Photo of Ryan Forbes - Forbes Counseling Services , LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Forbes Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207  (Online Only)
Thank you for visiting my Psychology Today page! Are you a driven, goal-oriented, and courageous individual ready to take transformative steps for your family and business? In today’s fast-paced world, fear and anxiety often hold us back from reaching our true potential. You were made for more than just getting by! Your marriage deserves to be exceptional, and your business needs to thrive. You already know this deep down, and I’m here to guide you towards making it a reality. Let’s work together to overcome obstacles and unlock the extraordinary life you deserve.
Thank you for visiting my Psychology Today page! Are you a driven, goal-oriented, and courageous individual ready to take transformative steps for your family and business? In today’s fast-paced world, fear and anxiety often hold us back from reaching our true potential. You were made for more than just getting by! Your marriage deserves to be exceptional, and your business needs to thrive. You already know this deep down, and I’m here to guide you towards making it a reality. Let’s work together to overcome obstacles and unlock the extraordinary life you deserve.
(803) 913-3201 View (803) 913-3201
Photo of Deana Tucker - Deana Tucker, MA, LPCS, LPC, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deana Tucker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCS, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29207
Deana Tucker is a native of South Carolina and has worked in human services/helping profession for over 15 years. Deana is a Clinical Counselor, a Certified Addictions Counselor II for the state of South Carolina, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and well as a Grief Recovery Specialist. Deana has experience with providing services in outpatient, home, and residential settings. She has helped individuals work vital life issues that include of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, decision making, grief, anger / behavioral / and crisis management. Qualified in addictions and experience with Trauma Focused CBT, CBT, DBT and EMDR.
Deana Tucker is a native of South Carolina and has worked in human services/helping profession for over 15 years. Deana is a Clinical Counselor, a Certified Addictions Counselor II for the state of South Carolina, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and well as a Grief Recovery Specialist. Deana has experience with providing services in outpatient, home, and residential settings. She has helped individuals work vital life issues that include of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, decision making, grief, anger / behavioral / and crisis management. Qualified in addictions and experience with Trauma Focused CBT, CBT, DBT and EMDR.
(803) 599-3302 View (803) 599-3302
Photo of Maria 'marrionettia' Parker, LPC, EdS, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maria 'marrionettia' Parker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EdS, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29207  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am an interpersonal therapist who worked for 4 years in a college counseling center and have been working out of my private practice since 2010. While my overarching approach is interpersonal, I utilize other theories as needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and emotionally focused therapy are examples of the other schools from which I pull. Clients are not a "one size fits all." Before becoming a therapist, I taught school for twenty years. I feel fortunate to have been able to work in two especially gratifying helping fields.
I am an interpersonal therapist who worked for 4 years in a college counseling center and have been working out of my private practice since 2010. While my overarching approach is interpersonal, I utilize other theories as needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and emotionally focused therapy are examples of the other schools from which I pull. Clients are not a "one size fits all." Before becoming a therapist, I taught school for twenty years. I feel fortunate to have been able to work in two especially gratifying helping fields.
(803) 768-3075 View (803) 768-3075
Photo of Breanna Butler, LCMHC, QS
Breanna Butler
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, QS
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Finding a safe space to navigate diverse relationships, sexual experiences, and wavering moods can be challenging but also rewarding. You may want to explore different relationship dynamics without judgment. You may want uncover your own secrets in order to show up more whole for yourself and others. If you are ready to take action and uncover your best self, then it is time to begin your therapeutic journey.
Finding a safe space to navigate diverse relationships, sexual experiences, and wavering moods can be challenging but also rewarding. You may want to explore different relationship dynamics without judgment. You may want uncover your own secrets in order to show up more whole for yourself and others. If you are ready to take action and uncover your best self, then it is time to begin your therapeutic journey.
(704) 272-2126 View (704) 272-2126
Pansy Lavonne Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhDABD, MEd, LPC, MS, LBSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
There are times when talking with your best friend about your problems is not enough. Because friends are just friends they are not professionally trained in helping you to identify deep rooted issues. If, you're experiencing self-defeating thoughts, low self-esteem, feeling worthless, dealing with a sick love one, employment issues and substance abuse issues. That is robbing you of your inner peace making it difficult for you to establish and maintain healthy relationships with your family, friends and work relationships. Give me a call.
There are times when talking with your best friend about your problems is not enough. Because friends are just friends they are not professionally trained in helping you to identify deep rooted issues. If, you're experiencing self-defeating thoughts, low self-esteem, feeling worthless, dealing with a sick love one, employment issues and substance abuse issues. That is robbing you of your inner peace making it difficult for you to establish and maintain healthy relationships with your family, friends and work relationships. Give me a call.
(803) 274-6775 View (803) 274-6775
Photo of Shamiquia Nikia McPherson - Clear Vision Counseling, LLC., LPC-SC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Clear Vision Counseling, LLC.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-SC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
Vision is the capability of thinking or planning a path to one’s future using wisdom and positive imagination. Our vision is often clouded by many things. It can be clouded by memories of traumatic experiences, depressive negative cognitions/thoughts, the loss of loved ones or unexpected life changes. It can also be clouded by uncontrolled worry about the future we imagine for ourselves. Here at Clear Vision Counseling, LLC. Our primary goal is to help our client’s build their vision, which requires healing parts of the past, while using wisdom to change behaviors and thoughts about the future.
Vision is the capability of thinking or planning a path to one’s future using wisdom and positive imagination. Our vision is often clouded by many things. It can be clouded by memories of traumatic experiences, depressive negative cognitions/thoughts, the loss of loved ones or unexpected life changes. It can also be clouded by uncontrolled worry about the future we imagine for ourselves. Here at Clear Vision Counseling, LLC. Our primary goal is to help our client’s build their vision, which requires healing parts of the past, while using wisdom to change behaviors and thoughts about the future.
(803) 636-8952 View (803) 636-8952
Photo of Michele Burnette - Psychology Services Center, PhD, Psychologist
Psychology Services Center
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29207
The Psychology Services Center (PSC) provides comprehensive quality mental health care including assessment and therapy services for adults, children, adolescents, families, and couples. We have a history of helping clients learn to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety, address their children's behavioral or learning difficulties, or improve communication and trust in their relationships. Across all of these treatment areas, our center values providing quality, outcome-oriented services that are based on the latest science, offered within a caring and collaborative atmosphere.
The Psychology Services Center (PSC) provides comprehensive quality mental health care including assessment and therapy services for adults, children, adolescents, families, and couples. We have a history of helping clients learn to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety, address their children's behavioral or learning difficulties, or improve communication and trust in their relationships. Across all of these treatment areas, our center values providing quality, outcome-oriented services that are based on the latest science, offered within a caring and collaborative atmosphere.
(803) 932-1458 View (803) 932-1458
Photo of Jerry Waldrop, MDiv, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jerry Waldrop
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29207
Tired of feeling stuck, misunderstood, & disconnected? Get help today! I am part of Foundations Family Life Counseling and Consulting (FFLCC). At FFLCC we focus on topics such as life adjustments, depression, anxiety, relationship / family issues, and trauma. We specialize in trauma and childhood attachment issues, working to resolve big or little traumas or negative experiences which tend to impede emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual growth. We focus on healing rather than just coping, by finding and resolving underlaying issues. I specialize with Military Families and have served in the Armed Forces for many years.
Tired of feeling stuck, misunderstood, & disconnected? Get help today! I am part of Foundations Family Life Counseling and Consulting (FFLCC). At FFLCC we focus on topics such as life adjustments, depression, anxiety, relationship / family issues, and trauma. We specialize in trauma and childhood attachment issues, working to resolve big or little traumas or negative experiences which tend to impede emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual growth. We focus on healing rather than just coping, by finding and resolving underlaying issues. I specialize with Military Families and have served in the Armed Forces for many years.
(803) 310-2843 View (803) 310-2843
Photo of Dr. Tara M Tanksley Stallings, MAPC, MCCLC, BCMHC, DPC
Dr. Tara M Tanksley Stallings
MAPC, MCCLC, BCMHC, DPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
Destiny Life Management Group is a Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting Group. We have a staff of highly trained and certified experts in their fields, who offer a non-traditional approach for people who are perplexed in managing their life, because of; Anxiety, Depression, Trauma healing, Mental health, Coping skills, Stress, Spiritual, Relationships, Marriage and Grief and Loss issues. We are a Bridge of Peace, Privacy and Confidentiality from the Stigmas associated with traditional Mental Health and Spiritual Counseling Services. We also offer Business and Financial Consulting, Anger Management, Grief, Divorce Coaching and more
Destiny Life Management Group is a Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting Group. We have a staff of highly trained and certified experts in their fields, who offer a non-traditional approach for people who are perplexed in managing their life, because of; Anxiety, Depression, Trauma healing, Mental health, Coping skills, Stress, Spiritual, Relationships, Marriage and Grief and Loss issues. We are a Bridge of Peace, Privacy and Confidentiality from the Stigmas associated with traditional Mental Health and Spiritual Counseling Services. We also offer Business and Financial Consulting, Anger Management, Grief, Divorce Coaching and more
(706) 414-5537 View (706) 414-5537
Photo of Sonja Middleton, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sonja Middleton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
Sonja Middleton is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2000. She obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work and has a certificate in Gerontology. Her previous experience is working in hospitals, outpatient, nursing homes, and in the jail. She sees adults from 18 years up and from all ethnic groups. Sonja enjoys working with people who have depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss issues, bipolar, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. She uses an eclectic approach pulling from CBT, DBT, and is person centered.
Sonja Middleton is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2000. She obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work and has a certificate in Gerontology. Her previous experience is working in hospitals, outpatient, nursing homes, and in the jail. She sees adults from 18 years up and from all ethnic groups. Sonja enjoys working with people who have depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss issues, bipolar, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. She uses an eclectic approach pulling from CBT, DBT, and is person centered.
(803) 974-4086 View (803) 974-4086
Photo of Stephanie L McKenny, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephanie L McKenny
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
Stephanie L. McKenny is a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2021. She has a BA in Child and Family Studies from Columbia College and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. Stephanie is truly excited about being able to serve you in your time of need. She has experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, anger management, relational issues, building self-esteem and confidence, trauma, and grief. Stephanie enjoys working with older teens, young adults, and adults. Life has created many experiences for all of us.
Stephanie L. McKenny is a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2021. She has a BA in Child and Family Studies from Columbia College and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. Stephanie is truly excited about being able to serve you in your time of need. She has experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, anger management, relational issues, building self-esteem and confidence, trauma, and grief. Stephanie enjoys working with older teens, young adults, and adults. Life has created many experiences for all of us.
(803) 676-7084 View (803) 676-7084
Photo of Rene'e Hampton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rene'e Hampton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
Rene'e M. Hampton is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. With more than twenty-five years of clinical experience, she began her career as a State Employee serving in such capacities as Vocational Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Consultant and Child Advocate. Prior to embarking upon clinical practice in the private sector, she also served diverse populations experiencing crises warranting stabilization through in-patient hospitalization and treatment.
Rene'e M. Hampton is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. With more than twenty-five years of clinical experience, she began her career as a State Employee serving in such capacities as Vocational Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Consultant and Child Advocate. Prior to embarking upon clinical practice in the private sector, she also served diverse populations experiencing crises warranting stabilization through in-patient hospitalization and treatment.
(803) 836-4729 View (803) 836-4729
Photo of Alan Brailsford de Lopez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alan Brailsford de Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
For as long as you can remember, you’ve felt different. You learned early on that to avoid ostracization and torment, you had to hide parts of yourself. Now, you’re an adult and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, but things still aren’t easy. You still have residual shame from years of concealing your true self. And the simple act of living authentically in a society dictated by heteronormative standards makes you feel like an outcast. Over the years, you’ve unwittingly internalized people’s judgments and have started harshly criticizing yourself. You wish there were a way to live free of this pain, but you don’t know how.
For as long as you can remember, you’ve felt different. You learned early on that to avoid ostracization and torment, you had to hide parts of yourself. Now, you’re an adult and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, but things still aren’t easy. You still have residual shame from years of concealing your true self. And the simple act of living authentically in a society dictated by heteronormative standards makes you feel like an outcast. Over the years, you’ve unwittingly internalized people’s judgments and have started harshly criticizing yourself. You wish there were a way to live free of this pain, but you don’t know how.
(910) 537-6352 View (910) 537-6352
Photo of Hannah Simms - Rise Alone Therapy, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rise Alone Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207  (Online Only)
My name is Hannah Simms. I’m a licensed clinical therapist, and I’m an active-duty military spouse. I started Rise Alone Therapy because I understand the stigmas that face military families when they seek mental health services and treatments. I am passionate about providing support for military families and veterans who often are afraid to ask for help. That’s why I’ve made it my goal to remove as many hurdles as possible on your path to receiving the therapeutic treatment you need. Rise Alone Therapy is not affiliated with the DOD, meaning I am not mandated to report any personal, medical or mental health history to any command.
My name is Hannah Simms. I’m a licensed clinical therapist, and I’m an active-duty military spouse. I started Rise Alone Therapy because I understand the stigmas that face military families when they seek mental health services and treatments. I am passionate about providing support for military families and veterans who often are afraid to ask for help. That’s why I’ve made it my goal to remove as many hurdles as possible on your path to receiving the therapeutic treatment you need. Rise Alone Therapy is not affiliated with the DOD, meaning I am not mandated to report any personal, medical or mental health history to any command.
(864) 523-2972 View (864) 523-2972
Photo of Darius Poitier, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Darius Poitier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
Darius Poitier has over 20 years experience working in the social services industry. He has worked in clinical practice settings including outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, inpatient, and residential treatment. Darius also has experience in clinical counseling, Christian counseling, and substance abuse treatment and case management Originally from South Florida, Darius earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Lynn University in 2004 as well as a Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Barry University in 2014.
Darius Poitier has over 20 years experience working in the social services industry. He has worked in clinical practice settings including outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, inpatient, and residential treatment. Darius also has experience in clinical counseling, Christian counseling, and substance abuse treatment and case management Originally from South Florida, Darius earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Lynn University in 2004 as well as a Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Barry University in 2014.
(803) 866-7239 View (803) 866-7239
Photo of Lynne Fish, PhD, Psychologist
Lynne Fish
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
Dr. Lynne Fish is a Psychologist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 1999. She received a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1998 and already had gained a Master's Degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Since that time, she has sought further trainings in various therapies, such as EMDR, DBT, and hypnosis in order to help people more effectively. Life brings struggles to us all at times; Dr. Fish loves helping people move beyond these and toward a brighter future and is blessed by God to do this work.
Dr. Lynne Fish is a Psychologist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 1999. She received a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1998 and already had gained a Master's Degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Since that time, she has sought further trainings in various therapies, such as EMDR, DBT, and hypnosis in order to help people more effectively. Life brings struggles to us all at times; Dr. Fish loves helping people move beyond these and toward a brighter future and is blessed by God to do this work.
(803) 672-3236 View (803) 672-3236
Photo of Christopher Jones, PsyD, Psychologist
Christopher Jones
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
Dr. Jones graduated cum laude from St. Leo College with a B.A. in psychology. He earned his master's degree in clinical/community psychology at Francis Marion University. After working at the master's level to gain clinical experience , Dr. Jones returned to school to earn his doctorate. He graduated with distinction from Carlos Albizu University in Miami, Florida in 2003 where he focused on neuropsychology and neuropsychological assessment. While in Miami, Dr. Jones completed a two-year practicum in neuropsychological assessment at Mt. Sinai Medical Center through the University of Miami's School of Medicine.
Dr. Jones graduated cum laude from St. Leo College with a B.A. in psychology. He earned his master's degree in clinical/community psychology at Francis Marion University. After working at the master's level to gain clinical experience , Dr. Jones returned to school to earn his doctorate. He graduated with distinction from Carlos Albizu University in Miami, Florida in 2003 where he focused on neuropsychology and neuropsychological assessment. While in Miami, Dr. Jones completed a two-year practicum in neuropsychological assessment at Mt. Sinai Medical Center through the University of Miami's School of Medicine.
(803) 866-7246 View (803) 866-7246
Photo of Jamie Ann Thap, BS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jamie Ann Thap
Pre-Licensed Professional, BS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29207  (Online Only)
You're here looking for empathy & compassion, I commend your bravery for taking the first step. It can be debilitating when you can't find the right person to connect with. This is what I strive for in our sessions. I want to create a comfortable atmosphere, where you are able to share your innermost struggles. I have walked many paths myself. I believe I can connect with you and help you find your strengths to get you through your trials. I ensure that our sessions are not only safe and private, but a judge-free zone. I am humble and ready to serve you. Let's chat. I'm ready to earn your trust.
You're here looking for empathy & compassion, I commend your bravery for taking the first step. It can be debilitating when you can't find the right person to connect with. This is what I strive for in our sessions. I want to create a comfortable atmosphere, where you are able to share your innermost struggles. I have walked many paths myself. I believe I can connect with you and help you find your strengths to get you through your trials. I ensure that our sessions are not only safe and private, but a judge-free zone. I am humble and ready to serve you. Let's chat. I'm ready to earn your trust.
(803) 889-0070 View (803) 889-0070
Photo of Kendra Miller, MSW,  LISW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kendra Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207
endra MS Miller, LISW-CP, offers a compassionate and clinically sound approach to mental health care for individuals and couples in South Carolina. She specializes in anxiety, ADHD, stress management, self-esteem, trauma, and life coaching. Practicing from a Christian, trauma-informed perspective, Kendra recognizes the symptoms of trauma and helps clients understand how these manifest in their lives. Her goal is to empower individuals by helping them identify, own, and address their feelings while developing coping skills to replace negative thoughts and feelings.
endra MS Miller, LISW-CP, offers a compassionate and clinically sound approach to mental health care for individuals and couples in South Carolina. She specializes in anxiety, ADHD, stress management, self-esteem, trauma, and life coaching. Practicing from a Christian, trauma-informed perspective, Kendra recognizes the symptoms of trauma and helps clients understand how these manifest in their lives. Her goal is to empower individuals by helping them identify, own, and address their feelings while developing coping skills to replace negative thoughts and feelings.
(803) 974-7678 View (803) 974-7678
Photo of Anchetta Sutton - A+ Supportive Services, EdS, LCSW, CSAM, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
A+ Supportive Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdS, LCSW, CSAM, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29207  (Online Only)
Change your thoughts and you change your world were words of wisdom spoken so eloquently by Norman Vincent Peale. I believe our thoughts, the manner in which we process our surroundings, have great impact on our emotions and are the root of our actions. I believe awareness of our thoughts and how we choose to process them can change the trajectory of our outcomes. I have experience working with women before, during, and after pregnancy, and working with patients with new and/or chronic medical diagnoses. I also have experience working with foster care, adoptions, birth mothers, and potential adoptive parents.
Change your thoughts and you change your world were words of wisdom spoken so eloquently by Norman Vincent Peale. I believe our thoughts, the manner in which we process our surroundings, have great impact on our emotions and are the root of our actions. I believe awareness of our thoughts and how we choose to process them can change the trajectory of our outcomes. I have experience working with women before, during, and after pregnancy, and working with patients with new and/or chronic medical diagnoses. I also have experience working with foster care, adoptions, birth mothers, and potential adoptive parents.
(904) 606-1189 View (904) 606-1189
1

See more therapy options for 29207

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 29207

30+

Average cost per session

$145

Therapists in 29207 who prioritize treating:

93% Anxiety
90% Depression
77% Trauma and PTSD
73% Life Transitions
63% Grief
53% Relationship Issues
50% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

88% Aetna
85% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
77% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in 29207 see their clients

77% In Person and Online
23% Online Only

Gender breakdown

75% Female
25% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 29207?

Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.

Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?

Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.

Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.