Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Columbia, SC

"Welcome! I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. In my practice, I utilize an integrative approach and treat the whole person, incorporating biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors."

Celeste Mendez is an accomplished, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner with a diverse skill set involving therapy, medication management, Christian counseling, marriage counseling, and expertise in a range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and various mood disorders. Beyond being a healthcare provider, Celeste is a loving mother of two children and finds immense joy in her faith, being actively involved in her church and community. Her spiritual beliefs serve as a foundation for her compassionate care and understanding of the human experience.

Celeste is dedicated to providing holistic care that addresses not only the physical aspects of health but also the spiritual and emotional dimensions. Her empathetic approach, combined with evidence-based treatments, fosters a trusting and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals can embark on their healing journey.

Celeste also embraces an active and healthy lifestyle, placing a strong emphasis on physical fitness and well-being. Her dedication to her own health sets a positive example for her patients and reinforces her holistic approach to mental healthcare.

"I treat others the way that I want to be treated. Focusing on meeting the client where they are and moving forward in progress to help you find your balance between mind, body, and soul. "

Melissa is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has worked to manage a wide variety of mental health concerns such as crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, ADHD, school and social issues, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, caregiver's fatigue, and addiction disorders. She is easy to talk to and helps you feel comfortable with sharing to best manage your mental and emotional health. She is compassionate in providing comprehensive mental health services to all ages. Melissa's role as a PMHNP includes medication manager, therapist, educator, and mental health advocate.

Melissa holds a Master's in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University and a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Campbell University. With more than 18 years of counseling and nursing experience, Melissa provides clients with medication management, incorporates various therapeutic techniques to improve mental health, and stays updated on current trends.

"Life is a challenge. It’s okay not to be okay. You have faced things that you never thought you would have to face over the last few years," says Melissa. She can assist you with managing or balancing your life's expedition, to create or reconnect with your better self. If you are ready to take the next steps to wellness, schedule an appointment with Melissa today!

Howard Malpass is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Supervisor (LPC-S), and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) who has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Howard's initial 5 years of counseling were as a substance abuse counselor in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the military, he worked within the substance use disorder and behavioral health fields as a counselor and clinical supervisor. Howard has worked with adolescents in a children's home environment (using mainly experiential therapy); worked with individuals, couples, and families; led Women's Intensive Outpatient AOD groups, multi-family groups, Life Skills groups, Mens' Sexual Addiction groups (in a Christian setting), aftercare groups, and many more.

Howard completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling at Webster University. He is trained in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational behavior therapy, family systems therapy, experiential therapy, person-centered therapy, modified-interpersonal group therapy, and more. Howard utilizes a strength-based perspective, collaborating with clients to find out what works best for them, allowing them to decide how they want to proceed, and supporting them in the process. All of his clients are ideal clients because he realizes that we are all humans with issues and needs. Howard is willing to work with any client with any need, but realizes his limitations and refers clients elsewhere before attempting to counsel them outside of his clinical experience.

Howard operates from a holistic perspective, recognizing that there is more to a person than just mental, emotional, and physical components. He also understands that behaviors are forms of communication and symptoms of deeper, underlying issues. Howard’s ability to use experiential techniques creates a unique environment that enables clients to engage in more than just "talk" therapy to help get to the "root" of those issues, so that they can learn and practice new life skills to assist them in their personal growth and healing. His use of motivational interviewing integrated with different therapeutic approaches, enhances the therapeutic relationship process, helping clients to move forward faster as they feel more invested in the process.

Howard seeks to meet clients where they are at and walk with them to assist with navigating through the ups and downs of their life journey. We all struggle at times as we journey through life. Our struggles often tend to isolate us from those who love and care about us, leading us into deeper levels of isolation and despair. Counseling can help to restore our sense of self and our supportive relationships. It reminds us that we are not alone and have intrinsic value that contributes to our wholeness, as well as the wholeness of society. Howard’s hope and desire is to be one of the links that reconnect you to your whole self and those you need in your life to support you in being the best "you" you can be. You are worth it!

"You can't control everything and everyone around you, but you can learn to control how you react to it by establishing boundaries and healthy coping skills to promote peace and balance for you."

Brittany Aiken is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 3 years of experience in mental health. She currently specializes in helping people dealing with symptoms of depression and anxiety due to various life changes. She creates a safe environment for you to talk about the things that are going on, assists you in determining what your goals for therapy are, and, through collaboration, helps you figure out changes that will work to accomplish those goals. During your time together, you and Brittany will build a rapport that will make you feel comfortable sharing, supported, and enthusiastic about the changes you've made.

Brittany utilizes a holistic approach, incorporating different techniques that may be beneficial to your personal needs. Additionally, she implements cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, person-centered techniques, and culturally sensitive therapy techniques.

Therapy is not a "one size fits all" type of situation. You are unique and your needs should be addressed based on you only. In order for therapy to be effective, you must be committed to the process and open to trying new things.

"As a seasoned therapist, I want to use my experiences and skills to create a place of genuine warmth and understanding to help people the best way I know how. "

Susan Boykin is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 40 years of experience in helping people live a fulfilling life. Susan completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Drew University and her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of South Carolina. Personal life experiences and years of practice have made her a seasoned therapist.

Susan believes therapy is a partnership based on warmth, compassion, and kindness. Her focus is on providing a safe and nonjudgmental relationship in which difficult thoughts and feelings are listened to. Susan knows a wide range of mental health approaches and uses these to design the best care for each person.

She enjoys sharing her skills with persons who are wanting to make positive changes in their life and realize their full potential. Susan believes personal growth and fulfillment is something we can all achieve, no matter our age. Schedule your initial session with her to start addressing the issues that matter.

"As a woman and a veteran, life can present us with challenges and barriers that we sometimes need assistance with getting through."

Candace Cox is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience working with clients of all ages who are struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, and anger issues due to work, family, school issues, or relationship dysfunction with their significant others. Candace also likes to help her clients by educating and teaching techniques to help alleviate some of the symptoms they are encountering.

Candace earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Webster University. She finds it particularly rewarding working with young people to help change their outlook on school, grades, and peer pressure. She has worked as part of a team with parents, teachers, and administrative staff to provide the appropriate level of therapy for the desired change in behavior. Candace ensures that every client is able to talk and reveal as much or as little as they feel comfortable doing. 

Candace strives to help you to envision and reflect on your life. She can uniquely assist you with her person-centered approach that relies on the principles of cognitive behavior therapy. Everyone needs someone to talk to, sometimes to just listen, and sometimes for sound advice or guidance.

As a woman and a veteran, Candace is well aware that life can present us with challenges and barriers that we sometimes need assistance with getting through.

Lee Edwards obtained his Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and his Master’s in Counseling from the University of North Texas. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina with 12 years of experience as a Counselor helping individuals overcome the barriers presented by depression, anxiety, anger issues, and vocational dissatisfaction. He has also assisted couples in managing the complexities of relationships and aided Law Enforcement Officers in contending with the difficulties encountered because of their vocation. Lee utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, relaxation & meditation techniques, and anger management processes to aid individuals and couples with movement toward their goals. As a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, he also has a good understanding of individuals who have chosen professions with unique challenges. Lee seeks to create a safe and trusting environment for you so that you can identify and move toward your goals, allowing you to pursue a life that is meaningful to you.

"As an adult who carries early childhood trauma, I understand that life can seem unbearable at times."

Robert McCloy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life’s most complex emotional and psychological challenges. His specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, low self-esteem, grief, life transitions, and relational concerns. He also offers expert guidance to parents seeking effective discipline strategies and works skillfully with children navigating behavioral and developmental hurdles.

Robert holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. He utilizes a client-centered, integrative approach, fostering trust and emotional safety while applying evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Clients working with Robert often find a steady ally and someone who listens deeply, responds with empathy, and helps illuminate the path toward healing and growth. He creates a space where individuals feel empowered to be fully themselves and to move forward with clarity and confidence.