Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a domestic violence can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 13 therapists in South Carolina available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Domestic violence therapy

What is domestic violence therapy?

Domestic violence therapy is a specialized form of counseling that helps victims and their families heal from abusive relationships. It is a crucial component of the broader efforts to address and combat domestic violence, a pattern of abusive behaviors within intimate relationships that can encompass physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse.

How does domestic violence therapy work?

In domestic violence therapy, therapists create a safe and supportive environment. Domestic violence therapy is often part of a broader support network that includes legal assistance, shelters, and community resources. Its aim is to break the cycle of abuse, promote safety, and foster healthier relationships.

Is domestic violence therapy conducted in person or online?

Domestic violence therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does domestic violence therapy last?

Domestic violence therapy can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, depending on the individual’s exact needs and preferences.

Need more help deciding?

Domestic Abuse Counseling in Charleston, SC—Counselors and Therapists

The counselors at Thriveworks Charleston offer therapy for victims of domestic violence and abuse. We know the dangers of domestic violence and how to support clients in finding a place of safety. If you need domestic abuse counseling, reach out to Thriveworks Charleston today. We’ll provide you with the compassionate help and support you need.

The Cycle of Abuse: 3 Phases

The particular details of abuse may vary from situation to situation, but domestic violence almost always adheres to a predictable cycle:

  1. The Honeymoon Phase: This is a peaceful time in the relationship and one of the reasons domestic violence can be so disorienting. The honeymoon phase can be too good to be true with gifts and romance that can make anyone believe it is a perfect relationship.
  2. The Tension Building Phase: As violent partners show increasing irritation, their victims may begin to appease them—all in hopes of preventing the impending violence.
  3. The Abusive Phase: The abuse may come in the form of verbal, sexual, or physical violence. It is never the victim’s fault.

What Are the Effects of Domestic Abuse?

A person’s home should be the safest place in the world, but it often is not. Domestic abuse turns homes into war zone where sexual, physical, and/or emotional violence could break out at any time. Living in this war zone has immediate and long-term detrimental health effects.

When the body feels a threat, it engages its flight-or-fight response, and the brain releases stress hormones that allow people to either engage the threat or run away from it. However, living with domestic violence means this response, which is normally only used rarely, is engaged regularly, if not all the time. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris describes how the brain’s flight-or-fight response “is wonderful if you’re in a forest and there’s a bear. But the problem is what happens when the bear comes home every night, and this system is activated over and over and over again, and it goes from being adaptive, or life-saving, to maladaptive, or health-damaging.”

Schedule Domestic Abuse Counseling at Thriveworks Charleston

Do you recognize any of the listed behaviors? Has your partner made you feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or scared? Has your partner harmed you? If so, know that Thriveworks Charleston is ready to support you. We offer therapy for domestic violence victims and have helped many people escape the cycle of abuse.

We know that living with a violent partner creates enough difficulty, so reaching out for help should be easy. Our office has done our best to make the process of scheduling therapy as easy as possible. When you call, a person will answer and help you schedule your appointment. We work with many insurance companies, and we offer same-week appointments appointments.

Nothing should stand in the way of our clients receiving the help they need. Call Thriveworks Charleston today. We are ready to help!

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Charleston therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Charleston
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Read more Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Crystal Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Read more I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Roger Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My counseling has been caring and professional
Cynthia Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Read more I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Read more I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Tar Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Read more Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Meshelle Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Read more I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Lesley Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Read more Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Bill Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Charleston is located on E Bay St between Cumberland St and S Market St. Across the street, on the opposite side of E Bay St, you will find the US Custom House. We currently share the building with JB Hunt Transport Service and the Law Office of Jason S Stevens, among other businesses.

Phone number

(843) 376-6157

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • Russian
  • English
  • Creole
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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