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, which 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.

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Nicole Woolery

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am an independently licensed social worker (LISW) for the state of Ohio. I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults. I have worked in hospital, community, office and school based settings. I began my career working in the inner-city schools with at-risk children. For the next few years my experience focused on working with kids and families related to trauma/abuse and integrated care (mental and physical health). In 2012 I expanded my experience working with adults in a hospital setting to provide psychosocial assessments and group therapy. I started private practice in 2015 and have enjoyed working with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. I utilize a strength-based, solution-focused and collaborative approach. Treatment is tailored to the individual by using a variety of different types of therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Therapy (TFCBT) and more. I believe in increasing awareness, developing cognitive diffusion, identifying values and improving mindfulness for clients to live a rich meaningful life. I am able to use a Christian based approach to counseling for those who are interested. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists of Ohio Board Law: Electronic service delivery shall require an initial face-to-face meeting, which may be via video/audio(phone) electronically, to verify the identity of the electronic service delivery client, due to the laws in the state of Ohio.

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Carl DeJohn

Offering therapy in OH
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

My counseling approach/style comes from a client/person-centered, Humanistic, non-judgmental point of view. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and that every person has the ability – within themselves – to not only enact change, but be their own change agent. I have 14 years experience in the behavioral health field (mental health, substance use, and co-occurring) in counseling individuals, couples, and children and families as well. I hope to help those on BetterHelp recognize the strengths within themselves and how they can use those strengths to make the progress they wish to see in themselves.

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Sara November

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsBipolar disorderDepression
13 years of experience

Hi and welcome to Betterhelp! My name is Sara November and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 15 years of experience, based in NE Ohio. My work has focused on helping individuals overcome a wide array of issues in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I have worked with individuals and families struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and grief and loss. I have a special interest in working with individuals who are exploring behavioral change in conjuction with weight loss. My passion is helping others to realize that with support, they have the power to overcome tremendous obstacles and to attain a better quality of life. My approach to counseling is described as warm, empathic, and with a primary focus on tailoring treatment to each individual's needs. It's important to me that as the therapeutic relationship is built, we maintain an open dialog and constantly reevaluate efficacy. I believe in being consistent with therapy and tend to look for solutions that will provide lasting changes. Quick fixes are not something that I am interested in. I take an integrated approach. Thank you for taking the step of coming to Betterhelp. I firmly believe that asking for help is one of the hardest things we can do! My hope is that we can work together to help you find lasting solutions!

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Candice Alig

Offering therapy in OH
License: MS, LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hi! My name is Candice and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor; holding my independent license in both Kentucky and Ohio. I have been working in the mental health field for over 7 years. I have served as both an individual and group counselor for people struggling with addictions, anxiety, depression, self esteem issues, communication troubles, family and/or relationship conflict, and much more. I have extensive knowledge in substance abuse issues, having worked with that population for nearly 5 years. I obtained my bachelor's degree in anthropology and master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, both from Northern Kentucky University. I have always been interested in learning about people through their stories and decided to become a counselor in hopes of making a positive impact in people's lives. I understand that seeking counseling can be a big (and sometimes scary) step, therefore I embrace my clients with kindness and without judgement. I enjoy assisting clients in identifying their own strength and using these to achieve the life they desire (and deserve). I do this by utilizing mostly CBT, ACT, and MBSR strategies, tailoring these to my client's needs. I am grateful for the privilege to work along side of you as you take this step in your life!

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Susan Lipkin

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

Hi and thank you so much for considering working with me as your counselor. I have been a licensed clinical social worker since 1988, and became independently licensed in 1999. I have a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work. I work with a client-centered approach, listening carefully to what you as the client need and what you already know works best for you. I have spent seven years in private practice as a psychotherapist, and I have worked in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and in veterans' services. I work well with both men and women and I have provided couples' and family therapy. I have worked extensively with people who have survived sexual and physical abuse and with individuals dealing with a wide range of traumatic experiences, including military-related trauma. I have also worked extensively with women who have experienced domestic violence and who are trying to cope with the stressors they experience at different stages of their lives. I have a special interest in infertility and helping individuals and couples work through the emotional extremes that can be a part of the experience of infertility. I have worked with older adults who are confronting issues relating to aging. My experience has been that no one approach works for everyone, and clients may need to work with different approaches to therapy at different times. Flexibility in psychotherapy approaches helps me meet the real-time, real-life needs of each individual. I have received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and will use that form of therapy when it meets the needs of the individual. I have helped individuals deal with depression, anxiety, difficult life choices, and relationship problems. I offer a safe space to be yourself, with acceptance, warmth, and the absence of judgement. I hope I can be of help to you and I look forward to getting to know you.

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Dr. Samantha Haudenschield

Offering therapy in OH
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
17 years of experience

As a Clinical Psychologist, I have training in a wide range of therapeutic techniques. During my original training I held a dual specialization in Health Psychology (aka Medical Psychology) and adult psychotherapy. I have done rotations working in community mental health centers, college counseling centers, medical practices, and outpatient clinics. I have 17 years of experience working with individuals with a variety of concerns ranging from relationship difficulties to severe depression and anxiety disorders (and almost everything in between). I have a special affinity for working with neurodivergent individuals and have experience with a variety of interventions for ADHD in adults of all ages. I have worked to help many people through major life transitions, to develop coping skills to manage stress, to develop self-awareness, and to adjust thoughts and perceptions to support emotion regulation and overall wellbeing. For the past 12 years I have also taught college-level psychology courses on various topics, including interpersonal relationships; stress, coping, and adjustment; positive psychology; neuroscience; and health psychology. As a result, my therapy interventions are based in research findings that support their use; combined with my own experiences with clients over the years. I view the whole person - including neurological and biological processes, social, and cultural factors - in determining what approaches may work best. My typical focus is on short-term treatment modalities. I work from primarily cognitive-behavioral perspective, but implement techniques from many approaches to fit the individual and their needs. I believe that each person is unique and therapy cannot take a one-size fits all approach. It is important to note that I do not have training in specific methods for treating trauma (such as EMDR) and will often decline to treat acute traumatic reactions in a virtual setting. In addition, my schedule sometimes fluctuates from week to week and I cannot guarantee that the same appointment times will be available each week. I do make certain there are enough appointment times available for my current clients, however times and days may be variable.

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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!

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Natalie Alepin

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPCC,LPC,MA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
27 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio and California and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Arizona with 28 years of experience working in crisis, outpatient and inpatient settings. I have worked with clients from 3 to the 90's with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger management, career challenges, existential crisis, and ADHD. I also helped many people with debilitating medical illnesses and chronic pain. I am flexible and available for reality therapy if requested. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with unconditional positive regard. I am respectful, sensitive, and compassionate. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. You are taking steps towards change and I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Brittany Fitzgerald

Offering therapy in OH
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

My counseling style is supportive and non-judgmental. My purpose it to provide you with a safe place to process, grow and heal. As a therapist I am here to empower, support and guide you on your journey of personal growth and change. I utilize a collaborative, holistic and strengths based approach to treatment. I believe in the importance of treating and healing mind, body and spirit for overall wellbeing. I am a licensed independent clinician social worker, based in Massachusetts. I have been working in the the mental health field for 11 years. I have a Bachelors in Science from Bridgewater State University and a Masters in Social Work from Boston University. I have experience working in various settings, both inpatient and outpatient with clients dealing with a wide range of issues. I spent the first part of my career working in addiction treatment programs providing therapy and education to individuals and families. I spent 6 years contracted with State Prisons and County Jails working directly with incarcerated adult male clients providing services such as crisis intervention, anger management, substance abuse treatment and general supportive counselling . I've recently been working as a clinical director for a substance abuse treatment facility. I am experienced with a variety of issues such as addictions, family issues, adjustment issues, self care, depression, anxiety and life changes. I take a special interest in positive psychology and working from a strengths based approach.

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Dwayne Williams

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia and Ohio with 15 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.

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 43212 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 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:

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

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