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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Dr. Emily Kowalski

Offering therapy in OH
License: PhD
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Dr. Emily Kowalski. I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Medina, Ohio. My passion is helping my clients pursue personal goals, achieve wellness, and savor the joys of life. I provide evidence-based treatment for depression, stress, trauma-related difficulties, relationship issues, chronic mental health conditions, and general personal growth. My psychotherapy approach includes cognitive behavioral, short-term psychodynamic, and humanistic elements. My interpersonal style is friendly, open-minded, empowering, respectful, and flexible. I work with each new client to develop a personalized plan for therapy based on individual values, goals, and preferences. Regarding specialties, I have an expertise in therapy for depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and chronic mental illness. Additionally, I have over ten years of experience working with Veterans of all service eras on issues both combat and non-combat related. I also have a passion for working with individuals who have experienced difficulty with fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum-related issues or traumas. Regarding my credentials, I completed my undergraduate education at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 2003. I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toledo in 2008. I worked for ten years at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, and transitioned to a virtual private practice in 2019. Please contact me for more information. I am eager to work with you and support you on your recovery and wellness journey.

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Angela Ellison

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW,LCSW,LISW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hello. My name is Angie Ellison. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood swings, insomnia, or grief, I would like to offer you a chance to work with me on finding ways you can feel better and have a healthier life. I can also help with many other issues including overeating and lifestyle changes to improve conditions like diabetes or COPD. I want clients to feel comfortable talking with me, so here is a little more information about who I am. I have been a social worker for 25 years. I have worked in several states and with a wide variety of clients. I have experience working in hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis clinics, outpatient therapy centers and more. I have worked with people of all ages. I hold a master’s in social work degree from the University of Kentucky and current clinical licensure in Ohio and Kentucky. I enjoy my work and like to interact with others. I have a strength-based approach to therapy. I can help you develop coping skills based on your own existing strengths. I believe that everyone is unique. We all have our own hopes, dreams, disappointments, and traumatic events in life. Therapy is way to explore your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It allows each person to move forward and to develop a plan to reach and maintain the healthiest level of functioning possible. I take my commitment to each client seriously. We can communicate in the way that works best for your schedule. It can be by phone, messaging, or video chat. The choice is yours. I look forward to working with you.

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Kristen Shores

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemADHD
16 years of experience

I am an independent social worker licensed in Ohio with over 15 years of counseling experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD and grief and loss. I also have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and client centered 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 and to take the first step towards a change. 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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Dr. Ulia Fisher

Offering therapy in OH
License: PhD,IMFT-S,LPCC-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for your consideration to work with me. My main goals in our work together are to develop a strong therapeutic relationship through empathy and to develop an effective treatment plan to meet your personal goals for growth. I started working as a counselor in 2013 and received my PhD in 2017, with dual concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Individual Counseling. I am a licensed Professional Counselor (LPCC-Supervisor), in the state of Ohio. I have been privileged to work in a variety of settings, with kids, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My hours are 9AM to 6PM, Eastern Time. I look forward to working with you! Ulia Fisher, Ph.D., LPCC-S

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Tami Childs

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW, LISW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Thanks for checking me out; it’s important to find a good fit! Research shows that it’s the quality of the Therapeutic Relationship that determines success in therapy, not the practice model or the credential of the therapist, so be sure and work with someone you really feel comfortable with. Because of that fact, I bring humor, kindness and empathy in a down-to-earth conversational style. I may throw some nerdy brain science at you, here and there, but therapy can be fun, no matter how challenging the issues may be. I can tell you that I draw from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy, but again, that’s not what predicts success, it’s how well we vibe. While I’m settled in Ohio now, I’ve lived all over the country from the Northeast to the Southwest, and also abroad in both Europe and Asia. My lifetime experience around the globe fostered an appreciation for different cultures, ethnicities and customs, and I truly feel enriched by diversity in all things. Both my BSSW (Summa Cum Laude) and my Masters in Social Work (MSW) came from The Ohio State University, and indeed, I am a happily Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), and have spent the past five years working as a Dual Diagnosis Therapist, which means I treat both Mental Health and Addiction. As a Desert Storm Veteran, I can speak military jargon and am well versed in military culture, so if you’re a veteran, or close to someone who is, I feel uniquely qualified to help. Other populations I enjoy working with are people of color and diverse ethnic origins, people on the spectrum who are not neuro-typical and people preferring alternative lifestyles. I am also a Certified Ally to the LGBTQAI community. Whether you're dealing with anxiety and depression, or have experienced trauma and loss. You can feel better and I'd really like the chance to help you get there. Even just one session can make a difference, so I hope you give yourself a chance. You deserve it!

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Kelly Walsh

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW, LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
31 years of experience

Hello, I am Kelly Walsh. I have a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology from the University of Evansville and Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. I have specialized training in trauma treatment, but I am also conversant in the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, attachment issues, and relationship issues. My treatment approach is to create a culture of safety and trust. Some people call this the therapeutic relationship. I believe in a concept created by Carl Rogers, a pioneer in psychotherapy, called "unconditional positive regard". Simply put, that means that regardless of what the client says in treatment, my job as the therapist is to respond to the client with respect, reverence, and kindness. This relational model allows the client to feel safe enough to do the work such as sharing and processing feelings, to achieve the goals they have chosen. I have known from very early in my career that I wanted to practice psychotherapy. I also knew that I wanted to practice client-centered therapy which is basically just what is sounds like. I allow the client to guide the process and support them in their own path to feeling better. Further, I believe that there is a solution to every problem. I will build upon existing strengths and use an open approach to healing. For example, some people find humor effective in therapy. Others find story telling, music, and reminiscence to be helpful. We are not bound to conventional forms of treatment. I like to approach therapy individually, there is no one-size-fits-all, in my experience. And my experience is based not just on what I know or have learned from school, but also in my experience as human being. I have had lots of other roles in my life, like mother, daughter, partner,co-parent, to name some. I am proud of my teachings from life as well as the fact that my career turns 30 this year. I hope my experiences as a clinician and as a person can benefit you through therapy. I invite the client to give feedback to me, so that I am aware of what is effective and what is not. It helps me as therapist to know what to eliminate if it isn't working. I serve all populations with kindness and respect. My role in the queer community is that of ally. Finally, Id like the reader of this profile to know that I have chosen this profession because I love it. I am privileged and humbled to be able to help in the way that I do. I feel rooted, connected, fulfilled when I am providing my kind of help. I look forward to getting to know you and sharing in your movement from where you are now to where you would like to be.

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Jeff Rhein

Offering therapy in OH
License: LPCC-s (OH E4065),LICDC-CS (OH)
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Jeff Rhein was trained at Wright State University, graduating with Masters of Rehabilitation Counseling in 2000 and has since been in the field. Mr. Rhein's first job was in crisis counseling at a local county jail. Over the years he has been part of crisis response teams providing prehospital screening and also worked in outpatient settings seeing clients with general mental health and substance use issues. Mr. Rhein has helped to facilitate trainings on the topics of crisis intervention, motivational interviewing and supervision. Most of his clinical experience has been in the outpatient world of treatment and he has spent 17 of the last years supervising clinicians. Mr. Rhein has also been teaching crisis intervention at the graduate level.

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Heather Hudson

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I'm looking forward to getting to know you and to the work that we are going to complete together. I began doing clinical work while living in Los Angeles. I pursued degrees in Psychology and Social Work while working as a therapist with children. Since moving to San Diego, I have enjoyed work as a therapist for all ages and as a school social worker, while also nurturing my own growing family. The work that I do has emerged from the love that I have for children, as well as for those who were children once. We all need to know that we have someone on our side that we can count on, someone who cares, and someone who allows us to feel heard. I cherish every opportunity to be that someone in the life of another. I will always tailor the work that we do to your specific needs and goals. I believe in a strengths-based, solution-focused model, and that you are the expert in your therapy and your progress. I also utilize research-based practices to help incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness practices into the work that we will engage in.

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David Morris

Offering therapy in OH
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jaime Surber

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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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 43110 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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