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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Jennifer Kirkpatrick

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPC,NCC,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with a master's degree in clinical mental health with experience in working with a multitude of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting, and couples counseling. I also have extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) which has been a useful tool in helping others not only cope with current concerns, but assist them in coping with future endeavors. I believe in creating a strong, trusting, therapeutic environment where people feel comfortable, motivated, and not judged. I use solution-focused techniques to assist in reaching goals and CBT techniques to help with concerns such as negative thought patterns. Every person is different and you will have your own individualized therapy and plan that tailors to your needs. I really enjoy helping others explore their own strengths and I understand that sometimes it can be hard to put things into perspective. Sometimes that outside and non-judgmental assistance is what someone needs to get back on track or on a better track. You can do it! Jennifer Maggar LPC NCC

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Daniel Held

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
43 years of experience

I am a highly experienced therapist licensed in Ohio with over 40 years of experience providing individual, couple, and family counseling across a wide spectrum of persons and life-style choices. Though having successfully treated a large variety of personal and relational problems over the years, my most common successes have been in helping persons solve their anxiety, depression, traumatic memories, grief and loss, of aging, or marital and other relationship problems. As I work to help free up the stuck places in people's lives, I draw from their own strengths especially but also my own strengths and experiences achieved over the course of my own 74 years, 53 years of marriage, and 43 years of post-Masters clinical training. I draw from my 1977 Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from The Ohio State University, as well as a 2002 Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from United Theological Seminary. My specialty training over the years has been in Structural/Strategic Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Gerontology. My work is informed by a strong spiritual faith from a Christ-centered perspective. I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy that begins with the present but utilizes past and present strengths to build toward your own preferred future. If you are ready to take the first steps toward a more satisfying life, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Jacob Meddles

Offering therapy in OH
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

My name is Jacob Meddles. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in the state of Ohio. I received my master degree in mental health counseling from the University of Cincinnati in 2016. I have 3 years experience working with clients mostly with depression, anxiety, and/or addiction issues. My style of therapy is client centered. You have to live your life not me, so I want to help you make your own decisions not tell you what to do. I will help you set your own goals and try to give you the best tools to help you meet those goals. I will treat you with the respect and dignity that all people deserve no matter your situation. Starting counseling is a big choice and most people can benefit from counseling from time to time. I would love to help you grow and meet your goals.

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Dell Bednar

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPCC-S,LCDC III
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Welcome! I am a professional counselor licensed in Ohio with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, career choices, life changes, and general mental health. I also have worked with those struggling with addiction. My counseling style is interactive. I believe in treating all with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, narrative, solution-focused, and person-centered therapy. The dialog and treatment plan is tailored to meet your specific needs. It takes courage to reach out for help. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Kirk Sheppard

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPCC-S,LICDC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I believe your story is important. The pain, the victories, the traumas, and the triumphs - all of those elements come together in a way that can either devastate us, hold us back, or motivate us to move forward. I want to cheer you on as you move farther forward than you imagined was possible. I have a compassionate, empathetic, and kind heart. Because we talk about some hard things, my unique sense of humor is a purposeful tool used to disarm and relax you as we find the best strategies to help move you towards your goals. I believe that all clients who want to get better can get better. As your provider, I will extend hope - even if you may currently not be able to. My positive attitude, combined with a realistic perspective and honest feedback, can help you improve your life. If you are primarily interested in asynchronous messaging, I'm thrilled to work with you, as this is one of my specialties. I also offer 30-minute counseling sessions via messaging, phone, and video - your choice. We have relationships with other people, of course, but we also are in relationships with places and things and concepts - and with ourselves. We need to fully understand those relationships and how they impact our wellness and happiness. I want to hear your stories. I want to understand your point of view. And I want to help you better understand all of your relationships. When it comes to my style, my approach is heavily influenced by the work of Jean Baker Miller and Relational-Cultural Theory, but I also utilize a variety of tools from other theories like Cognitive-Behavioral, Reality Therapy, Adlerian, and Gestalt. Because I have an eclectic toolbox, I’m able to choose tools, interventions, and approaches that will work for just about anyone’s personality. I love to look at the root causes for your problems and can discuss these issues in both philosophical ways and practical ones, too. I'll work hard to provide you with what you need - but if at any time you don't think we're a good fit, you can change providers at any time. I'll also be honest with you if I think you'd do better working with someone else. I respond to messages within 24 hours (except for weekends) and often much sooner. Also, I regularly send check-in messages, some encouraging words, housekeeping items, and writing prompts to make sure we're connecting and engaging together. I look forward to working with you!

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Tiffany Peery

Offering therapy in OH
License: MS,LPCC-S
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for considering me to help you along in your journey. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Supervisor in Ohio and have experience in many different areas of counseling and mental well-being. I attended Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York for my bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. While there, I had the opportunity to experience a lot of work in the field of psychology with work-study and community opportunities. I highly enjoyed serving my community then, and am excited to serve an even larger community here with my skills and experience. I attended The State University of New York at Oswego for my master's degree in mental health counseling. During this time, I was also able to serve a diverse community through internships. After receiving my master's degree in 2012, I worked in a private practice, where I gained even more experience and hours for licensure. I currently work for a community based mental health company in a local school in Ohio with elementary aged children. I have been working with adults again in private practice for the past 3 years and am enjoying it very much. My treatment approaches in therapy are eclectic and encompass a variety of techniques. I enjoy developing new skills and tools to use with my clients. My belief is that even if I have experienced the exact situation that you have experienced, we think and feel about those experiences in different ways. I strive to meet my clients where they are and work with them from there to develop the skills and coping methods that they need in order to feel the most well. Most of my clients describe me as laid back and very artistic. I view therapy as a science (that I have studied for over 15 years now) and an art form. I view the brain and our feelings as similar to a large closet. All of our life experiences get put into our closet-sometimes in a messy way and sometimes in a neat way. It is important how we keep our closets-many times we are so busy that we don't have time to process our feelings and things that happen to us, so we run to our closet and throw them in and slam the door as quickly as we can. After a while things start to spill out. My goal as your therapist is to help you arrange your closet in a way that is healthy for you-our experiences and feelings will always be there, but if we can fold them up neatly and put them away they are less likely to create chaos in our day to day lives. My job is to help you with the things that are more difficult to clean up by yourself. Just like folding those pesky fitted sheets can be a chore to do on your own, so can some of your life experiences and feelings. I am here to help you in this journey.

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Deborah Anderson

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW,LCSW
AddictionsGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

Hello! My name is Deborah Anderson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Texas. I am also a Licensed Independent Social worker (LISW) in Ohio, my home state. I have worked with people challenged by substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, grief and loss. My approach is solution focused, I want to work collaboratively with clients to identify ways to work through the things that have been barriers to their having a fulfilling life. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral therapy to help clients restructure the life beliefs that have hindered them from reaching their identified potential. When working with clients I want to meet them where they are and work with them to determine not only where they want to go in life, but also by what mode they would like to get there. I feel that I'm a visitor on a journey my client has invited me to experience with them. Specialties Addiction Depression Anxiety Also experienced in: anger management, grief and loss, trauma, family matters, child protective service involvement, self esteem, forgiveness, coaching, caregiver fatigue. Clinical Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, client centerd therapy Years of experience: 12

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Sierra Willis

Offering therapy in OH
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

Let me be your mirror, by providing you with a reflection of who holds all the tools for solving your problems. I believe that we all have the answers within us. My job as a therapist is to support and provide different approaches to discovering those answers. I work to provide a safe and warm environment, where we can talk and work together at uncovering any questions you may have. I believe in taking a collaborative approach, utilizing the strengths and insights of each person, to help make positive change and provide hope for the future. My clients find me trustworthy, reliable and compassionate. We will work together to construct a plan that fits your own uniqueness. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor. I’ve worked in the college, prison, school system and community setting.

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Kavin Shah

Offering therapy in OH
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, lgbt-related issues & depression. 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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Tracey Zion

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky and Ohio with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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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 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 43229 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

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