Claire ThompsonReaching out for mental health support isn’t always easy. I’ve gone through that myself when I was in a dark place, and venting out to people felt like I’d just be bothering them, so I just kept everything to myself for a while.
But that silence only made things heavier, and it became so hard to bear that I couldn’t even know what to think anymore. Fortunately, I was surrounded by great people who gently encouraged me to seek help.
Once I took that step, I realized how much of a difference it makes to have a safe space to talk. Working with a professional who doesn’t just listen but also helps you navigate your challenges can be truly transformative.
These psychologists in Columbus helped me realize that with the right person, your struggles aren’t a burden and deserve to be talked out.
How much does a psychologist charge in Columbus?
In Columbus, psychologists charge between $40 to $250 per session. Just note that the total cost depends on experience, specialty, and insurance coverage.
1. LifeStance
Address: 150 Taylor Station Rd, Suite 310
Phone: +16149862790
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–6 PM
LifeStance is a large mental health network that serves at multiple locations across Columbus. They have a large roster of licensed clinicians. This includes psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists, who offer care to patients of all ages.
Their approach combines evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is paired with compassionate care that helps manage a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression and trauma.
The clinic’s process is designed to be very collaborative and structured. For your initial visit, you’ll be asked about your background, family dynamics, and so on, so they can tailor a course of action to your needs.
Dr. Marisa Cahall, in particular, is one of the network’s highly regarded psychologists who works with everyone from kids to adults. Patients find her great in helping them deal with major life transitions, like divorce and postpartum anxiety.
Many of them said that she makes them feel heard and validated, basically creating a safe space where they can process their emotions without feeling judged.
While their clinicians provide amazing care, scheduling and communication can be difficult. Sometimes calls aren’t answered or returned, which can be discouraging when you are looking for support.
It is a very nice & safe place to go for help
“My counselor, Debbie Sherman, & my psychologist, Richelle Sheets, are the best. Both listen to what you are saying & are very compassionate. They both have helped me tremendously. The front desk ladies are very warm & friendly. It is a very nice & safe place to go for help with life’s problems.”
- Becky Kolberg, Google Review
I had a wonderful experience
“I had a wonderful experience with the Life Stance therapist. This was my first time using this company, and my first visit was a Telehealth visit, and the video quality was great. She made me feel very comfortable. I would definitely recommend this company. I’m very satisfied, and I will continue using Life Stance.”
- Regina, Google Review
2. Thriveworks
Address: 1890 Northwest Blvd #140
Phone: +16147398926
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM–9:30 PM
Thriveworks is a well-known mental health care provider in the area. They offer therapy and counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and children.
This group practice involves many licensed professionals, including psychologists, therapists, and the like. Specifically, Ashley Taylor is a name that frequently pops up in reviews, where she’s described as a fantastic listener and a kind person to talk to.
The team here focuses on accessibility and prompt scheduling, meaning they are most likely to get you an appointment within the same week you reach out.
We also like that they don’t just do standard talk therapy. Instead, they dive into methods like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, or anything that fits your personality, rather than forcing you into something generic.
Overall, the psychologists, alongside other clinicians at Thriveworks, are skilled and genuinely focused on helping clients make progress.
We were disappointed to hear that the billing department can be challenging to deal with. Some clients reported being billed incorrectly multiple times in a row, and even after that, refund requests took months to be sorted out.
I’m really thankful
“I for real look forward to my visits. There’s no judgment from her, no dirty looks or whoa vibes. She’s calm, steady, and lets my words go off and wander in conversation. When she does speak, her words are minimal but powerful, and they really stay with me. I’m really thankful for her.”
- Mania Drosak, Google Review
I am incredibly thankful to have found her
‘I highly recommend Ashley Taylor. She has been instrumental in my journey of healing and self-discovery. She is a fantastic listener and really helps you work through problems yourself and come to a solution. She is kind and patient and doesn’t mind telling you the same thing in several different ways to help it sink in. If you are struggling with healing from past traumatic experiences, I can’t say enough good things about her. She has a way of connecting with her clients that makes them feel heard, validated, and comfortable, but she also can be firm when she needs to be. She has completely changed my life for the better and I am incredibly thankful to have found her!”
- Snowy, Google Review
3. Apex Counseling Services
Address: 5310 E Main St # 102
Phone: +16147511090
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9 AM–4:30 PM
- Saturday, 9 AM–2 PM
What we like about Apex is that they don’t just simply assign you to the next available professional. Instead, they’ll match you with the clinician whose expertise aligns with their concerns.
Some of the treatments offered to help clients reduce symptoms and cope are adult therapy, family and relationship counseling, child support, and more. They even offer sexuality therapy for patients to discuss intimacy and function concerns.
A highly recognized name in their network is Dr. Barbara Scott-Johnson, with over 30 years of experience. We heard she’s a go-to for various clients and helps them deal with issues, like grief, loss, and chronic mental health conditions.
According to some clients, she’s very thoughtful and a good listener. Her guidance has helped them deal better with emotions they’d been carrying for years.
However, a few people also experienced frustration with the last-minute appointment changes and difficulty getting a response from the office regarding billing discrepancies.
We have noticed an improvement in communication
“My husband and I have been working with Mohammed Albahrani over the past 2 months, and we’ve learned so much. He’s very attentive, provides great solutions and interactive activities, and he genuinely considers cultural differences when approaching issues. We have noticed an improvement in communication, and I would recommend Mohammed to anyone searching for a counselor.”
- Mykaila Johnson-Marable, Google Review
I’ve had a great experience
“I’ve had a great experience with Apex Counseling so far and have gained much insight with my compassionate counselor there. Each session, I leave feeling like I’ve accomplished another step forward in managing the stressful parts of my life. I love that each session has a takeaway, introspection and a goal to work on for the next session.”
- Kate B, Google Review
4. InMind Behavioral Health
Address: 1555 Bethel Rd #2003
Phone: +16144420664
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM
- Friday, 9 AM–3 PM
InMind Behavioral Health has been serving families, individuals, and couples since 1986, providing intuitive and personalized care. They offer both in-person and telehealth sessions, making their services more accessible.
What really sets the clinic apart is the Neurofeedback work, a high-tech approach that trains your brain to function more efficiently. In fact, they’re the first in Ohio to offer this, and it’s a game-changer for people with ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities.
Another notable feature we found is their focus on stress management. The psychologists here help clients cope with their stress triggers through mindfulness and wellness planning, strengthening their emotional regulation.
This is especially helpful for the working class experiencing immense pressure at work. Professionals we spoke to said it has helped them feel more in control of their reactions and better manage daily stressors.
On the flip side, their office can be occasionally unresponsive to phone calls, forcing some people to make personal visits to the clinic. This can be an inconvenience for a simple inquiry.
I felt very heard and listened to
“Making an appointment here is so easy! Everyone in the office is so friendly and helpful. Dr. Davis made the ADHD testing process seamless and I felt very heard and listened to. I definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a psychologist.”
- Sav Kahl, Google Review
A gentle hand for those under his care
“Dr. Davis and the staff of Comprehensive Services will always make you feel welcome. He is a psychologist with a lot of experience, patience and a gentle hand for those under his care. Thank you!”
- Erika Rivera, Google Review
5. Emerald Psychiatry & TMS Center
Address: 4995 Bradenton Ave #130
Phone: +16145806917
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM
Emerald Psychiatry & TMS Center is an outpatient mental health practice that serves patients of all ages. They do have a physical office, but they offer telehealth services to make it more convenient for patients.
All their therapeutic sessions are tailored to each patient’s goals, and are more likely to focus on symptom reduction and enhanced coping skills. Their treatment plans can include counseling, medication management, and therapies like CBT and DBT.
In fact, they are best known for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). It’s a non-invasive treatment often used for patients who are already resistant to medication. This works by using magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain regions that regulate mood.
For severe cases, they also provide psychiatric care with psychoactive medication assessment and monitoring.
One thing that gave us confidence in the clinic is its record of having long-term patients. According to these patrons, Emerald was the only one who finally listened to their struggles and didn’t try to bypass them.
Just note that the facility may not be the best option for low-income people, especially if you are paying out of pocket or have very limited insurance coverage.
I am at my best most of the time
“I’ve been very happy with my psych nurse. She manages my meds and monitors my mental health. If I’m going through things at all, she makes appointments more frequent, if I were struggling and suffering, I would see a psychologist. The meds for Bipolar 2 disorder have made a huge change in my life. I am at my best most of the time.”
- Amy Kay Rock, Google Review
A life changer in my mental health
“I have found MY person! I absolutely love and 100% recommend Cierra! Her style of therapy and her personality are the most valuable to me. She has been a life changer in my mental health. Cierra is truly passionate about her clients and their mental health. She asks the right questions, she gives homework (personally, I like accountability for myself), and she follows up on things from previous sessions. Overall, I just love her and I will NOT go to anyone else. It will be a full year of sessions in March for me.”
- Viktoryia Todorova, Google Review
