When looking for a therapist, Columbus, Ohio may be a better place than most in the Midwest with its large population, but counseling services aren’t always easy to find even in a big city. There are a number of different types evidence-based therapy available in the mental health field, and what kind you need may depend on what your goals are. A therapist who specializes in family conflict may not be what you need to manage obsessive compulsive disorder, and vice-versa. Not to mention that you want to work with a therapist you trust and have a good rapport with, which isn’t always easy to find. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp offers a variety of licensed professional clinical counselors. Whether working on your bachelor’s degree, or heading toward retirement, if you’re looking for someone to help guide you through life issues, simply fill out an online questionnaire to be matched with one of BetterHelp’s over 30,000 mental health counseling professionals. From adjustment disorders to mood disorders, they can find the right therapist for you. And if at any point you feel that your counselor is not the perfect match, you can switch for no extra cost. 

Therapy takes courage, and it can be helpful if the first step is made easier. With BetterHelp, you can take out a lot of the research and guesswork of finding the right therapist to meet your needs, as well as make scheduling and attending simple and convenient. As you take that first step on the path forward toward better mental health, you may find that living in a bustling city doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and that you can find balance in your work or school life.

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Sabrina Hanson

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management
3 years of experience

Congratulations on taking the first step! Sometimes just getting in the door can be the hardest part. In reality, you have already been through the hardest part, you lived through the pains of your life. With help in counseling, all that remains is removing the clutter that was left behind and entering into wholeness and freedom. I see counseling as an exciting time of self discovery, freedom, and personal growth. Coming to counseling is a sign of hope. Working together in the therapeutic alliance, this hope will increase as you find your core self and take hold of the life you were meant to live, full of freedom and passion for what you want out of life. While there may be difficult areas of life to confront in counseling, freedom will come as these areas are brought into the light and processed with gentle care in the therapeutic alliance. I see the therapeutic alliance as extremely important. My task as the counselor is to work myself out of a job. I do this by empowering you with tools that spring board you into deeper paths of self discovery that you can do on your own at any hour of the day or night. My legal name is Sabrina Hanson, but I go by Veronica. I received a Bachelor Degree's in Science in Social Work at Florida State University in 2002 and a Master's Degree in Art in Mental Health Counseling at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio in 2016. I am licensed in Texas and Ohio. In Texas, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. In Ohio, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. I am specialized in addiction and trauma. I have received training in the following areas: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Instinctual Trauma Response Model, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Nutrition and Mental Health, Telehealth, and Addiction Counseling. These areas of expertise will be explained in greater depth as time goes on so it is okay if you don't know exactly what they are. For now, simply know that I have lots of training to help care for you in the areas of trauma, anxiety, and addiction. While I am an eclectic counselor, the primary treatment approach I will be using is Internal Family Systems Therapy. This treatment approach will help you to learn how to access your core self and look at your emotions and thoughts in ways that will empower you to become the person you always wanted to be. It is an evidence based treatment approach that has been statistically helpful for countless people with varying types of emotional struggles. It is my mission as a counselor to work toward helping the whole person, mind, body, and soul. This is the reason I have been trained in so many different areas. I am continuously striving to be equipped with more tools that can help in the process of achieving greater freedom and wholeness. With each new modality that I learn, I have sought to receive counseling myself in these areas so that I can better explain these approaches to clients. The most important thing I would say to you as the client is that feedback is important. While I may have excellent training and a heart of gold to help you, you know yourself better than I do. I need you to help me help you. As you tell me through feedback what is helpful and not I can then personally tailor the treatment approach to meet your needs. I have many tools in my tool bag. Together we will find the tools that your particular person benefits from the most. This is the therapeutic alliance. Together we will go into the dark areas of your life that you want healed from and come to greater healing and wholeness. The journey will be taken together. You are not alone in this journey. My goal isn't to get you to a place of healing alone, it is to get you to a place where you thrive. I am excited to go on this journey with you and to get to know you better. For now, I encourage you to take a breathe, rest in the knowledge that the hardest work is already behind you, and know that you are capable of freedom and fulfillment in life.

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Gina Burdett

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPCC-S,MAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a professional clinical counselor licensed in Ohio for the past 5+ years with over 10 years of experience working as a counselor. I am nationally certified in addiction counseling. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD and addiction. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am currently being certified in EMDR to help clients process PTSD symptoms. My counseling style is engaging, warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, rational-emotive counseling and solution-focused. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I will work with you to help change cognitive distortions and negative thinking. I will encourage you and support you as you do the work that it takes for change. I look forward to working with you!

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Caterina (Cathe) Hutchison

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW, LISW
Stress, AnxietyDepression
20 years of experience

Hello. My name is Cathe Hutchison. I am a licensed independent social worker in Ohio. I have 20 years of experience working with several different populations including, families, adults, children and older adults. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, chronic illnesses and family problems. I have also helped many people who have been victims of abuse, neglect or other traumatic events. I am a great listener and believe that together we can work to meet your needs and accomplish your therapy goals. I believe that counseling is the first step in the healing process and I look forward to taking that first step with you!

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Vicki Neal

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW-S) in the state of Ohio with over 20 years of experience. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I have worked with teenage, young adult and older adult clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, toxic stress, self-esteem, relationship issues, life adjustments, grief issues, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced domestic violence and emotional abuse. When working with BIPOC clients and those in the LGBTQ+ community, it is important to remember how historical trauma and current social justice issues can impact mental health. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I see my role is to help you to determine what is best for you and not to tell you what you should be doing. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, short-term solution focused, client centered and motivational interviewing. We will create a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a 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!

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Erin Laffrey

Offering therapy in OH
License: LCSW,LISW-S
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

Wherever you are in this moment, is OKAY. The fast pace of today's society can leave us feeling overwhelmed and depleted. Let's work together to identify your stressors and develop positive, mindful coping strategies to make life just a little more bearable. My focus is working with adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression. I will work with you to help identify your triggers and explore strategies to manage your symptoms of depression and anxiety. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in connection with mindfulness and holistic concepts to assist you in learning strategies to manage your thoughts, feelings and actions. I personally find that nature is a grounding source for me. I integrate holistic aspects into our work to help you find your source of strength and calm.

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Kate Conochan

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW,LISW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am an Independently licensed Social Worker licensed in the state of Ohio. I have been in the field for over 15 years having worked with a number of populations. I have provided therapy for both youth and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns. I have experience working with children in the foster care system as well as children involved in the juvenile justice system. Most of my experience providing therapy has been with adults struggling with addiction, trauma, life changes, depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. I take a client centered approach to therapy and believe that each individual should determine what their goals are! I will work along side you and assist you in achieving your goals on your timeline. I feel strongly about developing a therapeutic alliance which allows for an open, honest working relationship. I know it can be difficult to start this journey but I look forward to working with you and making these first couple steps seamless and helpful!

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Zachary Havens

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 have a wealth of experience in working through life traumas, and other impactful situations that help the individual feel "stuck" in their current patterns of living. I work with my clients to ensure growth towards an agreed upon goal, and expand on the client's current understanding of self through treatment. I am specialized in working with first responders, athletes, injury rehabilitation, mood disturbances, work issues, depression, adjustment, anxiety, and a variety of other related issues typical of those with challenging life experiences. I believe that we all would benefit from someone to talk to at times, and I hope to be the trusted person in your life whom you can converse with, and will be an unjudgmental voice in treatment. I am currently completing training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and would appreciate the opportunity to work with clients using this modality to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, trauma, and other related distress. If this sounds like I would be a good fit for you, or a member of your family, please request an appointment. I welcome you, and I look forward to assisting you with meeting your unique goals in treatment.

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Rebecca Rudowicz

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also enjoy working with couples to build communication and relationship skills to overcome obstacles and achieve contentment within their relationship. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Rachel Gunn

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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.

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Hallie Henry

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist serving clients in both Ohio and Illinois. I’ve had the privilege of supporting adult women and men, teens and children in both individual and group settings. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, family conflicts, life transitions, grief and loss, attachment issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and healing from traumatic experiences. I believe in a collaborative approach where we will work together to identify your goals, address challenges you’re facing and build upon your existing strengths. Seeking a path of growth and change is a courageous act and I’m honored to support you in that process. I look forward to working with you!

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How to find counseling in Columbus

Finding the best therapist close by in Columbus 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus, 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus, elsewhere in Franklin, or in the greater state of Ohio.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus may not take health insurance, some in the state of Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 OH, 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 43218 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus, Ohio 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.

Columbus 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 Columbus.

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

43002, 43004, 43016, 43017, 43026, 43054, 43068, 43081, 43085, 43109, 43110, 43119, 43137, 43201, 43202, 43203, 43204, 43205, 43206, 43207, 43209, 43210, 43211, 43212, 43213, 43214, 43215, 43216, 43217, 43218, 43219, 43220, 43221, 43222, 43223, 43224, 43226, 43227, 43228, 43229, 43230, 43231, 43232, 43234, 43235, 43236, 43240, 43251, 43260, 43266, 43268, 43270, 43271, 43272, 43279, 43287, 43291

Popular cities near Columbus, OH

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