A river side spot with a view of the city is a West Columbians typical experience. Here in West Columbia you can have the best of both worlds: a small town feel with big town access to Columbia which sits right across the river.

But not every Columbia resident is taking full advantage of this quaint lifestyle. Many people suffering from poor mental health, can’t enjoy West Columbia like it should be because internal struggles get in the way. If you’re one of these people, or you just need someone to talk to, please reach out to a Columbia-based mental health professional today.

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Wakita Barksdale

Offering therapy in SC
License: MPA,MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hi, My name is Wakita D. Barksdale and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of South Carolina. My professional experience includes Human Services, Non-Profit Management, and Higher Education. My life experiences have provided me with an unique perspective as I have been both professionally ambitious and a stay at home mother. My expertise and passion is assisting individuals with building new support systems and developing new patterns of behavior to increase self-sufficiency. I enjoy working with women who are in transformational stages in their lives, helping them to clarify their purposes and move forward. I have established myself as a compassionate, empathetic and firm counselor. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work and my genuine concern for the well being of my clients is apparent in every interaction. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma informed, and solution focused. I have experience working with people who experience trauma, conduct disorders and other significant mental health issues. I enjoy connecting with all types of people, therefore enhancing my ability to facilitate a journey to wellness.

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Jarene Moore

Offering therapy in SC
License: NCC,LPC,LPC/S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Counselor Supervisor (LPC/S) in South Carolina, and a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maine. I currently have 40 years in the field. My mission is to help you achieve your optimal functioning and direction in life. I want you to realize your tremendous potential, and celebrate the wonderful possibilities your life holds. If you are going through a period of transition or loss, dealing with feelings of depression, anxiety, self-doubt, or relationship concerns, you have the opportunity for growth and fulfillment. It is not easy to ask for help, but taking this important step will give you the tools, information and resources to thrive. I will help you tap into your key strengths, and overcome obstacles. We will explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors that contribute to distress and dissatisfaction (mental, physical and emotional distress provide important clues). Positive change occurs by practicing new skills with awareness and encouragement. You will become your own best detective and advocate over time. You will also come to appreciate your unique contribution to others.

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Tiffany Richburg

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
3 years of experience

My name is Tiffany Richburg. I am a native of Charleston, South Carolina and relocated to Tampa, Florida in 2019. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Experimental Psychology in 2006 and Masters of Social Work in 2009 from the University of South Carolina. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida with over 3 years of professional experience. I have a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals and groups across the lifespan. I have worked in community mental health settings, inpatient psychiatric facilities, child and family agencies, community health and mental health advocacy organizations. I utilize a variety of techniques and skills drawn from recognized therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy. A holistic, strength based, person centered approach guides my practice. I believe in working in partnership with clients to identify strengths, confront challenges and achieve goals. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment for my clients to promote a safe space for healing, empowerment and growth. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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.

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Cierra Brabham

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.

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Rhonda Cox

Offering therapy in SC
License: LPC, CAC_III, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

Hello and thank you so much for taking the 1st step in enhancing your life, it takes much courage to be here! There are a few things you may want to know about my approach, along with those things you may inquire on about the person they will be trusting while you embark on your journey to better health. I have been practicing mental health since 1999 from a psychiatric units, out patient community mental health centers and actively in practice from my solely owned private office (established 2013). After being a non-traditional student (started higher education later in life) I have enjoyed this 20 year experience of support encouragement and gentle guidance through non-judgmental, unbiased care. With my range of experience and diversity of clientele, It has been my pleasure to witness the positive outcomes clients have had through the practices of; CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), SFBT (Solution Focused Brief Therapy) and Client Centered therapy all of which are evidenced based best outcome practices. In working with my clients I have had the thrill to watch them grow, develop, and enhance their lives and on occasion, return for fine-tuning. It's exciting when treatment goals are achieved and life improves - I invite you to be part of the process of either enhancing your life or perhaps creating a new life that is stronger and more bold with grace, confidence and direction.

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Jordan Azar Adams

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, ADHD, parenting issues, anger management, & 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.

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Latoya Wright

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional community work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, & 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 use therapy modalities such as Solution-Focused; Cognitive Behavioral ; Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care . I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Stephen Scoff

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
27 years of experience

I am a licensed in South Carolina with 27 years of professional work experience. I help clients dealing with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe everyone, no matter how much they have been through or what they are dealing with, are stronger and more resilient than they often know. Everyone is unique, possesses their own exceptional capabilities, and I will tailor our dialog to cultivate them. Through this process, we will work together and create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Benjamin Peele

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I have a flexible approach to working with clients and pride myself on using multiple methods to help my clients define and achieve their goals. Professional talk aside, I'm a laid back personality that cares very deeply about the work that I do. My experience has honed my skills at digging deep into the weeds of depression, trauma, and identity issues and I deeply believe that there is no situation or person that cannot be helped. If you're interested in therapy but want someone who is occasionally funny and won't talk over your head, please reach out.

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Ruby Gordon

Offering therapy in SC
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in West Columbia

Finding the best therapist close by in West Columbia 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 West Columbia. 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 West Columbia, 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia, elsewhere in Lexington, 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 West Columbia area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed West Columbia 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia, 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia 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 29169 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia 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 West Columbia, 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.

West Columbia 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of West Columbia.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in West Columbia:

29169, 29171

Popular cities near West Columbia, SC

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