Our therapists provide anxiety therapy in Columbia, SC

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. Presently, Patricia promotes transformation within her clients using a fusion of Cognitive Behavioral, 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 bi-racial woman with 20 years in the education field and a plethora of life experiences, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges they face in today's world while continuing to pour into their loved ones, maintain their households, and dedicate energy to work, hobbies, or both. My approach prioritizes the therapeutic relationship and integrates psychoeducation and a variety of therapeutic approaches to create and implement personalized treatment plans that promote lasting change. 

I provide guidance with improving communication, setting boundaries, and strengthening family dynamics. I strive to offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their feelings. My therapy sessions are client-centered, goal-oriented, practical, educational, and aimed at achieving meaningful results through collaboration and support. 

As a parent and educator, I am passionate about improving the lives of young people by working with their parents, caretakers, educators, or coaches. I am uniquely positioned to help adult clients understand their pasts, process trauma, and better understand the children in their lives. If this sounds like the support you need, I look forward to meeting you! 

Dr. Dalicia Watson is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 6 years of experience. Dr. Watson began her social work career as a case manager at the Department of Social Services, working with abused and neglected children and adults. Dr. Watson had the opportunity to work with clients who suffered from depression and/or anxiety, victims of domestic violence, and clients with ADHD. Dr. Watson also has experience working with clients who experience grief, self-esteem, suicidal ideations, stress, and time management.

Dr. Watson's goal for all of her clients is to help them to maintain a mentally healthy and safe lifestyle. Dr. Watson allows the clients to be the experts in their sessions, which helps the clients be in charge of what they would like to fix and work on. She feels that having the clients as the experts helps the clients to see the growth within themselves.

Dr. Watson helps make therapy a safe space for clients to come and let it all out. Dr. Watson meets clients on their level and grows with the client as the client improves through treatment.

Lauren Lollar is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 3 years of experience in mental health care. Lauren is a certified trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy specialist and enjoys working with others to process their trauma. She has extensive knowledge of early childhood development and wants to support children and families experiencing both mental health and life changes. She is well-versed in working with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders and passionately advocates for those with substance use disorders and their families. Lauren completed her master’s in social work (LMSW) at the University of South Carolina.

Through her work with children and families, Lauren has built extensive skills utilizing family systems therapy. She is certified in early diagnostics for children 0-5. Lauren is also certified in motivational interviewing and uses it in a wide array of therapeutic areas including mood, substance use, and other disorders.

We all go through challenging life experiences and need support. Lauren is confident in her ability to support you through these times and gain new coping skills to assist you through it. If you want to be supported and find new ways to take on your life's challenges, please reach out to schedule an appointment today.

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.

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 30 years of experience providing assessment, diagnosis, and medication management for psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. I specialize in treating depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders, neurodivergence, and women’s mental health in a variety of clinical settings.

I earned my Master of Science in nursing from the University of South Alabama and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and English journalism from the City University of New York. My background includes crisis stabilization, outpatient care, substance use treatment, residential programs, and years as an editor of psychiatric research journals in New York City.

I believe treatment should be collaborative and individualized. Together, we will create a plan that aligns with your goals, often blending medication management, education, and brief psychotherapy. My goal is for you to feel supported, heard, and respected throughout your mental health journey, without judgment.

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.

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!