Therapists in South Carolina
![Photo of Erinnae Cline, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c4208fe-6cfa-46c6-bca1-dd4d8489e473/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erinnae Cline has recently become an independent Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of South Carolina and is a National Certified Counselor. She is also a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and has worked with substance use disorder clients for 3.5 years. Erinnae has significant training and experience with end-of-life circumstances, grief, loss, and late-life developmental stages. Erinnae finished her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lamar University. Erinnae would love to meet with clients that struggle with intellectualizing their emotions, people-pleasing, and discovering their true selves.
Erinnae Cline has recently become an independent Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of South Carolina and is a National Certified Counselor. She is also a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and has worked with substance use disorder clients for 3.5 years. Erinnae has significant training and experience with end-of-life circumstances, grief, loss, and late-life developmental stages. Erinnae finished her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lamar University. Erinnae would love to meet with clients that struggle with intellectualizing their emotions, people-pleasing, and discovering their true selves.
![Photo of Nicole Foxe, LICSW, CPT, CHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/477d1061-c4a3-4262-958b-6bbd861d1f2e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Things will be different after our work together! We will align your behaviors with your values in order to transform your relationships, whether with food, people, or other challenges. My approach is unencumbered by conventions of insurance approval, clinical setting, and therapy tropes. I offer a novel approach to therapy for OCD, phobias, ADHD, anxiety, autism functioning concerns, marital/family conflict and weight management. We will meet remotely or in a location of your choice (home, office, etc). I do not accept insurance, and only you will determine the visit frequency. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Things will be different after our work together! We will align your behaviors with your values in order to transform your relationships, whether with food, people, or other challenges. My approach is unencumbered by conventions of insurance approval, clinical setting, and therapy tropes. I offer a novel approach to therapy for OCD, phobias, ADHD, anxiety, autism functioning concerns, marital/family conflict and weight management. We will meet remotely or in a location of your choice (home, office, etc). I do not accept insurance, and only you will determine the visit frequency. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
![Photo of Josetta Cobb (Paragon Wellness), PhD, LPC, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d247266d-7321-4f75-99c5-7f05f2164bd5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Josetta Cobb (Paragon Wellness)
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29223
Do you need a cleansing conversation to ease your mind, process your baggage and bring you clarity? Then you have landed on the right page. Hi, I am Josetta Cobb and I believe two important aspects of counseling and coaching is that you feel comfortable and safe with me. Having trouble concentrating, sleeping, feeling down and being irritable, acting out may have become your norm but it doesn't have to be. I provide a down-to-earth atmosphere where you are free to be open and honest without judgment. I meet you where you are and together we will work to build strengths that will help you grow through what you’re going through.
Do you need a cleansing conversation to ease your mind, process your baggage and bring you clarity? Then you have landed on the right page. Hi, I am Josetta Cobb and I believe two important aspects of counseling and coaching is that you feel comfortable and safe with me. Having trouble concentrating, sleeping, feeling down and being irritable, acting out may have become your norm but it doesn't have to be. I provide a down-to-earth atmosphere where you are free to be open and honest without judgment. I meet you where you are and together we will work to build strengths that will help you grow through what you’re going through.
![Photo of Kristen Morand, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4027d4d2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Morand
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29201
Life can hand us unforeseen experiences. Loss, death, or illness. Relationship challenges or disappointments. Seemingly unmanageable anxiety or depression. Work-related problems. Traumatic events or abuse. How do we cope with the effects upon our thoughts, feelings, and behavior? How do we get back to thriving again? I offer you an opportunity to encounter such issues together. You can confront painful or confusing emotions, thoughts, or circumstances knowing you're not alone. I hope to help you discover strengths within yourself and learn additional skills that facilitate your own ability to heal, recover, and restore the hurting places in your mind, emotions, relationships, and life.
Life can hand us unforeseen experiences. Loss, death, or illness. Relationship challenges or disappointments. Seemingly unmanageable anxiety or depression. Work-related problems. Traumatic events or abuse. How do we cope with the effects upon our thoughts, feelings, and behavior? How do we get back to thriving again? I offer you an opportunity to encounter such issues together. You can confront painful or confusing emotions, thoughts, or circumstances knowing you're not alone. I hope to help you discover strengths within yourself and learn additional skills that facilitate your own ability to heal, recover, and restore the hurting places in your mind, emotions, relationships, and life.
![Photo of Elyssa Rookey, MS, LPC, CMHIMP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea548a7c-4eac-4b5c-b8e3-5832487de0e5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elyssa Rookey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
North Charleston, SC 29405 (Online Only)
When you decide change is possible but are unsure as to where to start, I am here to help support your decision to take control back in your life. It could be working on past trauma, new issues, or relationship stress that brings you into a counseling session. My belief is that you have the inner strength and promise to work through your worries and gain control again. I can also help you with counseling utilizing an integrative mental health approach to work with nutrition and physical wellbeing to support mental growth. If you’re ready to find an open and unbiased ear to assist in your growth and change, I am here to help.
When you decide change is possible but are unsure as to where to start, I am here to help support your decision to take control back in your life. It could be working on past trauma, new issues, or relationship stress that brings you into a counseling session. My belief is that you have the inner strength and promise to work through your worries and gain control again. I can also help you with counseling utilizing an integrative mental health approach to work with nutrition and physical wellbeing to support mental growth. If you’re ready to find an open and unbiased ear to assist in your growth and change, I am here to help.
![Photo of Michelle Missel, M Ed, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc5afea8-515b-4dee-8c8b-ee22606d6f3a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Missel
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29609
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes life challenges set us back, block us from full potential, or even begin to overwhelm, control, and paralyze helpful thoughts and emotions. Counseling, with the assistance of a professional who supports, cares, and listens without judgement, is a way to navigate through difficult areas in our lives. As a licensed therapist, I specialize in a broad array of issues- including life stressors, interpersonal issues, anxiety, depression and trauma. I invite you to explore with me, through a variety of techniques, how you can begin to stabilize emotions, discover coping skills, and heal.
Sometimes life challenges set us back, block us from full potential, or even begin to overwhelm, control, and paralyze helpful thoughts and emotions. Counseling, with the assistance of a professional who supports, cares, and listens without judgement, is a way to navigate through difficult areas in our lives. As a licensed therapist, I specialize in a broad array of issues- including life stressors, interpersonal issues, anxiety, depression and trauma. I invite you to explore with me, through a variety of techniques, how you can begin to stabilize emotions, discover coping skills, and heal.
![Photo of Melissa Gallagher, NCC, MEd](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64f4f5d2-5675-46ae-992c-290da7820f18/2/320x400.png)
Melissa Gallagher
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, NCC, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607 (Online Only)
Daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable. It means to show up and be seen. To ask for what you need. To talk about how you're feeling. To have the hard conversations-Brene Brown. Does your life feel like it is starting to spiral out of control? Are you tired of fighting alone or feeling unheard or unseen? My passion lies in helping those that are motivated to seek help but might be scared to start. Change can be very hard. I would love to explore that together. I go at the pace that is most comfortable to you. My specialties include ADHD, stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, familial conflict, parenthood and women's issues.
Daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable. It means to show up and be seen. To ask for what you need. To talk about how you're feeling. To have the hard conversations-Brene Brown. Does your life feel like it is starting to spiral out of control? Are you tired of fighting alone or feeling unheard or unseen? My passion lies in helping those that are motivated to seek help but might be scared to start. Change can be very hard. I would love to explore that together. I go at the pace that is most comfortable to you. My specialties include ADHD, stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, familial conflict, parenthood and women's issues.
![Photo of Paola Goyeneche, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72a4f3aa-5c69-4a4f-b2cf-666f399ed511/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a counselor and have been actively working in the field since 2014. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. I enjoy working with adults who are ready to make positive changes in their lives. I am trained to work with adults struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, adjustment disorder and many other difficulties.
I am a counselor and have been actively working in the field since 2014. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. I enjoy working with adults who are ready to make positive changes in their lives. I am trained to work with adults struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, adjustment disorder and many other difficulties.
![Photo of Matt LeGray, PhD, LP, BCBA-D, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cbb0455-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My passion is to help those that live with lifelong disabilities and present complex and/or substantial behavioral issues, which can include problems relating to noncompliance, tantrums/meltdowns, physical aggression, self-injury, destructive behavior, elopement, feeding problems, toileting, and school-related behavioral difficulties. Those seeking services are often frustrated or overwhelmed with these behaviors, as they can pose a risk to the individual or others, interfere with the individual's ability to function in typical environments, and/or interfere with the acquisition of skills or independence.
My passion is to help those that live with lifelong disabilities and present complex and/or substantial behavioral issues, which can include problems relating to noncompliance, tantrums/meltdowns, physical aggression, self-injury, destructive behavior, elopement, feeding problems, toileting, and school-related behavioral difficulties. Those seeking services are often frustrated or overwhelmed with these behaviors, as they can pose a risk to the individual or others, interfere with the individual's ability to function in typical environments, and/or interfere with the acquisition of skills or independence.
![Photo of Caitlin Smith, MS, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9245bc3f-cbd7-45d2-bc89-351457a8f2a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A). I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Coker College and received a M.S. in Clinical Counseling from Francis Marion University. I aim to bring a warm inviting presence to the counseling environment. Seeking out counseling can be one of the hardest things you do, but through the process you will see just how strong you really are. I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults of all backgrounds and walks of life. I use several approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy and person-centered techniques to encourage growth and promote healing.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A). I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Coker College and received a M.S. in Clinical Counseling from Francis Marion University. I aim to bring a warm inviting presence to the counseling environment. Seeking out counseling can be one of the hardest things you do, but through the process you will see just how strong you really are. I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults of all backgrounds and walks of life. I use several approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy and person-centered techniques to encourage growth and promote healing.
![Photo of Michelle R Hammel, LISW-CP, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/455bdaf3-91f6-4fd0-9061-60f6c2df7903/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle R Hammel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Charleston, SC 29407
Taking the first step to begin therapy may feel intimidating. However, it may be the journey that brings you the peace and insight you need to begin living life in a positive direction. During your sessions we will explore how current challenges impact your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
Taking the first step to begin therapy may feel intimidating. However, it may be the journey that brings you the peace and insight you need to begin living life in a positive direction. During your sessions we will explore how current challenges impact your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
15 Second Videos
Michelle R Hammel
Tosha Dianne Rollins
Debbie Middlebrook
Rebekah Tozer
Maria Parry
Donna B Strom
Bethany Pankratz
Angela Jackson
Iris Stevens (Calhoun)
Christine Reece
Stephen Tuttle
Jess Germano-Fokin
Ping Chai
Mackenzie Logan
Meghan Bowden Anxiety Trauma Ptsd
Shauna Sottery
Nicole Harris
Elena Fleming
Erin Tapp
Jenna Sahli
Sound Mind Counseling Solutions, Isatta Rockman
Anjanette Chege
TRiY Counseling Services, LLC
Georgia Gibson
Tamika R. James
Cast Away Therapy
Alexus Thomas
Anxiety + Break Up And Divorce Emilea Richardson
Angie Engelke
Adam Cowan
Cherri Sabo
Andrea Bandfield
Brooke Dooley
Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
Heather Corley
Anna Olenick | Grief Therapist
Alba Giraldo
Wright Health, LLC
Camilla Robarts
Austin Faulk
Kristen Ezsol
Lisa A. Garner
Kateryna Barnes
Emmie Mai -Emdr And Women Healing From Trauma-
Alex Koszeghy
Amy M Combs-Lane
Anna Christina Prather
Corey Errett - Parable Counseling | Coaching
Abby Sepanski
Marc Burrows
![Photo of Andrew Stoudenmire, MMFT, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16f1d314-b66e-4598-9a69-1d80ddc3a2f4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew Stoudenmire
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MMFT, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Your transformation and healing are within reach! Welcome! I'm Andrew, a therapist dedicated to providing understanding care to individuals and families navigating a life with neurodiversity. My purpose is to provide a space where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, equipping you with tools to conquer challenges, foster connections, and reclaim joy.
Your transformation and healing are within reach! Welcome! I'm Andrew, a therapist dedicated to providing understanding care to individuals and families navigating a life with neurodiversity. My purpose is to provide a space where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, equipping you with tools to conquer challenges, foster connections, and reclaim joy.
![Photo of Sara P Klahr, LPC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef58f814-bcc6-464c-814e-2b9df9fad495/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be unpredictable, challenging and overwhelming at times for most of us due to a variety of reason's. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression complicated grief, loss, trauma, parenting challenges or life transitions I would be honored to work with you.
Life can be unpredictable, challenging and overwhelming at times for most of us due to a variety of reason's. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression complicated grief, loss, trauma, parenting challenges or life transitions I would be honored to work with you.
![Photo of Leah Leuthauser, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca1b95b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing mental health services for adults, children and families. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, relationship trials, or other obstacles in your life? I have been counseling with individuals, couples and families for over 15 years. I am dedicated to helping you overcome the struggles you face. I use an array of treatment strategies, including cognitive-behavioral techniques to assist you in overcoming the issues at hand. Most major insurance policies are accepted.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing mental health services for adults, children and families. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, relationship trials, or other obstacles in your life? I have been counseling with individuals, couples and families for over 15 years. I am dedicated to helping you overcome the struggles you face. I use an array of treatment strategies, including cognitive-behavioral techniques to assist you in overcoming the issues at hand. Most major insurance policies are accepted.
![Photo of Dr. Katie Rider Mundey, PhD, HSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83bfe219-eb53-40f1-bcd3-a841da68372b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life throws women many curveballs. Perhaps you are battling with infertility and the emotional challenges that accompany it. Maybe you are a new mom and you feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable in your own skin. You may have experienced sexual trauma and now struggle with a constant sense of fear and dread, or you could be one of the many women who have a painful relationship with food and your body. Perhaps your joy is gone, or your relationships have become painful and complicated. You could be juggling multiple roles and feel that you’ve lost touch with your authentic self. I'm so glad you are here, because there is hope!
Life throws women many curveballs. Perhaps you are battling with infertility and the emotional challenges that accompany it. Maybe you are a new mom and you feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable in your own skin. You may have experienced sexual trauma and now struggle with a constant sense of fear and dread, or you could be one of the many women who have a painful relationship with food and your body. Perhaps your joy is gone, or your relationships have become painful and complicated. You could be juggling multiple roles and feel that you’ve lost touch with your authentic self. I'm so glad you are here, because there is hope!
![Photo of Nancy Drouse, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90138756-04f2-4755-9c3b-efef36ce2357/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Drouse is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 1999. She has a BA in Psychology from Penn State University and an MA in Marriage & Family Therapy from Northcentral University. Therapy is all about making changes, and Nancy wants to assist others to make positive and meaningful changes in their lives! She is here to be your co-pilot as you navigate a new path towards contentment. Along the way, Nancy will use humor and empowerment as tools to guide you. Outside of work, Nancy is a soccer mom and wife, and a dog mom!.
Nancy Drouse is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 1999. She has a BA in Psychology from Penn State University and an MA in Marriage & Family Therapy from Northcentral University. Therapy is all about making changes, and Nancy wants to assist others to make positive and meaningful changes in their lives! She is here to be your co-pilot as you navigate a new path towards contentment. Along the way, Nancy will use humor and empowerment as tools to guide you. Outside of work, Nancy is a soccer mom and wife, and a dog mom!.
Veeda Jene Smalls
Licensed Professional Counselor, CMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sumter, SC 29150
I believe every client is valuable & important regardless of the issues they struggle with. Helping clients recognize their worth, value & inner strengths & learn effective ways to use these strengths & not just focus on their weaknesses and struggles. It's helping clients identify what they can and can't control, manage what they can & learn how to let go or live with what they can't control. I believe everyone can begin again and there's no shame in asking for help in fact it is a strength.
I believe every client is valuable & important regardless of the issues they struggle with. Helping clients recognize their worth, value & inner strengths & learn effective ways to use these strengths & not just focus on their weaknesses and struggles. It's helping clients identify what they can and can't control, manage what they can & learn how to let go or live with what they can't control. I believe everyone can begin again and there's no shame in asking for help in fact it is a strength.
![Photo of Bonnetta Hall - All Wellness Care Services, LLC, ADC-IP, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc1d63ad-41b1-4521-968d-4ebce76ef62c/2/320x400.jpeg)
All Wellness Care Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, ADC-IP, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Ladson, SC 29456
As a therapist my primary goal is to meet clients exactly where they are in life. I'm here to help you through the parenting journey and encourage you to be the best parent that you can be. My passion is helping those that have been court mandated to complete parenting (series of classes). My theoretical approach is tailored to meet the needs of each client with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
As a therapist my primary goal is to meet clients exactly where they are in life. I'm here to help you through the parenting journey and encourage you to be the best parent that you can be. My passion is helping those that have been court mandated to complete parenting (series of classes). My theoretical approach is tailored to meet the needs of each client with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
![Photo of Brianne Whitmire - Carolinas Counseling Center- Brianne Whitmire, MEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45961100-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carolinas Counseling Center- Brianne Whitmire
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (Online Only)
Only doing teletherapy/online sessions at this time. - From residential treatment to outpatient therapy, I have many years of experience working with children and adolescents. I have received specialized training in trauma, anxiety, depression, loss/grief, ADHD, and other behavioral concerns. I also have experience with working with adults and couples to address marital issues, stress management, anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss/grief. I received my Masters in Counseling at Winthrop University and am nationally certified (NBCC).
Only doing teletherapy/online sessions at this time. - From residential treatment to outpatient therapy, I have many years of experience working with children and adolescents. I have received specialized training in trauma, anxiety, depression, loss/grief, ADHD, and other behavioral concerns. I also have experience with working with adults and couples to address marital issues, stress management, anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss/grief. I received my Masters in Counseling at Winthrop University and am nationally certified (NBCC).
![Photo of Kristi Gilland, MEd, LPC/S, MAC, LAC/S, CS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f2e4c9c-ba6c-42de-bb16-99360a49d989/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristi Gilland
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC/S, MAC, LAC/S, CS
Verified Verified
Easley, SC 29642
Licensed to practice in SC, GA and the US Virgin Islands. The world is changing and life can be hard. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Addiction Counselor with 23 years of experience working with all populations and ages, I am well skilled in a variety of techniques and modalities. The most important skill I hold however is knowing that you are the expert of your own life and that you don't have to be alone. I will work with you as a guide, listening ear, and partner to find solutions that work best for you.
Licensed to practice in SC, GA and the US Virgin Islands. The world is changing and life can be hard. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Addiction Counselor with 23 years of experience working with all populations and ages, I am well skilled in a variety of techniques and modalities. The most important skill I hold however is knowing that you are the expert of your own life and that you don't have to be alone. I will work with you as a guide, listening ear, and partner to find solutions that work best for you.
See more therapy options for South Carolina
How does your Therapist compare?
Average cost per session
$125
Therapists in South Carolina who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
75% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
72% | Coping Skills |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | Stress |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
74% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
64% | Aetna |
58% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in South Carolina see their clients
73% | In Person and Online | |
27% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
15% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in South Carolina?
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
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.
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.
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.