LGBTQ Sensitive Therapy in Columbia, SC—Counselors

There is no question, attitudes in the United States are changing to be more accepting of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning. There is also no question that there is more room to improve. As with most fights for human rights, change happens incrementally. Yes, major legal wins have delivered advancement for marriage equality. Yes, influential voices are using their soapbox to advocate for more inclusion and kindness. Yes, those in the LGBTQ community still face high rates of marginalization and discrimination. Yes, they are paying a mental health toll for this stigmatization as they face higher rates of addiction, anxiety, and depression.

“It takes no compromise to give people their rights…
it takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression.” ― Harvey Milk

Living in freedom—the freedom to be oneself—is the foundational of good emotional health. This includes the freedom to have one’s own likes and dislikes. This includes being honest about one’s weaknesses and strengths. This includes being true to one’s gender and sexuality. Those within the LGBTQ community face roadblocks that others do not. The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Columbia understand the many forms those obstacles can take, and we are ready to offer support and care for they journey toward self-acceptance and mental health.

LGBTQ Inclusive Therapy

Living one’s truth is critical, but that does not mean it is easy. Others are not always supportive of our truth. Sometimes, we are not even sure of our truth. One of the goals of any therapeutic relationship is safety. When people have a safe place where they can dream, question, speak, remember, and plan without judgment and without shame, then often, they often grow a strong sense of self. There are many positive changes that people experience when they feel this trust, kindness, truth, and self-acceptance, and those within the LGBTQ community need extra support for this process.

People who identify as LGBTQ still face an untrue and unfaith stigma that is nonetheless very real, and this stigma demands a psychological and emotional price. The stress of experience discrimination, harassment, and rejection at higher rates than others has real-life impact. Here is a glimpse into that impact:

While the substance abuse rate for those in the general population is 9 percent, the rate within the LGBTQ community is 30 percent.
People who identify as LGBTQ report experiencing on-going “minority stress” that results from experiencing more prejudice, denial of human rights, abuse, harassment, family rejection, and social exclusion.
LGBTQ youth, ages 10-24 experienced greater rates of hatred, bullying, fear, and prejudice within their schools and homes.
LGBTQ youth are also four times more likely to try and kill themselves than their straight or cis-gendered peers.
Those within the LGBTQ community experience mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder at rates that are three times higher than the general population.

As sobering as these statistics are, the LGBTQ community also faces a “dual stigma” within the mental health care field. Up until 1973, the American Psychological Associate labeled homosexuality as a pathology. The very mental health care that so many within the LGBTQ community needed was denied to because of an unacceptable bias. Even though the label has been officially overturned, many mental health care professionals are uninformed and un-affirming toward their clients who identify as LGBTQ.

The cultural and social context that people live in matters, and given this context, it is understandable that many people within the LGBTQ community have hesitated to reach out for help. However, times are changing. More and more, therapists and counselors are sensitive toward the unique circumstances that their LGBTQ clients face. More and more, LGBTQ people are reaching out for the mental health care they need.

What does it look like for therapists to offer LGBTQ informed care? The counselors at Thriveworks work hard to build trust with their clients. We know that everyone needs a safe place to be themselves, to speak their truth, to tell their story, and to be heard. Our therapists understand the harm that harassment, discrimination, and abuse causes. We honor our clients’ pain. We also honor our clients’ dreams. Many clients also need a safe place to dream and an ally to accomplish those dreams.

There is no formula, but many topics that arise in therapy include:

Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
“Coming out” issues
Addiction
Anxiety and stress
Family concerns
Eating disorders
Dating and other relationships
Gender and sexual identity
Healthy communication
Depression
Transcending gender roles
Self-esteem issues
Safety concerns
Past trauma and abuse

Appointments for LGBTQ Informed Counseling at Thriveworks Columbia

Take a moment to think about what is going on in your life right now. If you are facing discrimination or family rejection or a mental health disorder or minority stress or any number of issues, know that you are not alone. The therapists are Thriveworks Columbia are ready to provide the mental health care you deserve. When you contact our office, know that a real person will answer the phone and help you make an appointment. We do not have an automated response system or a voicemail. New clients often have their first appointment within 24 hours. Weekend and evening sessions are offer. We also accept many forms of insurance. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Columbia today.

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ based on 38 reviews. See all reviews

Good people.

★★★★☆

Everyone is very nice and are really easy to talk to!

- Columbia, SC Client

Debra Maxwell is Awesome!

★★★★★

Debbie has helped me effectively manage the stress in my current work environment. She has also provided me with practical real-life applications to help me work toward my immediate and long-term goals. I am fortunate to have Debbie as a therapist!

Amazing

Debbie is such an amazing person to talk to and she helped me through so much in the past year. She has helped me to understand myself and work through my problems. Absolutely amazing :)

Carlton is Amazing

Carlton was tremendous in helping me to overcome my anxiety issues. I enjoyed working with him and am grateful for the care and skill he provided to help me get my life back. If you're dealing with anxiety and are ready for help I highly recommend, Carlton.

Former Employee

Mrs. Anna Gantt-Gordon has an exceptional personality and attitude in working with clients. She goes the extra mile to advocate and encourages others. Great to work with.

Carlton is Excellent

I am both a client of Carlton's as well as a healthcare provider that sends him patients. Personally, I feel that Carlton is an excellent counselor who has an incredible skill set when it comes to diagnosing and managing a wide variety of situations and conditions. He is an active listener, non-judgmental, and someone I feel comfortable opening up to. He has helped me successfully navigate challenging situations in my life, and I continue to see and trust Carlton to help me continue my growth as a person. I like that he works in the evenings as that allows me to fit counseling into my busy schedule. I drive an hour to see him because I believe in the quality of his therapy. Professionally, he is my favorite counselor to refer patients to because he is easy to access, flexible in his schedule, and I consistently get positive feedback from my patients on their experiences with him. I highly recommend him to anyone needing personal or couples counseling. While I personally do not have issues with addiction, I am aware that he is especially skilled at helping patients manage substance abuse / addictions.

The best in Columbia

Carlton Andrews was the third counselor I talked to, trying to find the best fit for me and I’m so glad I found him! I connected with him from the first appointment because he makes you feel so comfortable. His skill level and knowledge are excellent. He makes you feel validated but at the same time doesn’t sugar coat anything, he’s tells you what you need to hear. He truly had a passion for wanting to help people. He is gentle, kind and caring. I’m thankful I found him and have him as a safe place to go. I highly recommend Carlton if you are looking for an amazing counselor who will love and care about you.

Couldn’t be more impressed

Carlton is nothing short of amazing. I consider him something of a mentor. It's not always easy talking to someone about deeply personal aspects of your life, but with Carlton, I'm truly at ease. He is patient, kind, a focused listener, and demonstrates an attentiveness rarely seen. Moreover, his insights have deeply resonated with me and given me a solid foundation on which to stand.

Better Me

Carlton has helped me better understand myself, so much. I feel like I’ve unlocked parts of my brain that I didn’t know exist and that I can function better because of it. Also, on days where I’ve been super down or hard on myself, Carlton has always worked me in. I’d definitely recommend trusting him to help you with anything!

Best Experience

Carlton has done a great job helping me understanding how to navigate my thoughts, emotions, and the overall way I process the world. He’s helped me overcome a lot of resistance and he’s done so with a lot of patience. He’s the best I’ve ever worked with and you should trust him with your experience.

Compassionate & Caring Carlton

Carlton is a wonderful counsellor. Not only does he set you at ease, you can immediately see that he wants the absolute best life for you. As authentic as they come! I'm so thankful that I took a chance on Thriveworks and counseling in general. I'm not sure where I would be without the honest guidance of Carlton and his reserves of patience and understanding.

Carlton Andrews Review

I have been seeing Carlton for therapy sessions for a year now, and he has helped me so much. Not only has he been able to help with therapy, he has helped me with professional training. I cannot be more honest in saying that I have had the ideal therapeutic experience with Carlton. I wish Carlton could be everyone's therapist because he's one of the best!

Great Place

Kiaya is an amazing counselor ! I'm looking forward to my sessions with her. Everyone was very friendly and I'm so happy that I've found this place.

So glad I found them

I'm so glad I found Thriveworks! Dr. Pena-Cabana has been so helpful to me and my children. She and the other counselors are very talented at understanding problems and finding effective treatments. I referred a friend, who is also very happy with a different Thriveworks counselor. They are able to treat a variety of problems in adults and children.

Faculty & Service

I highly recommend Thriveworks! The service from the faculty is surperb from the front office to the life coaches & counselors!! I have been going to Thriveworks for 3 years now and, I absolutely love it! They don't treat you like a number like the other places do! If you or someone you know needs couciling then call Thriveworks Mon-Sat! Yes, I said Saturday! They will help you in anyway they can to make you see the light at the end of the tunnel! Thank you Thriveworks for all of the services y'all have provided me with and still do! Without of all of you I don't know where I would be today!

Dr Pena and her staff

Searching for the right therapist that understands military members and our challenges is like dating, you have to keeping looking around to find the right one. Thank goodness, finding Dr. Pena was a blessing! She is warm, reliable, and trustworthy. She helps me cope with my everyday life challenges stemming from three decades of military and combat service. Jessica makes great use of social media - Skype, FaceTime, and texting which makes it convenient for me to stay in touch whether for appointments or those very important times when I really need to contact her. She is always positive and, at this point in my life, seeking help is not always the easiest thing to do. But having a therapist like Jessica who has an incredible way by asking the right questions to help me get to root of what I’m feeling. She also offered me many valuable tools and recommendations to help me deal with my day to day mental health. Her front staff is very, very efficient, helpful and extremely competent. They are soo sweet. I’ve never had nothing but great service from them over the years. I am so very grateful for having such an intelligent, compassionate and knowledgeable counselor. She has helped me so much! I would highly recommend her to anyone who is serious about their mental health.

Wonderful People

From the moment I first walked through the doors, I have been treated with respect, and care. I feel so at ease with all the people I have met there. I cannot recommend this team of mental health care providers enough!

Wonderful and caring staff

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate Dr. Pena and her staff. I can't even begin to tell you how much she has helped me. She will go out of her way to make me feel cared for and heard. The fact that she responds to texts and emails shows how much she cares and goes out of her way to make sure I'm ok. I've learned so much these past few months and I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you.

Patrick is a STAR

I was ready to give up hope of ever healing from PTSD when I found Thriveworks. Patrick’s approach using CPT worked when traditional counseling by several other therapists had failed. I really was beginning to believe PTSD was just something I’d have to learn to live with, but Patrick taught me how to work through my issues using the worksheets on my own. As a military spouse, my time with Patrick had a deadline as my husband’s service time at Fort Jackson came to a close. Patrick ensured that I took with me the tools to continue working through my issues long after leaving his office. I can’t thank him enough for changing my inner voice, and giving me the power to stop negative thoughts and process them in a healthy way. Patrick changed my life and after struggling for all of my adult life, I finally have the confidence to live without shame and understand my value. He has a deep understanding of the unique struggles military couples face, and worked tirelessly with my husband and me. Thank you, and Patrick, for teaching me how to save myself and my marriage.

Be your on critic

I've been in and out of therapy and hospitals over the past couple of years. I have had bouts of depression and a lot of trauma that I have had to work through. I also have a pattern of running away and getting mad when I'm challenged or things don't go my way, but this time I didn't run and haven't ran. Dr. Pena was very encouraging, down to earth, caring, and helpful which was a blessing. But warning to all, she is a busy lady and sometimes getting an apt can be tricky. But she will make time and do what she can to see you. My advice is get in and keep your apps, because there is a reason she is busy, but never too busy to return a text or come in when she didn't have to. Thank you because that little bit of care and time actually meant more to me than anyone can imagine.

PLEASE SEEK HELP ELSEWHERE

★☆☆☆☆

Please don't do business with this company. Your loved one's life may depend on it. I scheduled an emergency appointment and have email confirmation of said appointment. When patient arrived, they were left waiting for an hour and fifteen minutes. At which time, patient expressed concern over wait time, he was informed that they didn't know what happened, but they couldn't see him because they had accidentally cancelled his appointment. For a therapy practice to make these errors and turn away patients in times of high anxiety is unacceptable and unethical.

Poor process for scheduling

On our second appointment we arrived signed in at sat down. Twenty minutes later I got up to ask the front desk girl what was going on. She spoke to the counselor and came back to tell us our appointment was earlier in the day but the counselor would try to work us in if we waited. I asked when the appointment was she said we were not anywhere on the calendar. I know the time and date we scheduled for. Even if we did come at the wrong time why would they not tell us at check in? Poor systems.

Received a bill a year later

I first scheduled a therapy session back in April of 2017. I had chosen a particular therapist but when I showed up for my intake interview I was interviewed by someone else. I figured this was the process. I didn't realize that they paired me with a different therapist. After paying for the intake interview, I realized that it would not be a good fit which was no big deal. I called and emailed to cancel my next appointment. Fast forward a year later and ... I receive a bill for the intake interview AND the canceled interview from almost a year ago. A total of $179. I have emailed and called several times. The phone number on the bill does not work. Not one response from the emails. I called the main corporate number and they even agreed that this particular location is hard to get in touch with. I think my bill is now in collections and my credit score has been affected. I did nothing wrong yet I'm paying the price. I would not recommend this location.

Rigging your score

Rigging your reviews? Don't allow dissenters to post? That's low. Even from you. I guess you found a way to keep people from knowing the truth about how you treat patients there.

Perspective

I started going to Thriveworks after DSS came into my life and took my daughter and granddaughter. The owner, Dr. Pena, told me she would do everything in her power to help me get them back. The scathing psychological report she wrote for me cost me at least 6 months, of not longer, in my battle.to get them back. Then the court demanded documents answering certain questions. Each therapist, including Dr Pena, that we saw refused to rewrite their statements when the court said it was not sufficient. The only therapist that completely answered the courts demands was Patricia Brandon. The only therapist on the building worth seeing. The only one with honor. Now, almost two years later, I get a text reminding me of my appt. Don't have one of course. But it did remind me to leave my own review. Tried to rate -0 but the thing wouldn't let me. Go figure!

Highly Recommend

Patrick is great! He challenges you, but in a constructive manner. Scheduling with Thriveworks is amazing!

Best money ever spent

This place is amazing and what therapy is about. Dr. Pena, Patrick, James, Rachell, it really doesn't matter who you are going to see you will be cared for. Accountability and commitment to helping you move forward with whatever issues you face is where they shine. They listen, they care, they help you set small goals and they help give you the tools you need succeed with your goal. Couldn't ask for a better set up and a great location!

A little perspective!

★★☆☆☆

I have the responsibility of providing perspective. I know how damaging bad therapy is. It's possible they aren't bad therapists, and I was a rogue client. It's more likely we were a bad fit, but to all the people who are only looking to nip an imbalance in the bud, do yourself a favor and research. It will save you thousands on appointments. I had sessions with Mr. Pellicer every week and Dr. Pena occasionally for 5 months. Some therapists aren't for everyone, and you shouldn't trust anyone but yourself to make that clear. Feeling worse every week isn't indicative of recovery. I left that office for the last time feeling the same as when I first came in, nothing. If you find yourself coming out of a session feeling like you only have to make it through a week before you get to go back, ask yourself what the therapy is doing to you. I was pushed spirituality as a solution to my problems, but now I know that was never an issue. After a low that landed me in the hospital, I was connected to a more experienced therapist and over roughly 10 sessions, I learned how to trust myself. I came out stronger, but it was hard to accept the absurdity of why I let it all go on for so long.

OUTSTANDING

Dr. Rodriguez is the best therapist in the world! Her dedication and expertise were above my expectations! I highly recommend her!

Great People who care!

I was having a hard time with my partner and was ready to give up, but we took a chance after some research and found the help we really needed. Sometime you need someone to sit, listen, and guide you. Thank You!

Awesome

Had an outstanding experience thanks to Dr.rodriguez.I would recommend

Wonderful!!

It was difficult asking for help, but the staff and therapist ensured that I was comfortable and made it the best decision. I plan to continue going again.

Caring and Intellegent professionals who care about you and are very successful at what they do.

Wonderful and Caring Counselors

Ive worked with a number of counselors over the past few years and have more relief in the past few months then ever before. The caring atmosphere and coffee is a nice touch when you feel down. Dr. Pena and the rest of the staff go out of their way to say hello and care.

professional and compassionate

The people here actually care and are compassionate. Even when I'm having a bad day and need a little more help then normal... They go out of their way to help.

the Oasis amongst my chaos

Deceived into moving to this city, I sought marriage counseling and tried three separate counselors and an additional counselor after I was abandoned. Not only did those other counselors not listen properly to be able to understand the dynamics of my situation, they didn't have the proper experience to recognize the complexity of the symptoms I was displaying, nor could they fully understand what I was going through. How can someone help us if they don't understand? They can't. Nor can we teach our children to tie their shoes if we don't know how to tie shoes ourselves. Even though I knew the name of the abuse I was subjected to, I was emotionally dismissed by other counselors throughout the city. Once I found Dr. Pena and read through all her credentials, her experience, her specialties, her background and experience with the Military, I thought she sounded too good to be true. With the complexities of what my family has been through, I finally found some hope again. Dr. Pena is highly intelligent, compassionate, patient, quick witted and humorous. She also pulls no punches, which is what we need sometimes. I only wish I would have found her sooner so I didn't have to go through the hell I've been through alone, without her proper guidance. I am eager to continue learning the coping strategies she's teaching me and to continue to heal and grow as an individual and as a parent. Until my journey is complete and my heart and soul are healed, Dr. Pena shall remain the Oasis amongst my chaos.

Highly recommended!

The staff at are incredible! Anytime my family and I need something they are always there for us. I highly recommend to anyone needing help. Kudos to Dr. Pena & her team! :)

will never leave thriveworks!!

Absolutely love and the staff! They genuinely care about me and my family! We are not an instance claim.or a case number, we are individuals and treated as such! I would never recommend another theraputical office to anyone else.! I wish I could give 10 stars because they deserve it!!!! HIGHLY recommend to anyone seeking services!

See fewer reviews

LGBTQ Sensitive Therapy in Columbia, SC—Counselors

LGBTQ Inclusive Therapy

Appointments for LGBTQ Informed Counseling at Thriveworks Columbia

People Love Our Providers!

Good people.

Debra Maxwell is Awesome!

Amazing

Good people.

Debra Maxwell is Awesome!

Amazing

Carlton is Amazing

Former Employee

Carlton is Excellent

The best in Columbia

Couldn’t be more impressed

Better Me

Best Experience

Compassionate & Caring Carlton

Carlton Andrews Review

Great Place

So glad I found them

Faculty & Service

Dr Pena and her staff

Wonderful People

Wonderful and caring staff

Patrick is a STAR

Be your on critic

PLEASE SEEK HELP ELSEWHERE

Poor process for scheduling

Received a bill a year later

Rigging your score

Perspective

Highly Recommend

Best money ever spent

A little perspective!

OUTSTANDING

Great People who care!

Awesome

Wonderful!!

Amazing

Wonderful and Caring Counselors

professional and compassionate

the Oasis amongst my chaos

Highly recommended!

will never leave thriveworks!!

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