Our therapists offer help for video game addiction in Columbia, SC

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.