If you’re navigating challenges like difficult life transitions, family conflict, and unhealthy habits, talking to a therapist can help you live a more meaningful life. A therapist in Columbus, GA, can help.

If you’re interested in individual counseling, you have a few options. There are plenty of professionals in the mental health field in Columbus, whether you’re looking for a counseling center or an individual therapist. Counseling centers may see many clients, making it difficult to get an appointment, and therapy can be costly, regardless of the types of insurances accepted. An online therapy platform like BetterHelp can make finding an available counselor who fits your schedule easier. 

Whether you work with a therapist online or in person, a qualified mental health professional can help you manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety disorders or panic attacks, but they can also help with things like coping with divorce, working through insomnia, or dealing with abusive family members. When you connect with a therapist, your first appointment may be dedicated to getting to know each other and developing a treatment plan that best suits your well-being. If you’re ready to get started, contact one of the therapists serving Columbus below.

 

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Mary Lee Palmer

Offering therapy in GA
License: MSW, LCSW
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issues
41 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia with over 30 years of experience in a wide range of concerns including relationships, depression, anxiety, sex therapy issues and infidelity within relationships. Infidelity is an area in which I have had a great deal of specialized training and experience. I also have a great deal of experience with couples and family relationships. I led a parent's group, adolescent daily group and family therapy sessions while employed on a child and adolescent unit for four years at Peachford Hospital in Atlanta. I was also employed as Director of Child and Adolescent Services in Atlanta at Brawner Hospital. My experience is extensive with persons ages 4 to 96. Having worked in psychiatric hospitals, as well as private practice; I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, emotional abuse and severe chronic conditions such as bipolar disorders. My therapy style is warm and interactive - often playful. I believe in treating my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion; and I don't believe in labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, humanistic, psycho-dynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will always consider your individual needs in formulating a treatment plan with you. It takes a great deal of courage to step out of one's familiar comfort zone to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first step towards making a change If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and guide you in doing that. I look forward to meeting and working with you. Welcome.

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Lee Jackson Jr

Offering therapy in GA
License: LPC, CPCS,NBCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Dear Subscriber! I hope you find help and relief for what you are seeking counseling for. My name is Lee Jackson, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. I have practiced privately for seven years, specializing in anxiety, depression, life changes, spiritual issues, grief and loss relationship/couples counseling. I enjoy providing tools for subscribers that help manage their Anxiety and OCD. I have a particular interest in these areas . My background is in school counseling, I've logged many years with students and parents providing therapy to those across many different age demographics. I believe that change is possible when a relaxed, non-judgmental climate is created. You will find that climate with me. I will walk along side of you during your time of need, helping reveal the blind spots that are not always apparent to ourselves. Self-Care and mental health are imperative in living a fulfilled life. Some of my approaches are Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Restoration Therapy, and Existential Therapy. Each Subscriber has different needs so I will tailor my approach to what your needs are. I look forward to working with you! https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/481635

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Janice Withrow

Offering therapy in GA
License: MS, CRC, LPC NCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoaching
14 years of experience

Serving more than fourteen years as a Georgia licensed professional and certified rehabilitation counselor has provided me with the opportunity to address individuals' needs who experience depression, anxiety, interpersonal and family challenges, grief and loss, caretaking challenges, trauma and stress, domestic violence, work, career concerns, disability management (neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental, TBI and vision), mood as well as psychotic and related disorders. Everyone experiences challenges in their life, and my approach is to find out where individuals tend to get "stuck", and enable them to identify concerns in order to move forward. Having a person centered approach that encourages exploration, resolution and wholeness. Engagement, encourages exploration and resolution of who we are, which is (mind) thoughts,(emotions) feelings, (body) physical and spirit (soul, rituals, beliefs, traditions, shadows) selves along with perceptions and blockages related to mother/father wounding. Various approaches are used in sessions including cognitive behavioral, psycho-dynamic, dialectical, narrative, mindfulness, attachment, emotionally and solution focused therapies. Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, EMDR (Certificate-Completion of Training) Owner of Inner Door Consulting, LLC. , "May your inner door be kept closed so that only good comes to you."

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James Wells

Offering therapy in GA
License: ABD, LPC-S,
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) licensed in the states of Alabama and Georgia. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC), certified sexual offender treatment specialist, certified sexual addiction therapist, and a certified trauma informed care therapist . I am also a Professor in Counselor Education and Supervision. I have over 20 years of counseling, industry and private practice experience. I combine my clinical counseling expertise with my business management expertise to offer clients a unique perspective of problem solving. In conjunction to private practice, I have worked in multinational, mental health hospital environments as a therapist, Assist Program Manager, Program Manager, and Clinical Director of Residential Services. I have worked extensively with individuals and groups at varied business levels, as well as with groups and organizations both domestically and internationally. My clinical experience includes hospital settings, substance abuse clinics, disaster response teams, at-risk adolescent group homes, family services agencies and private practice. Cliental range from large corporations to small- and family-owned businesses, to non-profit agencies, individuals, couples, and families. Specialties include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, anger management, stress management, premarital counseling, Couples and Family Counseling, Sexual dysfunction, Sexual Offending, Sexual Perpetration, Sexual Addiction, Counseling Supervision, and teaching at the highest levels of Counselor Education and Supervision Field.

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Theresa Fillingim

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Hello, I hope you are able to find the right counselor to help you at this present time. Finding a counselor takes a lot of courage to be open to share with someone you don't know and work on developing trust. Each time we meet, I will humbly work on earning your trust while teaching you new skills and tools to help you reach your goal. I've been a counselor in Georgia for 15 years. I have a BA in Theology/Philosophy from St. Joseph's College of Maine, Masters in Counseling and Psychology from University of West Alabama, and a Master in Divinity Pastoral Care from Mercer University Atlanta. I love helping others help themselves and practice a client-centered approach. I practice having a non-judgmental presence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy as the foundation for counseling. Focusing on a holistic and integrative approach which helps me understand your overall wellness physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have experience in helping others with anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma and abuse. My specialities are working with co-occurring disorders (more than one thing going on at the same time like trauma and anxiety or substance use/addictions and depression). I'm a certified addiction counselor, CACII since 2007. My goal is to help you find simple, measurable, and achievable ways to create goals in a timely manner to live a fulfilling and happier life.

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Shatevia Stone

Offering therapy in GA
Self esteem
10 years of experience

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) trained in the CBT model and equipped with over 10 years of experience working with Children/ adolescents and adults. Both in residential facilities, and private practice I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self-esteem, confidence, substance abuse, PTSD & Depression. Strong commitment to relational cultural sensitivity in all treatment. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Rebecca Clark

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Bethany Dollar

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is licensed in the state of Georgia with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients for many years of all ages with a realm of mental health issues and diagnoses. Some of the issues I focus on within my many years of practice are stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am extremely open minded regarding your own beliefs, background, and what contributes you to you believing you are a wonderful human being. I will always be here to reinforce your strengths, overcome your fears, and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you through the therapeutic process.

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Rikeisha Austin

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Lateka Williams

Offering therapy in GA
License: M.S., LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Lateka Williams I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe counseling offers people a safe space to express and process how they feel so they may begin to heal and move foreword. I have a holistic approach to therapy that involves treating the whole person. I combine CBT, DBT, and REBT, to help change thoughts and behaviors. Some of my areas of expertise are in addiction, grief, anxiety, depression, self esteem issues, adolescents, trauma, and family therapy. Over the years I have had the privilege of helping individuals and families move towards self fulfillment, peace, and stability. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, if you are ready to begin your journey allow me to assist and encourage 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 Muscogee, or in the greater state of Georgia.

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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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, Georgia 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 GA, 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 31905 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, Georgia 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:

31808, 31820, 31829, 31901, 31902, 31903, 31904, 31905, 31906, 31907, 31908, 31909, 31914, 31917, 31993, 31997, 31998, 31999

Popular cities near Columbus, GA

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