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 66 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.
PMHNP with 7 years of experience and +16 years. of experience in the mental health field.
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 am a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, passionate about helping people find balance, healing, and peace of mind. I understand that reaching out for help can be a difficult decision, and my goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, supported, and understood. I have personal and professional experience treating substance abuse, depression, and grief, and my passion is to help those who struggle.
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.
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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.
Immediate availability for new patients! I prescribe medicine, supplements, minerals, and/or herbs to children and adults who struggle with anxiety, autism, ADHD (in children), OCD, depression, addiction, bipolar etc. I will work with your therapist or help find one who is a good fit for you!
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.
Hi,
I AM ZACARIAS BUHURO, BOARD CERTIFIED PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTIONER. I TREAT PATIENTS ACCROSS THE LIFE SPAN SUFFURING FROM: DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, PTSD, ADHD, ADD, AUTISM, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER.
Hi there, I am Georgina. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 40 years in healthcare overall. My career has taken me through nephrology, home health, and nurse education, and each chapter has deepened my respect for the whole person behind every diagnosis. I am known for warm, holistic care that honors your body, mind, and spirit.
Outside of work I love to give back through volunteering and service, and while my faith is an important part of who I am, I never push it and only bring it into our work together if you ask.
My background is in all aspects of mental health and substance abuse.
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and owner of Holos Psychiatry. I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults, and specialize in ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression. I provide holistic, integrative care tailored to each individual.
Hello and welcome! I am a Master's level dual board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Medication management is my specialty, and supportive therapy is part of every visit. I have experience with veterans, adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, TBI, severe and persistent mental illness, pregnant women, transient/low income populations, Indian Health Services, geriatrics, trauma, and LGBTQIA2S+ patients.
I am a person who understands the stress that comes with multitasking life's many responsibilities including parenting, work, a spouse, women's health, and the many other hats we sometimes wear. I know the familiar strain of working in the medical field, providing care for others while delicately balancing self care. I can appreciate the layers of complexity of being multicultural. I know the burden of military life with a military spouse (now retired!) and the impact of deployments on families, loss included. I know the heaviness of caring for a family member with special needs, and am well versed in many things life may throw our way. I would be honored to support you as you navigate the tougher paths in your life.
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!
I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, based in South Carolina. I received my Masters in Nursing from Duquesne University (Forensic Nursing), Post-Masters in Nursing from University of Virginia (PMHNP). I served in both U.S. Navy and U.S. Public Health Service, retired in 2019. I have been practicing for 12 yrs. I have experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
About our psychiatrists serving Columbia, SC



- 100%Anxiety
- 100%Depression
- 89%PTSD
- 88%Bipolar disorder
- 85%ADD/ADHD

- 98%Aetna
- 98%Cigna
- 94%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 58%Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network
- 56%Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey

- 100%English
- 5%Spanish
- 2%French
- 2%German
- 2%Igbo

- 82%Online only
- 18%In-person or online

- 91%Woman
- 9%Man

- 100%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

- 94%Individual therapy
- 23%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 Psychiatrist in Columbia, SC
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.
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