Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Columbia, SC

Joanne Schrock is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 5 years of experience working with individuals in an inpatient behavioral health unit as well as a counselor in an emergency room setting. Additionally, she has provided telehealth to individuals with a variety of behavioral health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and grief. Additionally, she has worked with people on the autism spectrum and people with developmental disabilities for over 30 years.

Joanne completed her Master of Clinical Psychology at Capella University. This, together with her professional experience, helps to provide guidance and support to the people with whom she works. Life's challenges are experienced by everyone at one time or another. Joanne will provide you with the skills necessary to support you through whatever you may struggling with. Schedule an appointment with her today when you are ready to do the work!

"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.

"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.

"Journey through your heart, to your soul."

*Patricia provides EMDR in-person at the West Columbia, SC location*

Patricia Card is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 6 years of experience in the mental health profession and many life experiences which have enabled her to provide empathy, unconditional positive regard, and acceptance for each client’s perspective. Patricia aspires to provide a safe space for individuals to realize their present and future potential through acknowledgment of past realities, and recognition of hope for the present and future. Patricia believes the client is the expert regarding their life and promotes clients to take control over their life to elevate themselves and build healthy relationships with others. Patricia specializes in trauma, life stressors, negative cognitive beliefs, women's issues, and substance use. This experience drove a special force within Patricia which has empowered her to encourage others to explore their own journey toward peace and happiness.

Patricia graduated with a degree in Public Relations from the University of North Texas and thereafter worked her way up in the field of property management. After years of doing the expected, she decided to be the person she was meant to be and help enable passion within others. With this goal in mind, Patricia embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Patricia gained a yoga teaching certification in 2014 and thereafter entered Nova Southeastern University to pursue her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling (Graduation 2019). Subsequently, she began working at The Pride Center at Equality Park as a Testing & Outreach Specialist, gained internships at substance abuse and dual-diagnosis facilities, and worked as an independent contractor. Additionally, Patricia was provoked by her experience and education to obtain her certifications in other beneficial techniques which she utilizes, such as Solution Focused Coaching, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). Presently, Patricia promotes transformation within her clients using a fusion of Cognitive Behavioral, EMDR, Jungian, Meditation, Solution-Focused, and Yoga therapies.

Acknowledgment of the past for its reality and enabling the present and the future for what it may be. If you find yourself trapped by the confines of societal standards and inaccurate beliefs, begin the journey into your own mind to reawaken your authentic self and heal with Patricia today.

"As a woman who suffered from depression 25 years ago, I understand the unique issues of adjusting to difficult changes in life."

Tereash "Celeste" Davis Keitt is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with over 20 years of total experience working as a certified public school teacher, a church worship leader, and an ordained minister. She was providing guidance and support to others in these areas of service when she realized she should get her counseling degree. Celeste's ideal client is someone who is facing the challenges of anxiety, depression, loss, marital conflict, separation/divorce, relationship issues, medical conditions, difficulty adjusting to life's changes, and those struggling with the challenges of ADHD.

Celeste uses therapy techniques to help clients manage conflict, make adjustments in healthy ways, and manage difficult emotions, so they can learn to live a successful, balanced, healthy, and happy life.

Celeste knows that what you are going through is challenging, and she’s sorry that you have to go through it. She has experienced first-hand how difficult life can be, so she can imagine what you are experiencing. Celeste can offer you a hand up and out of it by discovering positive resolutions for positive mental and emotional change.

"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 Profesional Counseling Associate with 2 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.

"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.

"As a professional working in psychiatry for over 20 years, I understand the complexity of the need to have a well-balanced and low-stress lifestyle."

Rebecca Merli is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), with over 25 years of experience working in psychiatry. She is experienced in treating both the child/adolescent and adult population of patients needing assistance with mental health diagnosis and medication management. Rebecca trained with a board-certified psychiatrist for five years and specializes in initial assessments, diagnosis, and medication management for mental health issues. She does not perform traditional psychotherapy but will incorporate brief psychotherapy into scheduled appointments. Rebecca understands that each person is a unique individual who deserves the time and respect of being heard and will give each patient her individual attention to address their specific needs.

Rebecca Merli, PMHNP-BC began her nursing career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) working with the child/adolescent mental health population and continued working while advancing her career and education. She has worked in the mental health areas of acute inpatient, outpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization. At work, she has cared for both adult and child/adolescent patients with mental health needs in both the acute inpatient setting as well as the outpatient setting. She understands the overwhelming need for this population of patients and has extensive training and knowledge in caring for children and adults with mental health needs. She has also trained and has extensive experience in crisis stabilization for acute mental health patients (NCI).

Rebecca Merli, PMHNP-BC is a strong advocate for improved care and access to care in mental health and brings a holistic approach with a focus on mind and body, including the need for psychotherapy with medication management. She provides individualized, personal, and comprehensive care for her patients.

"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!

"I am non-judgmental and open to working with all individuals. "

Michele is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PHMNP-BC) with more than 17 years of experience working with adults who are suffering from anxiety, depression, stress management, adjustment difficulties, OCD, PTSD, and substance abuse. She is hard-working, compassionate, and empathic with a commitment to providing the best mental health care services to individuals.

She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Daemen College and completed her Master's degree in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. She possesses the ability to connect with her patients and develop a rapport. In addition to medication management, she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivation interviewing (MIT), person center care techniques (PCT). 

Michele is dedicated to educating and empowering her patients so they can actively participate in their own medical treatment and recovery. We all go through difficult times; the support and guidance Michele offers can help achieve an optimal level of health and well-being.