connection between our thoughts, behavior, and emotions is strong and can influence the way we view ourselves, our abilities, and the way we interact with others. It takes identifying our patterns of thought, breaking down our behavior, finding our motivation, and increasing our coping skills to tackle stressors in the most effective way and work toward healing. I strive to be a supportive professional resource to help my clients make genuine positive life changes by using evidenced-based approaches. Addressing maladaptive behaviors or thought styles can be difficult, but that does not mean it has to be overwhelming or that you have to do it alone.
Linda Hanley-Thomas
Hello! My name is Linda. I use she/her pronouns. I’ve been a mental health provider since 2004. Prior to that I worked as a maternity care coordinator at our local health department in Asheville, NC. I went back to school at midlife after witnessing the value of a strong community emotional wellness system in addition to services for one’s physical health. Following graduate school, I began working with children, adolescents, families, and adults in southwestern New Hampshire. For five years I traveled throughout three states providing home and community-based services to deployment cycle service members and their families. Prior to going full time with BetterHelp, I worked as a high school based mental health provider while we all transitioned through this current pandemic. As a licensed clinical social worker, my approach is client centered, focusing on one’s strengths and natural environments. Along the way I have learned strategies that are time-proven for positive results such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Centered Treatment, Alternatives for Families - CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Child Parent Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. More recently, I’ve been studying the practice of Mindfulness, which allows us to slow down and enjoy our human experience without judgment, building on our kindness towards self and the world around us. We heal through our relationship with others. It is a part of being human. I look forward to meeting you and learning about the people and things that are most important to you. It is a joy for me to spend time with all kinds of people. In partnership, we will develop goals for you to build upon towards achieving your bigger dreams.
Meridith Graham
I am a licensed clinical social worker in South Carolina with over 10 years of experience working as a mental health professional. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and ADHD. My counseling style is empathetic and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, and compassion. I understand each individual's experience is unique, and will use my clinical expertise to provide the best services. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, trauma-focused, grief, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and goals. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and satisfying life and take steps towards a real change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and help you achieve self-efficacy and wellness. I look forward to working with you!
Victoria McDaniel-Tracy
Welcome to Better Help! You've taken a huge step, and I'm sure you're wondering how this works and whether it's the right fit for you. My name is Vickie McDaniel, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oklahoma. I am also a Licensed Independent Social Worker for the state of South Carolina. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2011. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, eating disorders, relationships/parenting and the grief and loss of people or of their pet. As a clinician, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness, self-esteem, positive thinking, and problem solving techniques. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that gives us movement on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to be that person for you. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when someone shares their personal story or experiences with me. Our relationship with our self and others has worth and is useful to explore in counseling. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. The frequency with which you can have access to a counselor to work through day to day emotions and problem solving is extremely beneficial for most and a nice change from traditional outpatient counseling. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings and weekends. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!
Timothy Goode
I am a professional counselor licensed in South Carolina with over 12 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, Post-traumatic stress, and other life concerns. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy 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, dialectical behavioral, and trauma-focused therapy. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Seeing a counselor is an act of courage, and I will be here to walk with you through whatever you need to work on. I look forward to working with you!
Lucretia Collins
I am licensed in South Carolina with 31 years of experience as a counselor and Board Certified Music Therapist. Whatever challenges you are facing, I would be honored to journey with you. I believe in treating everyone with respect, with no judgment, 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.
Dorothea Carmichael
I am licensed in South Carolina with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Michael Hurd
I am licensed in Florida, Maryland and South Carolina with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I have authored two books (Bad Therapy Good Therapy: And How to Tell the Difference; and Grow Up, America!); five booklets; and thousands of articles, as well as a self-help column, "Life's a Beach," published in Gannett newspapers since 2005. My primary goal is to help you help yourself. I will guide and coach you, not tell you what to do. We'll reason and think our way to what makes sense together. Realism, Personal Responsibility, Individualism. All worthy goals! Self-work with me is solution-focused and goal-oriented. Time is spent discussing your problems in the here-and-now, with reference to your background and your childhood only when relevant. Traditional, conventional therapy tends to be about what’s wrong, what are the symptoms and what can someone else do for you to relieve you? My approach, in contrast, tends to be about what you've done right (even sometimes), what your track record is, what are your strengths, what are your potentialities and how can you build on them. My goal is not to label you, but to lift you up.
How to find counseling in Lake City
Finding the best therapist close by in Lake City 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 Lake City. 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 Lake City, 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 Lake City 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 Lake City 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 Lake City, elsewhere in Florence, 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 Lake City area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lake City 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 Lake City 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 Lake City 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 Lake City, 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 Lake City 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 Lake City 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 Lake City therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Lake City 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 Lake City 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 29560 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 Lake City 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 Lake City 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 Lake City, 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.
Lake City 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Lake City:
29560