Business Details
37 Years
experience
Christian Counseling Services in Columbia, SC
The Christian Counseling Center was founded in the late 1980s with a mission to provide biblically grounded, clinically sound counseling to individuals and families in Columbia, South Carolina, and beyond. Our team of over 20 licensed mental health professionals, including counselors, therapists, and a staff psychiatrist, brings decades of combined experience in addressing complex emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges.We integrate evidence-based therapeutic approachessuch as cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and emotionally focused therapywith Christian principles to foster holistic healing. Recognized as a leader in faith-based mental health care, we emphasize privacy, ethical integrity, and accessibility through sliding-scale fees and multiple office locations. Our commitment to training future counselors ensures a lasting impact on communities locally and globally.
Services
Individual Counseling
Marriage Counseling
Psychiatric Services
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Sex Addiction Treatment
Group Therapy
Telehealth Sessions
Trauma Recovery
Premarital Counseling
Family Systems Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Over 25 years of experience in Christian counseling
- Integrated approach combining clinical expertise with biblical principles
- Specialized trauma-informed therapies like EMDR and TF-CBT
- Sliding-scale fees for financial accessibility
- Multidisciplinary team including a board-certified psychiatrist
What people say
Life-changing care
Safe, nonjudgmental space
Expert trauma therapy
Spiritual growth support
Highly knowledgeable staff
Services
Individual Counseling
Tailored one-on-one therapy sessions address depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. Our counselors use evidence-based methods like CBT and EMDR, integrating Christian values to promote emotional and spiritual growth. Clients receive personalized treatment plans focusing on root causes rather than symptoms. This service caters to adults seeking confidential, compassionate care for mental health challenges.
Marriage Counseling
Specialized therapy for couples at all relationship stages, from premarital preparation to conflict resolution. Therapists employ emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and family systems approaches to improve communication and rebuild trust. Sessions emphasize biblical principles of forgiveness and unity while addressing modern challenges like infidelity or financial stress.
Psychiatric Services
Board-certified psychiatrist-led evaluations and medication management for adult mental health conditions. Services include treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders, coordinated with counseling teams for holistic care. Patients receive comprehensive assessments and follow-up appointments to optimize medication efficacy and minimize side effects.
Sex Addiction Treatment
Specialized individual and group therapy for sexually compulsive behavior, using trauma-informed models like Bethesda Workshops. Treatment addresses underlying emotional and spiritual issues while teaching relapse prevention strategies. Clients participate in 12-step integration and accountability groups to support long-term recovery from pornography addiction or other compulsive behaviors.
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Age-appropriate therapy for children and teens dealing with anxiety, trauma, or family dynamics. Therapists collaborate with parents to develop coping strategies and improve family communication. Modalities include play therapy, TF-CBT, and parental guidance sessions to address behavioral issues or academic stress in a faith-based environment.
People
Dr. Brian Mesimer
Executive Director
Dr. Mesimer has led the center since 2024, combining counseling expertise with theological insight. He specializes in anxiety, depression, and spiritual formation, having published research on faith-integrated therapy. A former professor, he holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands.
Dr. Raynia McGee
Staff Psychiatrist
Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. McGee manages medication for adult mental health conditions. With residency training from Palmetto Health/University of SC, she treats depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. She received the Psychiatry Resident of the Year Award in 2014 and emphasizes holistic care.
Dr. Tom Barbian
Licensed Professional Counselor
Founder of the center's sexual addiction program, Dr. Barbian holds a CSAT-C certification. He has facilitated trauma workshops at Bethesda Workshops since 1997 and specializes in treating sexual addiction using 12-step models and biblical principles.
Dr. Julia Klausli
Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Klausli provides couples therapy and career counseling, certified in the Highlands Ability Battery assessment. She has published research on marital satisfaction and integrates faith with evidence-based practices. Holds a Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Kari Wilson
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specializing in trauma from sexual betrayal, Kari Wilson uses TF-CBT and EMDR techniques. Certified as a Partner Trauma Therapist, she works with individuals and families affected by addiction-related trauma. Holds a master's degree from Columbia International University.
Questions
What types of counseling services are available?
We offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual addiction, and life transitions, along with psychiatric medication management.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept major insurers including Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and TRICARE. Check with our billing team for specific coverage details.
Are services available for low-income clients?
We offer sliding-scale fees and financial assistance programs to ensure counseling remains accessible for all income levels.
Can I schedule telehealth appointments?
Yes, telehealth counseling and psychiatric services are available for South Carolina residents using secure video conferencing platforms.
What makes your counseling approach unique?
We integrate evidence-based therapies with Christian principles, emphasizing spiritual growth alongside mental health treatment in a compassionate environment.
How do I request an appointment?
Call us at 803-779-1995 or use our online appointment request form to schedule your initial consultation with a licensed counselor.
