One of the things that makes Columbus, GA, unique is that it was planned before it was founded. The State of Georgia set aside some land for the development of Columbus, the idea being that it would established as a trading post to strengthen the western border. It was established in 1828 and became a shipping and manufacturing center. It’s always nice when things go according to plan, but sometimes, life challenges can get the better of us. 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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Tia Gitgood

Offering therapy in GA
License: LCSW,LMSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGrief
10 years of experience

I have seen first hand that life is hard. I have been encouraged to see the power of therapy across all settings and over all barriers. I have seen lives changed; I love my job. My name is Tia Gitgood. I am a Social Worker licensed in Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia with over 10 years of experience. I have worked in various settings from in-home to community clinics. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from Georgia State University. I utilize a mix of therapies. My priority is to help my client. I work to stay up to date on new research to ensure that if something can help, I know about it. I primarily utilize cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and motivational interviewing. I believe the whole person must be treated. If you are not your emotional best, your body will tell you. I would love to take this journey to healing with you when you are ready.

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Nancy Avalone

Offering therapy in GA
License: LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. I have been working in the mental health field since 2005 and have worked with many people dealing with relationship issues, depression, anxiety and OCD as well as, family issues, individuals with addiction and couples counseling. My counseling style is casual, interactive and thought provoking, using a variety of counseling modalities that is best match to you. Not all therapy approaches fit everyone. Therefore, the best therapy approach can be one, or a combination of: cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, person-centered and motivational interviewing styles. You have taken a very important step! Reaching out to seek additional supports is a strength and a great beginning to feeling better and more fulfilled! Keep in mind, that a healthy therapeutic relationship is essential to reaching your goals. So remember, if, after three sessions you feel I am not a good fit for you, please seek out someone at betterhelp that might be, that's what I want for you. Speak to you soon!

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Erica Crawford

Offering therapy in GA
License: LCSW
LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesADHD
4 years of experience

Hey! If you're looking in to BetterHelp, I imagine you're struggling with something significant in your life. Good for you for looking to get help with these concerns! Being able to connect with your therapist is a big part of the process; I know first hand how scary it can be. I want to tell you a little about me to let you decide if my experience and therapy approach may be a good fit for you and your needs. My name is Erica and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of GA. I have been a Social Worker for more than 14 years with experience with various populations, in various settings. I have worked with clients with a broad range of concerns from: anxiety, depression, life change, LGBTQ+ related issues, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, grief and loss, family dynamic concerns, and many more. Clients have given me feedback stating I am calm, a great listener, empathetic, nonjudgmental, and give clients a space to feel safe communicating their concerns. My goal is to offer clients a person who supports them and someone who is willing to walk thru the tough situations they are experiencing. I am available to communicate with you in whatever manner best suits your needs, lifestyle, and schedule. I'm available mainly in the evenings or on weekends and I will check messages at least once per day. If you feel that I would be a good fit for you, I would consider it a privilege to be part of your journey.

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Erik Schmitt

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Cinnamin Rivers

Offering therapy in GA
License: M.Ed.,L.P.C.
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemADHD
10 years of experience

We all need the support of our families and friends. We want to be happy inside our schools and work places. We struggle at times inside ourselves too. Sometimes, we each need support through independent helpers to feel and do our best. That’s where I come in and join your support team. Together, we build upon your strengths and set up an achievable plan to overcome the obstacles! As a licensed counselor with a M.Ed. since 2010 inside schools and an LPC licensure since 2013 inside the global community, my talent is listening to where you are and helping you achieve your goals. Through a combination of skill building exercises and reflective conversations, you’ll practice the steps to success in order to put your best foot forward—in relationships, learning, career and in self-care. Living around the globe has given me a unique perspective that we are all challenged and blessed with ways to see our lives. And, we can each find a purpose for—and a way through—grief, anger and anxiety. I hope to meet you! You’ll find that counseling will be positive, encouraging and at times emotion-filled. By focusing our time on what YOU want to achieve out of our sessions, growth happens in less time than many people believe. After all, our time together is to help you get back to being successful and satisfied. Message me to get started.

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Jasmine Harden

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Therapy is not a one size fit all and neither are the interventions from the framework I use in sessions (Dialectical Behavioral, Cognitive Behavior , Trauma Focused, and Acceptance and Commitment therapies). I will tailor our dialogue 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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Dr. Chris Bell

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder
9 years of experience

Hello. And thank you for checking out my profile. Unfortunately, I am not accepting new clients at this time.

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Dr. Kathy Robinson

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Robert Rosen

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Kathy Powell

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with eight years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping individuals who are struggling with depression, stress and anxiety, trauma history, family conflicts, bipolar disorder and alcohol or substance use concerns. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I use a person-centered approach to therapy. Individuals know what they want for their lives. 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.

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 31901 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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

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