Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Counseling Partner in Columbia
Live Oak Counseling Center has been dedicated to providing professional and affordable mental health counseling since 1991. Our mission is to support individuals, couples, and families in the Columbia area as they navigate life's challenges, offering both psychological and spiritual growth opportunities. Established through collaboration between local churches, we operate as a nonprofit organization committed to accessibility, serving clients of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. Our team of licensed professionals specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, family dynamics, and more, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches. We believe in the inherent worth of every individual and strive to create a safe, inclusive environment for all clients.Financial assistance is available through our Care Fund to ensure counseling remains accessible to those in need. With over three decades of service, we continue to embody compassionate care rooted in the community. Our counselors integrate diverse methodologies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, to meet clients where they are. We welcome individuals of all religious affiliations, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds, fostering healing through personalized therapeutic relationships. Our commitment to holistic wellness extends to educational programs and community outreach initiatives that promote mental health awareness.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couples Counseling
Children Counseling
Anxiety Management
Trauma Counseling
Bipolar Support
Depression Counseling
Family Therapy
Grief Counseling
Play Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of dedicated mental health service in the Columbia community
- Nonprofit organization offering financial assistance through our Care Fund
- Inclusive environment welcoming all religious affiliations and backgrounds
- Licensed professionals using evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- Holistic integration of psychological and spiritual wellness
What people say
Compassionate care
Professional therapists
Affordable rates
Inclusive environment
Effective treatment
Services
Individual Counseling
Our licensed therapists provide personalized counseling sessions addressing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Using evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, we help clients develop coping strategies and achieve emotional wellness. Sessions focus on individual growth through collaborative therapeutic relationships.
Couples Counseling
Specialized therapy for couples navigating relationship challenges. Our counselors help improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust through structured sessions. We address issues like marital stress, premarital preparation, and post-divorce adjustments using proven therapeutic techniques.
Trauma Counseling
Comprehensive treatment for trauma survivors using specialized modalities like EMDR and somatic therapies. Our trauma-informed care addresses PTSD symptoms, childhood trauma, and acute stress reactions. Therapists create safe environments for processing traumatic experiences and developing resilience.
Grief and Loss Counseling
Guided support for individuals coping with loss through death, divorce, or life transitions. Our counselors employ narrative therapy and mindfulness techniques to help clients process grief. We offer specialized programs for complicated grief and anticipatory loss situations.
Play Therapy
Developmentally appropriate treatment for children using play-based interventions. Certified play therapists help children express emotions and process experiences through structured activities. This approach addresses behavioral issues, anxiety, and trauma in a natural therapeutic format.
People
Nancy Holderman Smith
Director and Counselor
Licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and family issues. Uses collaborative approach with DBT and CBT techniques. Over 20 years of clinical experience and social work background.
Erin Koeske
Counselor
Licensed in SC and IL with expertise in grief counseling and creative arts therapies. Combines CBT and humanistic approaches. Former hospice bereavement counselor with diverse clinical experience.
Tinsley Pou
Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate specializing in child and adolescent therapy. Certified in play therapy with person-centered approach. Focuses on anxiety, behavioral issues, and life transitions for youth.
Susan Yelverton
Counselor
Mindfulness-based therapist working with teens and adults. Specializes in life transitions, LGBTQIA support, and educator wellness. Currently completing mindfulness teacher certification through UC Berkeley collaboration.
Melissa Tringali
Office Manager
Accounting professional managing financial operations. Advocate for mental health awareness. Provides administrative support ensuring smooth service delivery and client accessibility.
Questions
What types of counseling services do you offer?
We provide individual, couples, family, and child counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
How can I access financial assistance for counseling?
Our Care Fund offers sliding-scale fees based on income. Discuss financial concerns with your counselor who will help determine eligibility and payment options.
Are your counselors licensed professionals?
Yes, all our therapists are licensed mental health professionals with specialized training in their respective counseling disciplines and therapeutic modalities.
Do you accept clients from all backgrounds?
We welcome everyone regardless of religious affiliation, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Our inclusive approach respects each client's unique journey.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Our counselors employ evidence-based methods including CBT, DBT, mindfulness practices, play therapy, and trauma-informed care tailored to each client's specific needs.
