This is Evalee Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Evalee Smith

Offering therapy in SC
License: MSW,LCSW,LISW-CP-S
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

Hello, my name is Evalee and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia and South Carolina with over 20 years of experience working in mental health and social services as a counselor. I graduated from Savannah State University with a Master's degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration. I have worked in a variety of settings with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, Bipolar disorder, relationship issues, parenting problems, life changes, OCD, ADHD, ODD, anger management skills, LGBTQ related issues, intellectual disabilities, women's issues, and caregiver stress. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma and abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach to therapy combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness, solution focused, psycho-education, and psychodynamic counseling. I approach therapy from a person centered and strengths based perspective. Your treatment plan will be individualized to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek improved mental health. It is brave to take this step, and I am here to support you in a safe and understanding environment to empower you. I am able to work with children, youth, teens, adults, older adults and couples. I look forward to working with you!

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Patricia Manning

Offering therapy in SC
License: MA,LPC in SC and Oregon,LBSW in SC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
11 years of experience

Feeling isolated, sad, anxious, confused? Or are you struggling with a difficult personal or work relationship? Sometimes life is just overwhelming and that has never been more true than with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. Please know that you really aren’t alone in these struggles and that you aren’t “crazy” either. My name is “Pam” Manning and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in SC. Whether you are struggling with short term dilemmas related to your current circumstances or desire to delve deeply into your psyche to better understand yourself and develop an increased sense of purpose, I would be honored to support your journey. Forty-three years ago, while studying psychology at Wofford College, I began working with children and families impacted by violence in Upstate SC. I went on to serve as child protection worker and in permanency planning and adoptions. Over the years I continued working with children, adolescents and their parents in a variety of settings… foster care, residential treatment facilities, psychiatric hospitals, alternative schools and at a shelter for folks impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. As my interest in helping people heal from traumas grew, I returned to college, earning a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling in 2008 from Webster University in order to hone my skills and better serve my clients. What I have learned over the years is that the human spirit is incredibly resilient. We are capable of great things in our lives if we can learn to cope with the circumstances that inevitably confront us. Philosophy and Approach: The overriding philosophy I utilize in my work is that of Existentialism. This model purports that many of the challenges of human existence are universally applicable to all peoples. Thus, problems all people face, such as loss, freedom, responsibility and the meaning of life are viewed in terms of natural stages in normal human development rather than in terms of maladjustment or mental illness. My overriding philosophy of existentialism is enhanced by the Biopsychosocial Model that underscores the individual’s unique life circumstances such as ethnicity, sex, gender identity, biological or physical challenges and socioeconomic strata. I utilize a Client Centered approach which incorporates an eclectic toolbox of techniques that have a common theme… they have all been thoroughly researched and are considered as “Best Practice” techniques. These include but are not limited to, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy and Play Therapy. I love the work I do, it is often challenging but never boring and I find that really getting to know a person is a gift… for me but also for my clients as they learn what they are actually capable of. I approach my work with a deep sense of commitment. The level of anguish that many people struggle with can be crippling and I have found that often, with support, newly mastered tools and a caring guide, people can heal from unimaginable trauma, achieve balance and even joy! I will honor your journey but will not back away from challenging you when your choices are ineffective or self-sabotaging. I look forward to joining you as you embark on the adventure of your life … the adventure of creating the best, most productive, joyful life you can!

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Lee Hilton

Offering therapy in SC
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
12 years of experience

Hi! I am experienced working with children, adults, families, and couples. I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years and am licensed in the state of South Carolina. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety and depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, trauma/ abuse and general life conflicts. My counseling style is supportive and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I mainly utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing approaches. I have been trained in multiple approaches based on the presenting issues at hand and what has been shown to be most effective. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out help and guidance but doing so can help you live a more fulfilled and happier life. Reaching out can be the first step towards a positive change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Keristen Mazyck

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Melandi Murrell

Offering therapy in SC
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

My name is Melandi Murrell, MA, LPC, NCC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of South Carolina. I have worked in the mental health and social work fields for 10+ years, and my expertise is related to working with individuals that experience hardships such as depression, anxiety, general life stressors, mood disorders, change, and etc. I specialize in working with a diverse range of individuals of all ages, including individuals, couples, and families. My previous experience includes working with adolescents and adults suffering from depression, anxiety, family conflict, relationship issues, and grief. Additionally, I have done work with clients involving career path, self-esteem/self-confidence, motivation, coping skills, parenting issues, life transitions, and everyday issues. My therapy style is very warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is holistic and combines cognitive-behavioral (CBT), mindfulness, solution-focused brief therapy, and other treatment modalities. I individualize your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Grace Smith 's avatar and link to their profile

Grace Smith

Offering therapy in SC
License: LCSW,LISW-CP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

Often, we need support with challenges, fear, grief, and feelings of unsettlement. Regardless of the size of issue(s), if it's significant to you, we can face it together. My name is Grace Smith, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 19 years of experience. I provide individual counseling services to youth and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem, mood instability, anger issues, relationship struggles, and those having difficulty adjusting to life transitions. Helping individuals make the best of relationships with their partners, children, and themselves is my goal. Therapy can be uneasy and at times uncomfortable, and having a safe environment to talk about, and process life's stresses is very important. For this, I continuously strive to create and maintain a safe place for individuals or groups to restore peace and balance in their lives. My approach is individualized, solution-focused, holistic, and goal-oriented. As a life coach, I teach effective communication skills, assertiveness, healthy boundaries, stress management, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and parenting techniques. I utilize many counseling approaches, as well as evidence-based practice models, that are specific to individual needs and preferences including Trauma Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered approaches, Collaborative Problem Solving, Positive Behavior Support, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, and when suitable, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (best suited for youth who have experienced trauma and experiencing symptoms of PTSD). Thank you for reading my profile. Let us Work Together to make it happen! Respectfully, Grace

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Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims

Offering therapy in SC
License: LPC,NCC,DMHC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hello and welcome to the first step toward empowering your life. My name is Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims (I go by Dr. Sims) and I have over 20 years of clinical counseling experience in a variety of settings. My preparation to serve you includes a PhD in Psychology, MS Counseling, MA Behavioral Psychology, and BS in Clinical Psychology. I am licensed by the Washington, DC Board of Health as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) by NBCC. I have spent many years in training to ensure that I am able to provide the most relevant, researched, and solution driven counseling services to you. I have worked with clients exhibiting a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, personality disorders, transitional life changes, military life issues, and caregiver challenges. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is attentive and genuine. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and solution-focused counseling in an environment of holistic growth. I am to provide the support needed to cultivate unconditional respect and open communication. My primary objective is to guide clients toward emotional wellness and peaceful restoration of the soul. I look forward to engaging upon this journey with you. -Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims, NCC, LPC, DMHC

This is Marketa Winfield's avatar and link to their profile

Marketa Winfield

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
3 years of experience

The decision to come to therapy can be scary. There are so many unknowns, especially if you have never done this before. I am here to stand and walk with you through every step of the process of change and healing- It gets better. My goal in my relationship with you is to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable enough to be yourself. I have a passion for working with children and adolescents; ages 10 to 17 with feeding and eating disorders. I welcome adults of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image concerns, anger management, and trauma. You are not alone. It gets better. I look forward to hearing from you. Let's start today.

This is Heather Bliss's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Bliss

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey, New York and South Carolina with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, intimacy related 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Melissa Snodgrass's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Snodgrass

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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 Plum Branch

Finding the best therapist close by in Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch. 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 Plum Branch, 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch, elsewhere in McCormick, 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 Plum Branch area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch, 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch 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 29845 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch, 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.

Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch.

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

29845

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