Our therapists offer help for video game addiction 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.

Joanne Schrock is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 5 years of experience working with individuals in an inpatient behavioral health unit as well as a counselor in an emergency room setting. Additionally, she has provided telehealth to individuals with a variety of behavioral health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and grief. Additionally, she has worked with people on the autism spectrum and people with developmental disabilities for over 30 years.

Joanne completed her Master of Clinical Psychology at Capella University. This, together with her professional experience, helps to provide guidance and support to the people with whom she works. Life's challenges are experienced by everyone at one time or another. Joanne will provide you with the skills necessary to support you through whatever you may struggling with. Schedule an appointment with her today when you are ready to do the work!

My name is Tamekia Ruff, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to evidence-based mental health care. I have experience working with adolescents and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, stress-related concerns, and life transitions. I work with individuals seeking clarity, emotional balance, improved coping skills, and support navigating personal, academic, or professional challenges. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their mental wellness journey. 

My approach to care is collaborative, supportive, and individualized to each client's unique needs and goals. I combine evidence-based treatment, thoughtful medication management, and therapeutic support to help clients understand their mental health. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable and involved in their care. 

I understand that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate life's challenges alone. Healing and growth are possible, and taking the first step toward care is a meaningful act of strength and self-investment. I welcome the opportunity to work alongside you toward a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling life.

Brittany Aiken is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 3 years of experience in mental health. She currently specializes in helping people dealing with symptoms of depression and anxiety due to various life changes. She creates a safe environment for you to talk about the things that are going on, assists you in determining what your goals for therapy are, and, through collaboration, helps you figure out changes that will work to accomplish those goals. During your time together, you and Brittany will build a rapport that will make you feel comfortable sharing, supported, and enthusiastic about the changes you've made.

Brittany utilizes a holistic approach, incorporating different techniques that may be beneficial to your personal needs. Additionally, she implements cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, person-centered techniques, and culturally sensitive therapy techniques.

Therapy is not a "one size fits all" type of situation. You are unique and your needs should be addressed based on you only. In order for therapy to be effective, you must be committed to the process and open to trying new things.

Lee Edwards obtained his Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and his Master’s in Counseling from the University of North Texas. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina with 12 years of experience as a Counselor helping individuals overcome the barriers presented by depression, anxiety, anger issues, and vocational dissatisfaction. He has also assisted couples in managing the complexities of relationships and aided Law Enforcement Officers in contending with the difficulties encountered because of their vocation. Lee utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, relaxation & meditation techniques, and anger management processes to aid individuals and couples with movement toward their goals. As a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, he also has a good understanding of individuals who have chosen professions with unique challenges. Lee seeks to create a safe and trusting environment for you so that you can identify and move toward your goals, allowing you to pursue a life that is meaningful to you.

Susan Boykin is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 40 years of experience in helping people live a fulfilling life. Susan completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Drew University and her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of South Carolina. Personal life experiences and years of practice have made her a seasoned therapist.

Susan believes therapy is a partnership based on warmth, compassion, and kindness. Her focus is on providing a safe and nonjudgmental relationship in which difficult thoughts and feelings are listened to. Susan knows a wide range of mental health approaches and uses these to design the best care for each person.

She enjoys sharing her skills with persons who are wanting to make positive changes in their life and realize their full potential. Susan believes personal growth and fulfillment is something we can all achieve, no matter our age. Schedule your initial session with her to start addressing the issues that matter.

Howard Malpass is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Supervisor (LPC-S), and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) who has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Howard's initial 5 years of counseling were as a substance abuse counselor in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the military, he worked within the substance use disorder and behavioral health fields as a counselor and clinical supervisor. Howard has worked with adolescents in a children's home environment (using mainly experiential therapy); worked with individuals, couples, and families; led Women's Intensive Outpatient AOD groups, multi-family groups, Life Skills groups, Mens' Sexual Addiction groups (in a Christian setting), aftercare groups, and many more.

Howard completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling at Webster University. He is trained in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational behavior therapy, family systems therapy, experiential therapy, person-centered therapy, modified-interpersonal group therapy, and more. Howard utilizes a strength-based perspective, collaborating with clients to find out what works best for them, allowing them to decide how they want to proceed, and supporting them in the process. All of his clients are ideal clients because he realizes that we are all humans with issues and needs. Howard is willing to work with any client with any need, but realizes his limitations and refers clients elsewhere before attempting to counsel them outside of his clinical experience.

Howard operates from a holistic perspective, recognizing that there is more to a person than just mental, emotional, and physical components. He also understands that behaviors are forms of communication and symptoms of deeper, underlying issues. Howard’s ability to use experiential techniques creates a unique environment that enables clients to engage in more than just "talk" therapy to help get to the "root" of those issues, so that they can learn and practice new life skills to assist them in their personal growth and healing. His use of motivational interviewing integrated with different therapeutic approaches, enhances the therapeutic relationship process, helping clients to move forward faster as they feel more invested in the process.

Howard seeks to meet clients where they are at and walk with them to assist with navigating through the ups and downs of their life journey. We all struggle at times as we journey through life. Our struggles often tend to isolate us from those who love and care about us, leading us into deeper levels of isolation and despair. Counseling can help to restore our sense of self and our supportive relationships. It reminds us that we are not alone and have intrinsic value that contributes to our wholeness, as well as the wholeness of society. Howard’s hope and desire is to be one of the links that reconnect you to your whole self and those you need in your life to support you in being the best "you" you can be. You are worth it!

Lauren Lollar is a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) 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.

Robert McCloy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life’s most complex emotional and psychological challenges. His specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, low self-esteem, grief, life transitions, and relational concerns. He also offers expert guidance to parents seeking effective discipline strategies and works skillfully with children navigating behavioral and developmental hurdles.

Robert holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. He utilizes a client-centered, integrative approach, fostering trust and emotional safety while applying evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Clients working with Robert often find a steady ally and someone who listens deeply, responds with empathy, and helps illuminate the path toward healing and growth. He creates a space where individuals feel empowered to be fully themselves and to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Celeste Perry 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.