As a thriving Midwest city, Columbus OH is home to thousands of busy professionals, not to mention the students grinding away at Ohio State University. And while industry makes for an energetic and exciting environment, it can also lead to excess stress. And for many workers and students, it’s normal to feel isolated and lonely even in a big city. 

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

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

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

This is Brian Nowak's avatar and link to their profile

Brian Nowak

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPCC,LICDC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger management
31 years of experience

I am a Professional Clinical Counselor licensed in the State of Ohio. I earned a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Akron, Ohio. I have been practicing counseling for the past 30 years. I have the ability to establish a warm and caring relationship where you will be heard and understood. My counseling style is person-centered and solution-focused. Throughout the counseling process we will identify irrational beliefs, negative emotions and unhealthy behaviors. We will then establish goals to learn effective copings skills. I believe the goal of counseling is to live a happier and healthier life by learning and practicing effective coping techniques that last a lifetime. Every technique and exercise, such as cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT) techniques, Mindfulness and Relaxation exercises; I practice on a regular basis.

Get started View profile
This is Crissy Kolarik's avatar and link to their profile

Crissy Kolarik

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPCC-S
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
21 years of experience

Hello! My name is Crissy, I believe the best work is done in treatment when there is trust and a positive clinical relationship. Everyone has different issues as well as different ways of facilitating change. Therefore I focus treatment on the needs of the individual which may be eccletic and ever changing. I hope to help clients find their own way to a positive outcome. I am very warm and engaging with a respecful approach. My experience in counseling over the past 26 years includes work with invidivuals and couples. Areas of practice include, but not limited to, Depression, Anxiety, Abuse and Trauma, Intimacy issues, relationship issues, anger management, self-esteem, parenting issues, motivation, stress managem and adjustment. I also worked with adult students needing career guidance. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling as well as a Bachelor's in Art Therapy and have worked with Art, Drama and Journaling in Therapy. It takes courage and strength to take a positive step towards a better "You". I look forward to supporting and empowering you during this journey.

Get started View profile
This is Erica Bankston's avatar and link to their profile

Erica Bankston

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW,LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I believe in the power of therapy to help heal, restore, and encourage a greater understanding of ourselves and our stories. I believe that everyone has the potential to change and improve with encouragement, accountability, and support. I meet clients exactly where they are in their unique journey and help them focus and build on their strengths while working through their challenges. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with almost 20 years of experience working with individuals and groups of all ages. Currently my focus has been treating those who struggle with anxiety, depression, illness, self-esteem, trauma, parenting, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with their other life challenges. When not working, I love to spend time with my family (including my husband, 4 sons, & our german shepherd), read, color, write, listen to music, and explore parks.

Get started View profile
This is Lorren Ratley's avatar and link to their profile

Lorren Ratley

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-Supervising
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

When I'm working with you, the focus is you--nothing else. You deserve to be truly heard and responded to with support, directness, and honesty. You may want assistance with seeing things in a new way and developing new ways to approach challenges. You may want to better understand what has held you back or why you have certain fears. I'm here to help you explore and understand these things and come away with practical solutions and useful tools. I practiced family and individual counseling in an urban setting for 7 years, and began supervising other therapists during that time as well. I've worked with parents to help them better support their children and teens, and worked with their kids individually as well. I believe I can help guide you through the challenge you're facing right now, and see you through to the other side where there's more hope that you might have thought. Look forward to meeting you...

Get started View profile
This is Judea Castillo Winter's avatar and link to their profile

Judea Castillo Winter

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW,LCSW,MSSA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile! My primary approach to practice is based on Humanistic Psychology with an emphasis on Strength Based approaches. I started out as a psych major (BA) and later went into social work with a Master's in Social Work to gain a broad perspective. I am licensed in Montana, Kentucky and Ohio as a LCSW and LISW respectively. I have worked with complex cases and multiple populations (i.e., older adults and their families, Dual Diagnosis and SUD, LGBTQ, forensic, domestic violence, motivational and coaching, depression and anxiety, trauma, poverty and veterans). I enjoy working with people. Often, in therapy, it can be a little tough in the beginning, before you feel better. I have found that sometimes talking about these issues make them real, concrete, which can be very scary. My virtual office is a safe place. There is no judgement. I can work with different situations and work as a team or more of a guide to find the answers in you. In the Humanistic view, our stance is that we all hold the answers inside of us, we sometimes need assistance in bringing them out. I work from the perspective that you are the expert on you. My goal is to help you to feel better and to see a brighter future ahead. Thank you for your courage to pursue this avenue! Note: Just a reminder for clients, please make sure you are residing in Montana, Ohio or Kentucky to receive services. If you travel out of town, please make sure to schedule only when back in one of those states. I know it's tricky during the holidays and school breaks!

Get started View profile
This is Michelle Perkins's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Perkins

Offering therapy in OH
License: LCSW,LISW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I have worked as a therapist for over twelve years with individuals, couples and families. My experience includes assisting individuals and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, anger issues, sleep disturbance, parenting difficulty, self-esteem, and relationship difficulty and addiction issues. It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist to get the most out of the therapeutic relationship. I am here to assist you in reaching your goals through education, empowerment, empathy, and support. I am licensed in Florida as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Ohio as a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I utilize a variety of evidenced based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral, Rational Emotive Behavior, Dialectical Behavior, Client Centered, Emotionally Focused, and Solution focused. I believe each person has their own story, their own experience and therefore therapy style needs to be geared toward each individuals needs and goals. I look forward to working with you.

Get started View profile
This is Joanette Pulskamp-Jackson's avatar and link to their profile

Joanette Pulskamp-Jackson

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
24 years of experience

Hello and thank you for reaching out to ask for help. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio with over 20 years of experience working in community and hospital settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting special needs children, and managing the struggles of being a caregiver to the geriatric and chronically ill population. My therapy style is casual, warm and interactive. I believe in treating every client with respect, sensitivity, and kindness. My approach combines solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral theories to best help the client. I have helped clients who have had emotional and physical trauma in the past. I will adapt our sessions and create a treatment plan that focuses on your identified needs. It takes courage to reach out and take the first step to make your life more fulfilling. If you are prepared to take the first step, I am ready to provide support and empowerment to you. I look forward to meeting you!

Get started View profile
This is Laurel Bourgeois's avatar and link to their profile

Laurel Bourgeois

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Jason Armentrout's avatar and link to their profile

Jason Armentrout

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed therapist in Ohio with 5 years of clinical experience and 7 years experience working in the community as a case manager. I work with clients ages young to old with a wide range of problems including depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of traumas experienced from physical, emotional and sexual abuse. My approach to therapy places the importance of establishing the therapeutic relationship first to build rapport and trust. Therapy is a professional partnership working together towards a better you. I believe it is important to treat everyone with compassion, understanding, respect, and without judgement. My approach integrates solution focused with cognitive-behavioral and relational psychodynamic therapy. An individual's treatment is catered to each individual based on their needs. Therapy is a journey that takes commitment, courage, and hard work to create change for a healthier and happier you. Treatment is done with you not to you as we work together towards a treatment goal that is developed together. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Pamela Brown-Anderson 's avatar and link to their profile

Pamela Brown-Anderson

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Columbus

Finding the best therapist close by in Columbus can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Columbus. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Columbus, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Columbus or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Columbus area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Columbus, elsewhere in Franklin, or in the greater state of Ohio.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Columbus therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Columbus due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Columbus may not take health insurance, some in the state of Ohio may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Ohio you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Columbus, Ohio working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Columbus above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Columbus helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Columbus therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Columbus therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Columbus therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in OH, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 43251 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Columbus counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Columbus licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Columbus, Ohio can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Columbus has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Columbus.

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

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

Popular cities near Columbus, OH

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist