Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

3,608 people sought anxiety therapy help at Columbia in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, United Healthcare | Optum, +2 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, +6 more

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 s... 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. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage, +21 more
Military / Veteran, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, +10 more

Welcome! I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. In my practice, I utilize an integrative approach and treat the whole person, incorpor... 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. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +20 more
Coping Skills, Stress, Addiction, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Sleep / Insomnia, +3 more

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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +20 more
Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +15 more

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 b... 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. Read more

Cierra Brabham

Hear from Cierra Brabham, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Cierra Brabham's profile

What is your go-to approach for anxiety therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in anxiety therapy is to focus on building rapport with the client. It is important that the client feels comfortable when sharing sensitive information. The focus is on the client's main concerns and showing that they are supported. Based on each client's needs, I will choose which treatment is appropriate. I use evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to form a treatment plan that is appropriate for the client.

What tools do you teach in anxiety therapy?

I teach the following tools in anxiety therapy:

  • Distress tolerance skills
  • Stress management skills
  • Mindfulness
  • Relaxation techniques

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy when they are able to successfully navigate challenges outside of therapy with the tools provided in individual therapy. The client starts to recognize and address barriers that keep them in the cycle of their overwhelming symptoms.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement anxiety therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by building a routine of activities learned in anxiety therapy. I encourage clients to build a healthy support system for accountability in mental health maintenance.

What should someone do to prepare for starting anxiety therapy?

To prepare for your first individual therapy session, I encourage writing down your thoughts and concerns before your session so that all concerns can be discussed in the intake session.

Starting Anxiety therapy

What is anxiety therapy?

Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Columbia, SC can develop a treatment plan that will help you better manage your day-to-day anxiety or your anxiety disorder.

How does anxiety therapy work?

Anxiety therapy involves talking to a therapist about symptoms, potential causes, and more. Thriveworks Columbia therapists will then work with you to determine where your anxiety might stem from and teach you effective coping mechanisms.

How to deal with anxiety?

One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.

Symptoms of anxiety

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Sense of impending danger
  • Nervousness/restlessness
  • Trouble focusing
  • Excessive sweating
  • Shaking
  • Headaches
  • Stomach issues
  • Fatigue
  • Panic attacks
  • Increased heart rate

What is the best therapy for anxiety?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly effective in treating anxiety and anxiety disorders. Other effective techniques include exposure therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR therapy.

Is anxiety therapy conducted in person or online?

Anxiety therapy is conducted both in person and online, depending on the individual’s preferences and their therapist’s availability. We suggest choosing the option that best suits your needs.

How long does anxiety therapy last?

On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that’s being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.

Is therapy worth it for anxiety?

Yes, it is worth going to therapy for anxiety. If you are struggling with regular anxious thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek expert anxiety help.

Need more help deciding?

Anxiety Disorder Therapy—Anxiety Counselors and Therapists in Columbia, SC

When anxiety persists, when the frequency and intensity are such that it prevents you from living a full and satisfying life, it stops being a useful emotion and becomes debilitating.  Unbridled anxiety has a way of creeping into our lives, taking control of every thought and emotion, and challenging every decision we make.

You don’t have to live this way.  You deserve to live a happy and meaningful life. You can learn to cope with anxiety – and even overcome anxiety! (803) 477-3736

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety can be triggered by almost anything.  Common causes of anxiety include:

  • Stress at work
  • Pressure to perform well in school
  • Financial trouble
  • Relationship issues
  • Medical problems
  • Life transitions
  • The death of a loved one

If left untreated, feelings of anxiety will interfere with your quality of life and keep you from establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships, achieving your personal and professional goals, and finding happiness in life.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Common symptoms of anxiety include, but are not limited to:

  • Excessive worry
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Panic attacks
  • Irrational fears
  • Physical tension
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep
  • Fatigue
  • Becoming easily agitated
  • Avoiding social settings
  • Experiencing gastrointestinal problems

Does Anxiety Therapy Work?

Thriveworks anxiety therapists will partner with you to understand the things that create anxiety in your life.  We’ll take the time you need to identify the triggers that cause anxiety to appear unexpectedly.  Thriveworks anxiety counselors are caring and patient and will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs.

Thriveworks Anxiety Therapy of Columbia, SC has helped countless clients improve their lives – and we can help you, too – and if you’re looking for and anxiety therapist in Irmo, SC or and anxiety therapist in Lexington, SC, we’re conveniently located to be able to help you, too. We accept most major insurance plans, so getting anxiety help may be more affordable that you thought.  We offer convenient appointment times – day, evening, and weekend hours.  Plus, we have no waitlist for therapy. We believe you should be able to get anxiety help now. We can help you find an appointment, at your earliest convenience.

Don’t let anxiety steal another day.  Take the first step toward freedom from anxiety. Call Thriveworks Anxiety Therapy in Columbia, SC today! (803) 477-3736

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 Columbia therapists and counselors accept 25 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

Show more
Self-pay costs at Columbia
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

4.5 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 Columbia is located on Executive Pointe Blvd off of Bush River Rd, just northwest of Interstate 20 on the north side of the Saluda River. Our building is neighbored by The Steele Law Firm; S.C. Press Association; and Thomas, Watson & Company. The closest bus stop is Bush Woodland WB. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(803) 573-9453

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • English
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

5 photos