Care without the wait

23 licensed therapists, psychiatrists, & psychiatric providers in Maryland—5 in Columbia. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy & psychiatry

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of clients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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http://Verywell%20Mind%20-%20Best%20Online%20Psychiatry%20That%20Accepts%20Insurance%20for%202025

12,764+ sessions at Columbia in the last year

Start your own journey today to a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a therapist or psychiatrist as soon as this week

Trust is important in building a relationship and the relationship you have with a therapist should include a genuine and positive...

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I believe that therapy is an adventure, and I would like to support you on your journey in managing your overall mental health....

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Good to see you today. You must have something bothering you, and need to find the right place to go. How may I be of help?...

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I believe in the importance of a positive and supportive therapeutic relationship, which is why I provided a safe space to help gu...

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I believe sharing your deepest truth is not easy. I am honored to be both a compassionate witness and an experienced guide on your...

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Good to see you today. You must have something bothering you, and need to find the right place to go. How may I be of help?...

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Germantown

I'm here to listen, support, and partner with you on your journey to better health because your well-being is my priority....

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Annapolis

Having been an intensive care unit nurse for over 10 years, I have developed an understanding of and empathy for the special circu...

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I believe that therapy is an adventure, and I would like to support you on your journey in managing your overall mental health....

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I believe that therapy is an adventure, and I would like to support you on your journey in managing your overall mental health....

Read more

Trust is important in building a relationship and the relationship you have with a therapist should include a genuine and positive...

Read more

I believe that therapy is an adventure, and I would like to support you on your journey in managing your overall mental health....

Read more

Good to see you today. You must have something bothering you, and need to find the right place to go. How may I be of help?...

Read more

I believe in the importance of a positive and supportive therapeutic relationship, which is why I provided a safe space to help gu...

Read more

I believe sharing your deepest truth is not easy. I am honored to be both a compassionate witness and an experienced guide on your...

Read more

Hear from our clinicians

What should someone do to prepare for starting individual therapy?

Gillian McCusker
Gillian McCusker

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Certified (LCSW-Certified)

To prepare for your first individual therapy session, you can think about your goals for therapy—what you are hoping to work on, what is negatively affecting you, or what would you like to learn about. Also having a notebook just for therapy is helpful for taking notes, and you can write things down to bring to your next session.

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

Gillian McCusker
Gillian McCusker

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Certified (LCSW-Certified)

There are lots of tools that can be part of grief counseling. One is mindfulness; it is a great skill, as everyone can benefit from being able to calm and center themselves when life feels overwhelming. It also can help you tolerate uncomfortable feelings, like riding out a wave of grief.

What should someone do to prepare for starting anxiety therapy?

Gillian McCusker
Gillian McCusker

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Certified (LCSW-Certified)

To prepare for your first therapy session, you can think about your goals for therapy. What are you hoping to work on, what is negatively affecting you, or what would you like to learn about? Get a notebook just for therapy; it is helpful so you can take notes for yourself and write things down to bring to your next session.

Therapy & Psychiatry FAQs

How much does therapy cost in Columbia, Maryland?

In Columbia, your cost depends on whether you use insurance or pay out of pocket. With insurance, most patients pay a copay between $0 and $55 per session. If you’re self-pay, rates vary by state—typically $200 to $240 for your first therapy session and $160 to $195 for follow-ups, or $300 to $375 for an initial psychiatry session and $210 to $300 for follow-ups. Contact our Columbia office or visit our pricing page to learn more.

Does insurance cover therapy and psychiatry at Thriveworks Columbia?

Yes, Thriveworks Columbia accepts insurance to help cover services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry. Couples and family therapy aren’t always covered the same way, since some plans only cover sessions considered medically necessary.

We’ll verify your insurance and estimate your out-of-pocket cost for you before your first session, but it’s still worth confirming your specific benefits with your insurer, especially if your plan requires pre-authorization (advance approval from your insurer before certain treatments are covered).

How do I find the right therapist in Columbia, Maryland?

Fit matters more than almost anything else in therapy. Research consistently shows the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of whether treatment actually works, no matter their approach. Start by thinking about what you want help with, then browse provider profiles in Columbia and filter by specialty, insurance, and availability to find someone who feels right for you. If your first session doesn’t click, no problem. You can switch providers anytime, no fees, no hassle.

What's the difference between a therapist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?

All three support mental health in different ways. A therapist provides talk therapy to help you work through challenges; a psychologist also provides therapy, but their doctoral training lets them do psychological testing and formal evaluations; a psychiatrist is a medical provider who can prescribe medication.

Thriveworks Columbia offers therapy and psychiatry together, so you can get the right type of care—or a combination—in one place. For more detail, see our straightforward guide to mental health care professionals.

How soon can I get an appointment at Thriveworks Columbia, Maryland?

Most patients at Thriveworks Columbia see a provider within six days. We offer flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends. Book online or call our Columbia office to find the soonest session with a therapist or psychiatric provider.

Can a psychiatristic provider at Thriveworks Columbia prescribe medication?

Yes. Psychiatric providers at Thriveworks Columbia can prescribe and manage medication, and many patients pair that with talk therapy from a separate provider. Our team coordinates the two together.

What can I expect at my first therapy session in Columbia?

Your first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask what brought you in, talk through your history and goals, and start shaping a plan for care. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with—the first session is a conversation, not a test. Want more detail? Here’s exactly what to expect, step by step.

Does Thriveworks Columbia offer online therapy as well as in-person?

Yes. Thriveworks Columbia offers both in-person sessions at our local office and online (telehealth) sessions, so you can choose what’s most convenient and switch between the two as your needs change.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Columbia accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

View more
Self-pay costs at Columbia
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
★★★★★
My therapist helps me to navigate my anxiety, and depression and guilt regarding my son's suicide.I feel better after a session.
Gizelle Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
This was my first session and I was probably all over the place with so much to say but I could tell Carol wanted to hear the whole story which I appreciate
Savannah Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Tori is a blessing.
Stefanie Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Professional, skilled listeners and helpful therapist. I feel listened to and understood about who I am and what I need in therapy.
Collins Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I think that my healthcare provider is great and I've really appreciated their help.
Morgann Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I searched for the right therapist and did not find one right for me. Until......I came upon my present one. We connect perfectly!
Emah Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love how Ana is nonjudgmental or bias.
Krystal Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Tori-Lyn Mills is really great. I appreciate the positive energy she brings to each session. She provides sound guidance and challenges me on my thoughts and beliefs. I feel reenergized and balanced after speaking with her.
Becky Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 36 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

5410 Lynx Lane Suite 285
Columbia, MD 21044

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbia is located in the Shoppes at Wilde Lake and near the intersection of Lynx Lane and Twin Rivers Road, off Governor Warfield Parkway. It is right by Wilde Lake and just off the campus of Howard Community College and Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center. The office is in a multi-story brick and glass shopping complex with attached grocery store. Enter through the small lobby on the left side of the building to access Suite 285 on the second floor.

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Phone number

(410) 724-1137
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Languages spoken by MD providers

  • English
  • French
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Hours

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

Shown in ET

Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in ET

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