Find a psychiatrist in Columbia, SC — covered by insurance
Top psychiatrists in Columbia, SC accepting new patients
Find mental health support in Columbia across neighborhoods like Shandon, Forest Hills, and Downtown. Headway connects you with 68 licensed providers offering virtual and in-person sessions. Work with your insurance to access affordable care, with many clients paying as little as $0 per session.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who offers caring, evidence-based medication management across the lifespan. I focus on treating ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and insomnia, and I work closely with each person to understand their unique experiences and goals.
I believe mental health care should be supportive, never rushed or judgmental. My approach is patient-centered and practical. I take time to listen, explain your options, and include you in every treatment decision. Whether you are starting medication, making changes to your current plan, or seeking more balance and clarity, I want you to feel heard and empowered.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with adolescents and adults. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and sleep problems. My goal is to make mental health care feel comfortable, straightforward, and personalized. I want you to feel heard and involved in every decision about your care.
Christina offers medication management, psychiatric evaluations, and computerized ADHD testing in unhurried appointments that allow her patients to feel heard and empowered. Christina is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience with teens, adults, and older adults. She empowers patients to take control of their treatment and their lives. She offers virtual and in person visits.
Now accepting new patients. Hello, I’m Abigail Nobles, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over six years of experience in psychiatric nursing. My passion lies in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, find emotional balance, and achieve lasting wellness through compassionate, evidence-based care. I provide treatment for adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, and other mental health concerns. My approach is holistic and collaborative, focusing on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel heard.
I'm Paula McKnight-Leggette, a psychiatric nurse practitioner serving patients across South Carolina through telehealth. I focus my practice on anxiety, depression, and stress — the things so many people carry quietly for years before they reach out. Watching people struggle through it day after day is a big part of why I do this work. I'm an optimist by nature, and that isn't something I leave at the door. I've seen people get better, and that belief shapes how I show up for every person I work with. Outside of work, you'll find me traveling, shopping, or spending time with my family. Those are the things that fill me back up.
Hello, I’m Ashley Nelson. I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and therapist dedicated to helping individuals move from surviving to truly thriving. With a background in psychiatric nursing, emergency medicine, and specialized training as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), I bring over a decade of diverse healthcare experience, blending clinical expertise with a deep understanding of human resilience in the face of crisis. My practice focuses on supporting adults, children, and families through life’s challenges — including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and the unique stressors faced by military members, first responders, nurses, and other helping professionals.
I have a deep passion for working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and complex trauma, providing a safe, compassionate space where healing feels possible. My approach blends evidence-based psychiatric care with practical, real-life strategies, empowering clients to reclaim their sense of control, rebuild confidence, and create lives that feel meaningful again.
With additional licenses in Louisiana, Utah, Arizona, Tennessee, and Florida, I can see patients via telehealth from across the country.
Hello, it's nice to meet you! My name is Elizabeth Ball. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with many years of experience providing mental health medication management and/or therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked in a variety of inpatient, residential and outpatient settings. Mental health care is not only my profession but a passion. I look forward to working with you to help you meet your goals!
Hello, I’m Dr. Lisa Merritt, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). I specialize in mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults, and I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard and respected.
With a background in both clinical leadership and community-based care, I focus on treating the whole person, addressing mental health, substance use, and the social factors that affect well-being. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, my goal is to work alongside you to find realistic, compassionate, and evidence-based solutions.
I look forward to supporting you on your path toward healing and growth.
For other health and wellness needs (weight loss support, hormone replacement therapy) - https://www.slraymiriwellness.com
or
https://slraymiriwellness.clientsecure.me/contact
I’m a Board‐Certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of nursing experience and a genuine passion for supporting emotional well‐being. I specialize in depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders, and I provide compassionate, personalized care for adults 18 and older. With a Master of Science in Nursing from Francis Marion University, I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where healing can begin and people feel truly supported.
About our psychiatrists serving Columbia, SC
- 100%Anxiety
- 100%Depression
- 87%Bipolar disorder
- 84%PTSD
- 82%ADD/ADHD
- 99%Aetna
- 99%Cigna
- 99%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 62%Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network
- 59%Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey
- 100%English
- 3%Spanish
- 1%French
- 1%German
- 1%Malayalam
- 85%Online only
- 15%In-person or online
- 91%Woman
- 9%Man
- 100%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 94%Individual therapy
- 24%Family therapy
- 6%Child or adolescent therapy
- 6%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Columbia
Finding psychiatrists in Columbia starts with understanding what kind of care you want. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage medication as part of your care. Therapists provide talk therapy and do not prescribe. If you are looking for support with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or medication management, a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner may fit your needs. As you compare options, look for listed specialties, population experience, and bio details that match what you want help with.
Columbia has a smaller local market than many major cities, so virtual appointments can expand the number of psychiatrists available to you across South Carolina. In-person care may be a good fit if you prefer an office setting near neighborhoods like Shandon, Forest Hills, or Downtown. Virtual care may work better if your schedule, commute, or location makes office visits harder to plan. Psychiatric medication management visits are often shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, and some psychiatrists also offer therapy. Some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber. Before booking, review each psychiatrist’s profile for availability, session format, communication style, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.
Psychiatric care in Columbia can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you search for psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners who are accepting new patients, match your preferences, and take your insurance. You can enter your insurance details to see estimated costs upfront, compare bios, and book directly when you are ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.