Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues
Years of Experience: 10

Hello! What a brave step you are taking in searching for a counselor to walk with you on your journey! I know it can be a hard and sometimes frustrating step to take, but it’s important to take care of yourself! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and have been counseling for over ten years. I earned my Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University. I have experience working with adolescents, children, and adults in individual, family, couples, and group settings. The issues I have the most experience worki...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 30

Hello, I’m Veronica McKay and I’ve spent the past thirty years as a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’ve worked in the United States and Germany. I recently retired but find that I still have the time and desire to help people looking for answers and guidance when life’s waters become turbulent.
 
 My experience ranges from treating children with emotional and developmental issues to assisting adults with issues of anxiety, depression and surviving the trauma of sexual assault. In 2008 I began working with the military, treating active duty military ...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Depression
Years of Experience: 20

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia with 20+ years experience in the mental health field providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples in a variety of settings including outpatient, hospital, and the military. My job is to help you explore your stressors in life, to build awareness around how those stressors affect you, and work with you to build some techniques and coping skills to alleviate the intensity of that stress and pain. Whether your challenges come from within, your environment, or both my major focus is to help you iden...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 8

Hello! My name is Alyson, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have spent over half of my profession working with clients in crisis. I have worked with clients experiencing issues with depression, anxiety, trauma, life changes, stress management, those managing disabilities and student (college) populations. I have a person centered, solution focused style. I believe in honesty, dignity and respect as core values. My goal is to meet you where you are and assist you with moving to wher...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief, Parenting issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 23

I am licensed in Tennessee and Virginia with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 4

I am licensed in Virginia with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Grief, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 17

I am licensed in various states with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. There isn't much I have not seen and helped folks through. My professional background has included working within criminal justice settings, psychiatric settings, community mental health, with high-wealth clients, everyday folks, and folks from all walks of life. Besides my clinical psychology doctorate and master degrees, ...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Eating disorders, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 20

I am licensed in Virginia with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & eating disorders. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 26

I am licensed in Virginia with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship 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. 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.

Specialties: Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 36

I am licensed in Virginia with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 28

I am licensed in Virginia with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 28

I work with clients in transforming their emotional pain into opportunity for growth. Clients work with me in reducing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges. I help my clients in replacing old coping skills with better and insightful new methods, creating new connections and mindsets. I have been working with individuals, couples and families for three decades and have enjoyed being present for many incredible “Aha” moments. My training in family mental health, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Zen meditation ( to name a few) has been instrumental in m...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 3

I am licensed in Virginia with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Specialties: Addictions, Family conflicts, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 16

I am a licensed clinical professional in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. In addition, I am a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC) in Maryland, and a national certified counselor (NCC). I have over 20 years of professional and clinical work experience. I have extensive experience working in different clinical settings over the years. I have experience in helping individuals with substance use issues and disorders, anxiety, family conflicts, bipolar disorder, & depression, including issues of faith and spirituality in wellness. ...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Sleeping disorders, Self esteem, Career difficulties
Years of Experience: 24

Experienced and compassionate behavioral health and wellness therapist driven by an authentic desire to guide and support anyone facing challenging individual and or life difficulties. I am licensed in Florida, Wyoming, and Virginia with 24 years of providing supportive therapeutic mental health, addiction, crisis management, and wellness services for adults, couples, adolescents, children, families, aging adults, and veterans. I also provide Resiliency coaching and mentoring to individuals, managers and executives. Resilience has been identified as the most imp...

How To Find Counseling In Your Area

Finding the right therapist close by in Columbia can feel intimidating. Once you narrow your search for a counselor near the Columbia area, you're closer to finding providers accepting new clients.

First, research what type of therapy you'd like to pursue before finding a therapist or psychologist. You might be interested in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits. If you're still unsure, consider asking your prospective counselors which methods they practice.

When you're ready to search for a counselor in Columbia, scroll through the options. Next, consider what type of therapy you'd like your counselor to be most experienced with. Finally, choose a provider located near you in the city of Columbia or elsewhere in Fluvanna or the state of Virginia.

Mental health professionals working through their own practice or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships and communication skills, working through life's obstacles, or changing negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a listening ear and validation. Verified Columbia counselors can provide licensed marriage and compassionate counseling, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

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 Do Costs Of Conventional Counseling Compare To BetterHelp With A Columbia Counselor?

Forbes reports that the average price of an in-person therapy session with a counselor 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 in Columbia: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists in Columbia: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist in Columbia: $100
  • Therapy with a mental health counselor in Columbia: $80

Some counselors in the state of Virginia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp counselors serving the city of Columbia and elsewhere throughout the state of Virginia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with counselor sessions ranging from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks).

How Does Working With A Counselor On BetterHelp Work?

It's important to note that these counselors treat clients online. Online providers, including the US-based providers above, can work with people like you in or around Columbia virtually. You do not have to commute to a counselor's office to meet with one of these counselors.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, receive worksheets, and sign up for mental health webinars. Additionally, the BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature.

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy with a counselor. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists specializing in behavioral health and relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. Look through the available counselors above and consider which might work for you. Professionals on BetterHelp specialize in several mental health issues and modalities. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

Columbia has many professionals who provide client-centered individual counseling in person and through online therapy. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the US. Many individuals gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy. In Columbia, therapy can be easily to use and a click away.

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 they may struggle to provide objective guidance. Counselors are also professionals trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist may support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health or life concerns. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another benefit of therapy with a licensed counselor is having a 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 counselor 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 can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With almost one million people in Columbia, VA, finding a counselor can be costly, and they may be booked out with clients. Through the list of counselors above and others through BetterHelp, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching for a nearby psychotherapist close to 23038 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 in Columbia can be a great option.

How Should I Prepare For My First Session With A Columbia Counselor? 

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading about the counseling process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist. 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 why you're attending therapy.

Should I See A Counselor 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 counselors often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend counseling. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor 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 with a counselor.

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 Crying In Therapy A Breakthrough?

Crying can be a breakthrough for some individuals who struggle to express emotions. Others might find that they often cry during sessions with their counselor. Crying can be normal and healthy, so whether you cry or not may be a personal aspect of sessions.

Is Mental Health Care Worth It?

We may all be on different paths in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, counselors are trained to meet you where you're at. Counseling can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy each year, showing it's a popular option and may be often effective when working with a licensed counselor.

Do Therapists Judge You? 

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. Their job as your counselor is to support you and make you feel safe and respected. 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 FacebookFor mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time to learn more about BetterHelp therapists to understand the services available to you clearly. If you have any questions, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online counseling, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched with a counselor 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:

There are all kinds of therapists in the Columbia area, including:

  • CBT in Columbia
  • DBT in Columbia
  • Substance use therapy in Columbia
  • Couples therapy in Columbia

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:

23038