Life can be like a mule pulling a cart. When life is going well, that mule is working as hard as it can to pull you to your destination. However, when you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or other life problems, that mule just won’t seem to move. 

In a situation like that, one person who can help is a counselor based in Columbia. Columbia, known as Mule Town, is a great little place to live, but when you're having problems, that mule pulling your cart won’t be able to help you. A counselor can get your mule back on its feet. 

This is Dr. Karen Kearby's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Karen Kearby

Offering therapy in TN
License: PsyD, MS, LPC-MHSP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello! My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, positive psychology, and rational-emotive counseling. I am eclectic and emphasize a holistic approach to mental health. I hold a doctorate in Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with 5 years of experience. I have worked in a myriad of settings to include: private practice, prison/jail and military installations. I have served children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups to deal with self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, partner relational problems, anger/stress management, trauma, and life adjustment issues. My approach emphasizes the mutual development of goals for therapy and provision of ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic approach. My theory is that when people have hope and can learn to challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, people are free to experience change. I provide individuals with a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment-a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing you from living the life you want. It is my passion to guide you during difficult times and help you take a step into the future. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” -Abraham Maslow

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Emily Hand

Offering therapy in TN
License: LPC,MHSP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tennessee with 5 years of experience working with substance and behavioral addiction issues. In addition to this population I have also worked with clients with varying concerns including depression, anxiety, grief & loss, relationship issues, and parenting problems. I have focused a great deal of my training on helping those who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My approach in counseling is curious and interactive. I believe in meeting you where you are and will treat you with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I have found that one of my greatest joys is bearing witness to folks waking up to their inner strength, beauty, and resilience. My approach combines EMDR, rational emotive behavioral therapy, mindfulness interventions, and grief counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe your brain wants to heal just as your body does and is wired for you to have fulfillment and well-being, but that sometimes we get stuck in our difficult emotions or situations. It takes courage and curiosity to want to feel better and because you are seeking help means you are already on your way! If that means working with me, I will be honored to support and empower you. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

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Elizabeth Dick

Offering therapy in TN
License: LCSW,MDiv
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
3 years of experience

Hello. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who has worked for years with clients who are experiencing life transitions and changes, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and crises in meaning. I have also worked with clients with infertility, bipolar disorder, and spirituality issues. My style is warm and open to all that you bring to our work together. I believe strongly that each of us holds the solutions we seek on our journey. I welcome the opportunity to accompany you on your search. My approach includes combining narrative, internal family systems, solution focused, client-centered and cognitive behavioural therapies to best suit the dialog between us. It takes great courage and hope to reach out for answers. Congratulations on taking steps that can lead to change in your life. I look forward to working together with you!

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April Clanton

Offering therapy in TN
License: M.S., LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
21 years of experience

We often look for happiness outside of ourselves although happiness exists within us and is just waiting for the door to be opened. You truly have the power inside of you to overcome those obstacles that keep getting in the way of your happiness and overall wellbeing! My name is April and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Tennessee. I have been working in the mental health and addictions field for 20+ years in a broad array of clinical settings; including inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, in-home care, and individual outpatient therapy. I will use a collaborative approach to assist clients in mindfully processing emotions, achieving overall acceptance of self, and gaining the empowerment of emotional regulation. I look forward to us working together to get you to your next great thing in life!

This is Allen Gholston's avatar and link to their profile

Allen Gholston

Offering therapy in TN
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
20 years of experience

I have held a Masters in Social Work since 2001; I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2016. I am currently in the dissertation phase of obtaining my PhD in Psychology, Health Science. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns; depression, anxiety, various illnesses, grief and loss concerns and end of life challenges for individuals and their loved ones. I believe in the positive regard for all. My approach is client-centered and solution-focused. I believe in tailoring a treatment plan to meet an individual's specifically unique concerns. I have a judgement-free practice. I am here to assist an individual to better cope and manage their challenges. If you are ready to make deliberate efforts to improve your circumstance, my role is to encourage and applaud that effort in a healthy and productive way. I look forward to working with you.

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Tynesha Palmer

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Jacqui Schollenberger's avatar and link to their profile

Jacqui Schollenberger

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in both Tennessee and Georgia with over 20 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 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.

This is Dr. Xyzeidria Ensley's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Xyzeidria Ensley

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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.

This is Victoria Bartholomew's avatar and link to their profile

Victoria Bartholomew

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas, Missouri, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Texas and Tennessee, with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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. If you're willing to work hard make the changes, I am here to cheer you on!

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Austin Jarrell

Offering therapy in TN
License: MS,LPC
AddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
13 years of experience

Hi! My name is Austin and I practice predominantly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. I graduated from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I earned my Master's Degree in Community Counseling from Austin Peay State University in 2010 and received my license as a professional counselor this past February (2021). Between my Master's and licensure, I worked full time and pursued a couple of other educational ventures. I have history working with the Department of Children's Services, doing pretty extensive case management in the mental health field, working with families and children intensively in their homes, and providing individual and group counseling to people recovering from addiction. I'm a straightforward person and very casual. I see people as individual people just like me who have their own unique stressors and life complications. No two situations are the same, therefore cookie cutter counseling is generally not the most effective approach, in my opinion. I look forward to helping you navigate the obstacle course of life!

How to find counseling in Columbia

Finding the best therapist close by in 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 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 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 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 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 Columbia, elsewhere in Maury, or in the greater state of Tennessee.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Columbia area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed 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 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 Columbia may not take health insurance, some in the state of Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Columbia, Tennessee 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 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 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 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 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 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 TN, 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 38402 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 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 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 Columbia, Tennessee 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.

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 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 Columbia.

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

38401, 38402

Find the right therapist for your needs
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