Find a therapist in Charleston, SC — covered by insurance
Top therapists in Charleston, SC accepting new patients
Charleston's mental healthcare landscape is evolving, and Headway is leading the way. Our network of 1,353 providers serves residents throughout the city—including neighborhoods like the East Side, downtown, and West Ashley—offering talk therapy and medication management support. Sessions are flexible, covered by insurance, and designed to fit your life.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of clinical and administrative experience, and I provide therapy to clients in South Carolina via telehealth. My background includes more than a decade working within the Veterans Healthcare System, along with experience in private practice, correctional settings, and community-based care. I’ve worked in outpatient addiction recovery, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, and social service agencies, supporting individuals, couples, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds. I bring a compassionate, experienced, and practical approach, grounded in evidence-based therapy.
I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have been working with clients since 2021. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity — the big, tender stuff that often doesn't have an easy answer but always deserves a real conversation.
I work with adolescents and adults but to be honest, my door is open to anyone having a human experience. Which, is all of us.
My approach draws from Person-Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness — but what that looks like in practice is less textbook and more tailored to you. Some people need tools and strategies. Some people just need to feel genuinely heard for the first time in a long time. Most people need both, and we figure that out together.
I show up as a real person. I'm warm, honest, occasionally funny, and always in your corner. You won't find me blank-faced or judgmental. You will find someone who is genuinely invested in your story and rooting for you, every step of the way.
I'm Michelle Smith — LPC, MA in Professional Counseling, and your biggest advocate before you've even said a word. I chose this work because I genuinely believe that every person who walks through the door carries something worth fighting for, and I want to be in your corner while you fight for it. I specialize in working with people who are anxious, exhausted, grieving, or just quietly wondering if things can ever feel different. Spoiler: they can. Whether you're carrying old wounds, navigating a hard season, or searching for something that feels like hope — I'm here for all of it. You have immense value and purpose, and my job is to help you remember that.
I specialize in sex therapy and relationship counseling for LGBTQ+, gender-expansive, kink-involved, and consensually non-monogamous adults. You may feel capable and self-aware in most areas of life yet unsettled in your closest relationships. Together, we will connect the dots between present triggers and earlier relational experiences so recurring patterns can be understood and shifted with intention.
I work with clients that feel stuck or unsure, but want to change this and are motivated to pursue this change. Seeking counseling is a tough first step, but you are here; you did it! Please feel free to contact me to discuss your journey, your goals, and how I may support you.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of Charleston, SC
- 100%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 89%Trauma
- 82%Grief or loss
- 100%Aetna
- 86%Cigna
- 75%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 43%Providence Health Plan
- 36%Oxford
- 100%English
- 4%Hindi
- 96%In-person or online
- 4%In-person only
- 82%Woman
- 18%Man
- 61%Licensed Professional Counselor
- 32%Licensed independent social worker–clinical practice
- 4%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 4%Psychologist
- 100%Individual therapy
- 43%Family therapy
- 36%Couples therapy
- 14%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist 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 Charleston, SC
Searching for therapists in Charleston starts with knowing what kind of support you want and which therapist specialties match your needs. Charleston therapists may work with concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, stress, and life transitions. As you compare options, look for a therapist whose listed specialties, therapy approach, and experience match what you want to address. Bios can also show whether a therapist uses approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, or other forms of support.
In a smaller city like Charleston, local appointment options may vary by neighborhood, schedule, and specialty. Virtual therapy can expand your search beyond nearby offices while still connecting you with a therapist licensed in South Carolina. When comparing Charleston counseling options, consider whether a therapist is accepting new patients, offers appointment times that fit your calendar, and provides a free phone consultation. Reading profiles before booking can help you understand each therapist’s communication style, session structure, and areas of focus.
Therapy in Charleston, SC can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make mental health care more affordable. Headway helps you search for a Charleston, SC therapist who matches your needs, takes your insurance, and offers upfront cost estimates before you book. You can browse therapists, review bios, compare virtual and in-person options, and book directly when you’re ready.
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