Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Counseling Partner in Columbia, SC
Live Oak Counseling Center has been a trusted provider of mental health services in Columbia, South Carolina since 1991. Our team of licensed professionals brings decades of combined experience in clinical social work, counseling, and therapeutic interventions. We specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, family dynamics, and life transitions through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and play therapy. Our nonprofit mission prioritizes accessibility, offering sliding-scale fees and financial assistance through our Care Fund. Rooted in values of inclusivity and spiritual sensitivity, we serve clients of all backgrounds while maintaining strict confidentiality and ethical standards.Our practitioners hold advanced degrees and certifications, ensuring high-quality care tailored to individual needs. We emphasize collaborative treatment planning and continuous professional development to maintain clinical excellence. Our facility in Columbia's Shandon neighborhood provides a welcoming environment for healing and personal growth. We actively engage with local churches and community organizations to expand mental health awareness and support networks. With over 30 years of service, we remain committed to helping clients build resilience and achieve lasting emotional well-being.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couples Therapy
Play Therapy
Trauma Counseling
Anxiety Management
Depression Treatment
Family Counseling
Grief Counseling
Parenting Support
Gender Identity Support
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer sliding-scale fees and financial assistance through our Care Fund
- Our therapists hold advanced degrees and clinical certifications
- We serve clients of all religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Specialized programs for children, teens, and adults with diverse needs
- Collaborative approach combining multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities
What people say
Affordable and quality care
Wonderful therapist experience
Compassionate nonjudgmental support
Dramatic life improvements
Mental health toolkit development
Services
Individual Counseling
Our individual counseling sessions provide personalized mental health support for adults and teens. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, we address anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Each session offers a safe space for self-exploration and skill development.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts in romantic relationships. Our licensed therapists help partners develop healthier patterns and strengthen emotional connections through structured therapeutic interventions. Sessions address issues like trust, communication, and life transitions.
Play Therapy
Specially trained counselors use play therapy to help children express emotions and process experiences. This developmentally appropriate approach addresses behavioral issues, anxiety, and trauma through creative activities. Parents receive guidance to support their child's emotional growth at home.
Trauma Counseling
Our trauma-informed therapists provide specialized support for individuals processing traumatic experiences. Using evidence-based techniques, we help clients develop coping strategies and rebuild emotional stability. Treatment addresses symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation.
Anxiety Management
Anxiety management programs teach practical techniques for controlling anxiety symptoms. Through cognitive restructuring and mindfulness practices, clients learn to identify triggers and implement coping strategies. Sessions focus on both immediate symptom relief and long-term behavioral changes.
People
Nancy Holderman Smith
Director & Counselor
Licensed clinical social worker with expertise in anxiety, depression, and family issues. Uses collaborative therapy approaches and integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques. Holds MSW degree and has extensive nonprofit leadership experience.
Erin Koeske
Counselor
Licensed therapist specializing in grief counseling and trauma recovery. Combines cognitive behavioral therapy with creative arts therapies. Holds master's degree from University of Chicago and has experience in hospice and substance abuse treatment.
Tinsley Pou
Counselor
Licensed professional counselor associate with play therapy certification. Specializes in working with children and teens through person-centered approaches. Completed graduate studies at University of South Carolina with focus on child development.
Susan Yelverton
Counselor
Mindfulness-based therapist with experience in depression and life transitions. Integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques. Former arts educator with specialized training in educator mental health support.
Melissa Tringali
Office Manager
Handles financial operations and administrative functions. Advocates for mental health awareness and accessibility. Provides client support with compassionate understanding of counseling's importance.
Questions
What counseling services do you offer?
We provide individual, couples, family, and play therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parenting challenges, and life transitions. Specialized services include gender identity support and autism spectrum disorder consultations.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at 803-256-1033 during business hours to schedule. We offer weekday appointments and will connect you with the appropriate therapist based on your needs.
Do you accept insurance?
We operate on a self-pay model with sliding-scale fees. Clients receive documentation for potential insurance reimbursement. Our Care Fund provides financial assistance for qualifying individuals.
What is your crisis protocol?
For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. We do not provide crisis intervention services but can help develop safety plans during regular sessions.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50-60 minutes. Extended sessions up to 70 minutes are available at pro-rated rates for complex cases requiring additional time.
Are your counselors licensed?
All our therapists hold active state licenses in social work or professional counseling. They maintain continuing education requirements and specialized certifications in evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
