Our therapists provide depression counseling in Columbia, SC

I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice with 13 years of experience supporting adults, couples, and families as they navigate trauma, depression, and anxiety. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward, and together we work toward clarity, understanding, and meaningful change.

I earned a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University. I use a client-centered and integrative approach to help clients rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships, and find lasting peace. My work focuses on uncovering patterns, healing emotional wounds, and fostering self-trust in a supportive and compassionate space.

I know how hard it can be to carry everything alone. You deserve the time and space to breathe, heal, and feel like yourself again. When you’re ready, let’s take the next step toward your peace together.

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.

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.

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.