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 premarital counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

No current openings

All SC providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!

Starting Premarital counseling

What is premarital counseling?

Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for and build a happy, successful marriage. Premarital therapists at Thriveworks in Columbia, SC can help couples develop essential communication skills, identify potential conflict areas, and learn how to manage their specific relationship issues.

How does premarital counseling work?

When you and your partner begin premarital counseling, your counselor will want to get to know you both as well as your relationship. In order to accomplish this, they will ask questions around the following:

  • Common interests and activities
  • Marital expectations
  • Budget and Finance
  • Children and parenting
  • Intimacy

If there is a particular area that they feel needs to be explored further (for example, you note that you and your partner have very different spending habits and views on money), they’ll guide the conversation in the given direction.

Is premarital counseling conducted in person or online?

Premarital counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and through Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.

How long does premarital counseling last?

Generally speaking, Thriveworks premarital counseling in Columbia typically lasts for 8-10 weeks. This, however, can vary depending on the counselor’s approach as well as the clients’ preferences and needs. For example, some couples might request additional sessions to work through problem areas that they’ve identified in their relationship pre-wedding.

Need more help deciding?

Premarital Counseling- Columbia, SC – Counselors and Therapists in Columbia, SC

Here’s the truth about premarital counseling: everyone can benefit from it! Thriveworks Columbia premarital counselors are here to help anyone and everyone who has questions revolving around relationships and marriages. The prospect of marriage is simultaneously nerve-wracking and beautiful, terrifying and exciting!

It’s okay to have doubts and questions about your marriage. It’s also okay to be super excited for it! Our premarital counselors in Columbia meet you where you are at so that you and your partner can grow into a bright future. Reach out today to get started. (803) 477-3736

What Is Premarital Counseling?

Premarital counseling in Columbia, SC is designed to meet your needs and prepare for your future. Our counselors will design each counseling session to uniquely fit your situation. In general, there are five key areas of premarital counseling that most couples work through:

  1. Address any underlying problems.
  2. Develop essential communication skills.
  3. Identify potential future conflicts.
  4. Put plans into place to handle those conflicts.
  5. Cultivate trust, love, and respect.

Of course, premarital counseling in Columbia, SC can address much more than that, but those are the most common topics tackled.

Topics in Premarital Counseling

Columbia premarital counseling might include discussions that touch on:

  • Common interests and activities
  • Role expectations
  • Communication
  • Religion and/or church
  • Marriage expectations
  • Budget and finance
  • Children and parenting
  • Sexuality
  • The need for space
  • Satisfaction in a marriage
  • Feelings of non-commitment and identifying where they stem from
  • Current concerns you have about the relationship and how to overcome them
  • Should we go through with marriage?

Scheduling Premarital Counseling at Thriveworks Columbia

At the end of the day, premarital counseling is about equipping you and your partner with the tools needed to make you healthy and happy as individuals – and as a couple. Occasionally, this might mean postponing the wedding or ending romantic ties all together. Know that if this discussion is brought up our Columbia premarital counselors will walk you through it.

You have put your heart and soul into this relationship, and it deserves the best (just like you)! Professional premarital counselors in Columbia, SC are excited to give you the tools and training you need to have a happier and more successful marriage.

Premarital counseling in Columbia, SC may be more affordable that you though, too. We accept most major insurance plans. We offer convenient appointment times – day, evening, and weekends.  Plus, there’s not long wait for your first appointment. New clients can often meet with their provider within the same week as scheduling. To get more information or to schedule an appointment today, call (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 South Carolina therapists and counselors accept 1 insurance plans

  • See my self-pay options

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