785 people sought online therapy help at Charleston in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a online can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 14 therapists in South Carolina available for an online or in-person session.
Luciana  Smalls

Hear from Luciana Smalls, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Luciana Smalls's profile

What is your go-to approach for online therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in online therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I prefer to provide tools/strategies to the client so that the client is able to explore what best works for them and their identified situation/circumstances.

What tools do you teach in online therapy?

I teach the following tools in online therapy:

  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Conflict-solving skills
  • Thought-stopping
  • Mindfulness
  • Roleplay
  • SOLVED technique
  • Relaxation
  • Reframing
  • Time management
  • Challenging thoughts and behaviors

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy when they identify the change in their behaviors, communication, and response to situations/circumstances. They will report the ability to demonstrate effective CBT tools without encouragement or coaching.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement online therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in online therapy by learning to understand that therapy is there to provide tools, guidance, support, and assistance, as the client is the expert. The client has the potential to benefit from writing down questions, tracking symptoms and triggers, and writing down details of any situations/circumstances to process during the therapy session.

What should someone do to prepare for starting online therapy?

To prepare for their first online therapy session, the client may benefit from reviewing the therapist’s information, having an open mind, asking questions, and limiting distractions before the scheduled session.

Starting Online therapy

What is online therapy?

With Thriveworks, Online therapy is an effective alternative to in-person therapy services in which a client can speak to a Thriveworks therapist remotely via online video conferencing. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person treatment, but they can also provide added benefits like reduced travel time, saving money on transportation or childcare, and increased access to care.

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy works much like traditional in-person therapy but takes place through secure video conferencing. Clients can attend Online therapy from any safe place they choose that has access to the internet, whether that be their home or another easily accessible place. Like in-person treatment, a therapist will work with their client to address their concerns, create goals, and establish an effective treatment plan.

What is the best option for online therapy?

There is no best option for online therapy—instead, it’s best to focus on finding a provider that meets your specific needs and with whom you can form a professional connection with.

Is online therapy just as effective?

Yes, online therapy is just as effetive for many clients as in-person sessions.

How long does online therapy last?

Online therapy can last for a few months to years depending on the goals and symptoms of the client. The treatment process will be unique to each client and lend itself to their specific concerns, which means that the time it takes to treat them will always be different. Timing is also up to the client themselves; they are free to stop therapy whenever they please, especially if they feel they have reached their goals and addressed their concerns.

How much does online therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Need more help deciding?

Have you ever heard of online therapy? Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is! Online therapy counseling allows you to work with your provider through the internet. Instead of working with them face-to-face at their office, you work with your counselor from the comfort and convenience of home or anywhere else you prefer. You just have to make sure you have phone service or internet access when the time comes to attend your session, in one of the following ways:

  • Over the phone
  • Via videoconferencing

These options have proven to help people overcome their specific challenges. That said, it all comes down to finding the right therapy option for you! If you value face-to-face interactions, videoconferencing might be the most effective therapy option for you; however, if you’d rather not be on camera, working with your counselor over the phone might be the better online therapy approach for you.

If you are interested in online therapy and what it could do for you, reach out to Thriveworks Charleston, SC online counseling. We can set you up with one of our online counselors as soon as today or tomorrow. We’re also here if you have questions about the services offered at Thriveworks Charleston. In either case, give us a call at (843) 480-4034. We’ll be happy to assist you.

5 Benefits of Online Counseling

If you’re considering online counseling, it’s important that you factor in all of the benefits! For example, here are 5 good reasons to try online counseling:

  1. It’s the convenient option: No matter where you reside, be it in the country or in the city, you probably spend a decent amount of time traveling to and from your counseling appointments! Maybe even more time than you do in your actual sessions. Online therapy removes the distance, the commute, the time it takes to get to and form. This equals optimal convenience, as well as comfort!
  2. It’s tested and effective: Choosing to work with your counselor online does not mean sacrificing any progress you would make in-person. Decades of research show that online therapy can prove just as effective as in-person counseling. In addition, online counseling dates back to the 1950s when the first mental health hotline emerged. Today, of course, there are more online therapy options than ever before.
  3. It’s affordable: Online counseling is also an affordable option. Many people worry that because it appears to be a revolutionary, new service, it will be more expensive. This is not the case. Many insurance companies now cover online mental health services. Not to mention that here at Thriveworks Charleston, SC, we have affordable self-pay options, too.
  4. It offers flexibility: Online therapy also offers greater flexibility when it comes to scheduling your appointment. In other words, you’ll likely be able to schedule your appointment more quickly and you’ll have more options to choose from than you would in in-person counseling.
  5. It makes counseling easier: Thriveworks Charleston offers a safe, judgment-free space for opening up and working through your problems. Still, many people struggle to open up to their therapist or counselor in-person. Online therapy is the solution to this problem. It helps people feel more comfortable and excel in the therapeutic process.

In summary, online counseling offers convenience, comfort, and affordability. Additionally, it can help you open up to your counselor with greater ease and in turn prove even more effective than in-person therapy. Again, it’s all about finding the therapy option that’s right for you and your needs. If you’re interested in exploring what online counseling could do for you, reach out to Thriveworks Charleston.

Work with an Online Counselor at Thriveworks Charleston, SC

Online counseling is rising in popularity and prevalence. It is the convenient counseling option and it helps to eliminate external factors that might get in your way of attending your in-person appointment, such as the commute, bad weather, car trouble, and more. If you’re interested in trying online therapy, reach out to Thriveworks Charleston, SC today. Call (843) 480-4034 when you’re ready to set up an appointment or to talk to our scheduling team about all of the mental health services we offer! We look forward to it.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Charleston therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

Show more
Self-pay costs at Charleston
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Read more Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Bill Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mrs. Darby is an amazing LPC! She was my preceptor while attending MUSC. She came highly recommended by my colleagues and definitely met the expectations! She went above and beyond for her students and her clients. Very professional, caring, empathetic, practices excellent communications and dedicated to improving mental health for her clients and the community! I highly recommend her services!
Read more Mrs. Darby is an amazing LPC! She was my preceptor while attending MUSC. She came highly recommended by my colleagues and definitely met the expectations! She went above and beyond for her students and her clients. Very professional, caring, empathetic, practices excellent communications and dedicated to improving mental health for her clients and the community! I highly recommend her services!
Charleston Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Rhonda is very dependable and a great listener. She has such a calming spirit!
Charleston Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Frichtl has been a fan resource for me. She is insightful, compassionate and caring. I am very thankful to have her!
Read more Emily Frichtl has been a fan resource for me. She is insightful, compassionate and caring. I am very thankful to have her!
Charleston Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Frichtl is a great therapist! I had the privilege of acting as both a clinical supervisor and then as a peer to Ms Frichtl and can attest that she is well versed in the field ethics, displays compassion, and is driven to help her patients.
Read more Emily Frichtl is a great therapist! I had the privilege of acting as both a clinical supervisor and then as a peer to Ms Frichtl and can attest that she is well versed in the field ethics, displays compassion, and is driven to help her patients.
Charleston Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I worked with Adam for over 2 years as a colleague. He is client focused, dependable, and well loved among clients.
Read more I worked with Adam for over 2 years as a colleague. He is client focused, dependable, and well loved among clients.
Charleston Mar 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was privileged to work alongside Adam recently and I was regularly impressed with how often his clients enjoyed him. He was respected for asking wise questions and for giving gentle suggestions. And his paperwork was to be envied. He's such a good guy!!!
Read more I was privileged to work alongside Adam recently and I was regularly impressed with how often his clients enjoyed him. He was respected for asking wise questions and for giving gentle suggestions. And his paperwork was to be envied. He's such a good guy!!!
Charleston Mar 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Charleston is located on E Bay St between Cumberland St and S Market St. Across the street, on the opposite side of E Bay St, you will find the US Custom House. We currently share the building with JB Hunt Transport Service and the Law Office of Jason S Stevens, among other businesses.

Phone number

(843) 376-6157

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • Russian
  • English
  • Creole
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

5 photos