Claire ThompsonDepression and anxiety are struggles many of us can’t simply run away from. While bottling everything up may feel easier at first, seeking professional support is often the healthiest way to ease the burden and begin healing.
Counseling services in Columbus are well-equipped to address short-term challenges like these, helping individuals regain stability and move forward with confidence.
With so many options available, I’ve carefully handpicked some of the most reliable counselling services in the area. These are places that truly prioritize their clients’ well-being and provide meaningful support.
How much does a counselling session cost in Columbus?
A counselling session in Columbus typically costs around $100 to $200. This price can easily change depending on the counsellor’s experience, the duration of each session, and insurance coverage.
1. The Care Center – Counseling & Therapy Columbus
Address: 4449 Easton Way, OH 43219
Contact Details: +1 614-454-6765
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Pete Lobert has been providing therapy for over 10 years. Now, under The Care Center, he’s pivoted to focusing on troubled teens and their families. He’s great at helping both parties reconnect and build stronger bonds.
He has three steps in providing care for his patients. He eases patients in and lets them ask for help, making connection and growth a smoother process than simply forcing them.
Pete is great at individual and couples counseling. Additionally, he can help with trauma recovery and support faith-based counseling sessions, which I have found beneficial for older patients.
Sessions typically last 50-85 minutes, with fees ranging from $155 to $165. However, despite the premium pricing, it was disappointing to find that insurance coverage isn’t handled in-house, leaving patients to manage the process themselves.
Pete is one of the best in his field
“A difficult life event brought me in to see Pete and I’ve continued working with him over this last year. There are not enough words to explain how much he has helped me. He has a great way of being compassionate and understanding, while also challenging me to see other perspectives. I have experience with other counselors in the past, and they do not compare. Pete is one of the best in his field and I would highly recommend him to anyone. He will help change your life!”
– Jordanne Gambill, Google Review
He is excellent at what he does
“So very thankful for my appointment times with Pete. He is excellent at what he does! I felt very relaxed and comfortable talking to him. He helps you understand yourself which really helped me work through some struggles I had been dealing with for quite a long time. He has an amazing gift that allows him to help you find ways to work through past and present issues that are holding you back. He has also seen my husband separately and I saw so much good come from that. That is what prompted me to make my first appointment with Pete. I highly recommend him to anyone searching for help and support through counseling.”
– Lisa Raines, Google Review
2. Inspiring Purpose Counseling Group
Address: 665 E Dublin Granville Rd, OH 43229
Contact Details: +1 614-396-7056
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Founded by a trio of owners, Nichole Harris, Amber Crosby, and Sherry Barbour, Inspiring Purpose Counseling Group has been providing great counseling for 7 years. I find them best for married couples going through a rough patch.
Aside from these, they offer in-person and group sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They also specialize in domestic violence cases and have a great trackrecord for helping both kids and parents in adoption cases.
I like that the environment is non-judgmental and comfortable. The therapy rooms are scented with doTERRA Essential Oils that I find help with mood management.
Prices range from $150 to $250 per session, with each lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
Impressively, they work with several Medicaid and commercial insurance plans, such as Buckeye Health Plan and Anthem. However, I was disappointed that they don’t accept insurance for couples counseling.
I’ve felt heard, respected, and genuinely supported
“I can’t say enough good things about my sessions with Ariyana Hawkins. From my first session, I’ve felt heard, respected, and genuinely supported. Her compassionate, thoughtful approach has provided me a space to be vulnerable and freely express myself.
Ariyana has a remarkable ability to ask the right questions, listen without judgment, and offer insights that are both practical and empowering. Whether it’s managing anxiety, navigating personal relationships, or simply gaining a better understanding of myself, she’s provided the tools and support I need every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a therapist who is kind, professional, and truly invested in your. growth, I highly recommend Ariyana.”
– Dee M, Google Review
My time at Inspiring Purpose Counseling was filled with growth and insight
“My time at Inspiring Counseling was filled with growth and insight. I started in January and I am not the same person I was then. My therapist Ariyana was wonderful and created a safe space for me to express my thoughts and feelings. She was kind and gentle and always made me feel welcomed.
Ariyana helped me change my perspective about myself and how I was living my life, I found new self worth and direction going into a new phase in my life, while helping me navigate and letting go of my past.
The environment was calming and inviting to anyone who is seeking help. Everyone here is professional.
If you’re looking for guidance, perspective, or just someone to vent to, this is the place for you. I know that if I ever needed to I can always come back here and find help.”
– Colby Shelley, Google Review
3. Safe Harbour Counseling
Address: 3600 Olentangy River Rd, Suite C1, OH 43214
Contact Details: +1 614-647-9631
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Safe Harbour Counseling focuses on anxiety, depression, and trauma in both individuals and couples. Sessions here aren’t just about healing; they actively provide patients with the tools they need to empower their lives.
These tools often take the form of coping mechanisms that aid patients in dealing with their trauma. If that isn’t enough, they offer access to the self-guided workbook PsychSpark, which has helped quite a few people on their healing journey.
Unlike other counseling services, they are able to diagnose patients with anxiety and depression. They are also great at overcoming anger management issues through Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies.
They are all inclusive, so LGBT couples are welcome. Additionally, they have often been hired for in-house corporate therapy, which has helped stabilize several workers’ mental health.
However, some sessions here take place in the early morning, around 2:00 AM to 4:30 AM, which might not be ideal for some clients.
Truly dedicated to personal growth and helping clients
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Christine Railsback at Safe Harbour Counseling, and I can’t speak highly enough of the experience. Christine is truly dedicated to personal growth and helping clients realize their goals. The practice itself is not only aesthetically beautiful inside and out but also exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere that puts you at ease the moment you walk in. Christine has carefully chosen practitioners who genuinely reflect her values, and it shows in the care and attention they provide. Safe Harbour is a sanctuary for anyone looking to heal, grow, and thrive. Highly recommend!”
– Beth Armentrout, Google Review
I highly recommend this to anyone seeking help
“I love this place, it’s always a safe space to laugh, cry and yell. Christine is amazing!!! I have been meeting with her for a long time now. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking help, comfort, or anything to make it through another day.”
– Brandi Weeks, Google Review
4. Blue Boat Counseling
Address: 105 W Wilson Bridge Rd, Suite #285, Worthington, OH 43085
Contact Details: +1 614-842-2121
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Blue Boat Counseling specializes in therapies for military veterans and their families, while also providing services for those suffering from anxiety and depression.
They are led by Andy Sears, a licensed therapist, and have a team of 10 therapists. Some of the conditions they specialize in treating are anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Veterans are given a structured experience at this practice, with daily activities and coping skills that help them regain a sense of purpose. Additionally, these are done through CBT and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, which aid in addressing PTSD.
I like that one of their therapists, AJ Johnson, primarily focuses on LGBT+ individuals, which is rare among practices. Some of their team members are also well-versed in dealing with those suffering from eating disorders.
However, they are an out-of-network provider, so insurance won’t cover them.
Have been simply outstanding
“I cannot speak more highly of Blue Boat Counseling: Andy, Emily, and the rest of their team have been simply outstanding. They’re as professional as they are caring, and that has made all the difference in the world – being able to connect with people whom truly care about other people. If you’re looking to talk with someone, absolutely, without a doubt, consider Blue Boat.”
– C, Google Review
Blue Boat is my go-to for referring for mental health services
“I met Carrie and Andy Sears (the founders of Blue Boat) at a conference and was impressed with how much they care about their staff, their client and their community. Blue Boat is my go to for referring for mental health services in Columbus.”
– Cymbria Hess, Google Review
5. Columbus Women’s Wellness
Address: 4625 Morse Rd # 200, Gahanna, OH 43230
Contact Details: +1 614-383-8381
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Specializing in women’s mental health, Columbus Women’s Wellness provides emotional relief to women and teenage girls. They are one of the few women-focused counseling practices in Ohio, dedicated to empowering women to thrive despite their challenges.
Established in 2017, they have over 35 specialists across their offices. These offices are located across Columbus, with one in Gahanna, Powell, and Upper Arlington, which are all easily accessible areas.
They mainly focus on self-esteem issues and identity conflicts. Additionally, they can aid in processing and creating healthy ways of dealing with ADHD and Postpartum Depression.
Counseling here can take the form of individual counseling or perinatal counseling. There are also support groups that are great at connecting women with the same experiences.
They are connected to several insurance plans, including Aetna and the Cleveland Clinic. But out-of-pocket costs are high, ranging from $125 to $225 per session.
Pros:
- Women-centric practice
- 8 years of services
- Over 35 specialists
- Treats a wide range of mental disorders
- Offers individual and group sessions
- Connected with several insurance plans
Cons:
- Expensive out-of-pocket rates
Non-judgmental, open, and welcoming presence
“My experience with this practice was life changing. More specifically through working with Dr. Lute. Dr. Lute is a truly incredible therapist. He always made me feel understood and demonstrated patience with me. He has a non judgmental, open, and welcoming presence. He worked to understand me and my goals. It was without a doubt the best decision I could have made at that time. Finding a good therapist is hard and when you are struggling just to get through the day it feels that much more confusing and overwhelming. Dr. Lute is a gift. If you’re on the fence and unsure of where to turn I could not recommend Dr. Lute more!”
– Gabrielle, Google Review
I have nothing but positive things to say
“I’ve been coming here for nearly 2 years now and I have nothing but positive things to say about this practice. My therapist has been absolutely wonderful! The staff and receptionists are so kind and helpful as well. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for therapy, especially for the first time.”
– Dani Pack, Google Review
