Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Columbia, SC

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and nationally certified counselor (NCC). I received my Bachelor of Science in psychology from Charleston Southern University and my Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling, including a Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, from Capella University. I have worked in the mental health field since 2013. I have worked with military/veterans, geriatrics, teens, children, LGBTQ community, PTSD, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, first-time mothers, job development, and anger management. 

I foster a client-centered CBT and DBT approach. I am certified in CBT for depression and suicide, DBT, CAMS-Care, ASIST, IPS, and anger management. I believe creating a safe and nonjudgmental space and building a genuine rapport is essential to aiding individuals in reaching personal goals. I base my services on the ACA Code of Ethics and state laws. 

I look forward to working with all potential clients and sending a warm welcome to each of you.

I am a licensed professional counselor and board-approved supervisor (LPC-S) with 25 years of experience supporting youth, adults, and families across schools, state agencies, and community settings. I work with clients ages 9 and up who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, major life transitions, family stress, and behavioral challenges—as well as the everyday pressure of balancing responsibilities while trying to care for themselves. My goal is to help clients build clarity, confidence, and emotional stability so they can move forward with greater peace and purpose.

My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and trauma-informed care. Together, we'll build practical coping skills, deepen your emotional awareness, and work through life's challenges at a pace that feels right for you. Clients can expect a calm, nonjudgmental space where their experiences are honored and their goals guide the work we do together.

You deserve support that meets you where you are. When you're ready to take that next step toward healing and clarity, I'd be honored to walk alongside you—schedule a session and let's begin.

Hi, I'm Dr. Troy Pharis, a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience and a doctoral degree in health science. For the past five years, my clinical work has focused on active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families—people who often carry high-stress experiences long after service ends. Having served 20 years myself, I understand life in uniform and aim to provide a space where you don't have to explain the basics to be understood. I typically work with clients who are dealing with trauma, stress, anxiety, irritability, difficulty adjusting, or feeling stuck with no momentum for change. 

I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an action-oriented approach that helps you stop getting stuck and start moving toward what matters most to you. I also incorporate EMDR to help process past events that may still be impacting you. Clients can expect a laid-back, informal environment with real conversations and tools that actually work. 

You don't have to have everything figured out to begin or even know where to start—if you're ready to move toward what matters most, I'm here to help you take that next step.