Approachable || Authentic || Nonjudgmental

Curious about therapy?

Tidewater Counseling Services offers individual and relationship counseling services to clients 18 years of age and older. I'm interested in learning about your mental health concerns and will tailor sessions to meet your unique and specific needs.

I meet you where you are and work collaboratively to assist you in achieving your goals. It really takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and I congratulate you on taking this first step. I am here to guide, support and empower you. I hope to instill a sense of hope from the minute you meet me.

About

About Me

Lisa Barnes

MSW, LCSW-C, LISW-CP

Since 1991, I have had the privilege of working with adolescents and adults seeking support, clarity, and practical guidance as they navigate life’s challenges. Whether you are facing a difficult transition, struggling with anxiety or depression, managing relationship stress, or coping with substance use concerns, my goal is to provide a supportive, compassionate space where healing and growth can occur.

Areas of Specialty Include:

Substance Use/Addiction Disorders
Family Recovery & Addiction Support
Codependency
Depression
Anxiety Disorders
Relationship, Marital, & Divorce-Related Stressors

Over the course of my career, I have worked in a variety of clinical settings supporting adolescents, adults, and families through addiction, mental health challenges, and life transitions. My early clinical work included training and experience at the Johns Hopkins Center for Addiction and Pregnancy, followed by more than two decades in residential and outpatient treatment programs. These experiences have shaped my compassionate, practical approach to helping clients navigate change and build resilience.

In 2017, I transitioned into private practice and have not looked back. I value the opportunity private practice provides to focus deeply on the therapeutic relationship and offer personalized care that is truly tailored to each individual. I understand that beginning the therapy process can feel vulnerable, intimidating, or uncertain. My approach is warm, collaborative, and paced according to your comfort level.

I believe therapy should be purposeful and effective. While every person’s journey is different, I tend to favor a short-term, goal-oriented approach whenever possible. My intention is not to keep you in counseling longer than needed, but rather to help you gain insight, develop practical tools, and feel confident moving forward independently. When longer-term support is beneficial, we can always revisit what feels most helpful for you.

My therapeutic style is individualized and integrative, blending techniques from various treatment approaches to best meet your unique needs and goals.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Baltimore and my Master of Social Work, with a concentration in Clinical Social Work, from the University of Maryland. I am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and as a Licensed Independent Social Worker–Clinical Practice in South Carolina. I also serve as a Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor for social work and counseling professionals in both Maryland and South Carolina.

Outside of work, I enjoy time at the beach, traveling, and making meaningful memories with family and friends.

Services Provided

Services

Comprehensive Assessment & Treatment Planning

I believe that meaningful therapy begins with a thorough understanding of each person’s unique story, experiences, strengths, and challenges. Early in our work together, I complete a comprehensive assessment to gain a deeper understanding of the concerns bringing you to counseling, as well as the emotional, relational, behavioral, and life factors that may be contributing to distress. Assessment is not about labeling or judgment—it is a collaborative process that helps identify patterns, clarify goals, and understand what may be getting in the way of healing or growth. Information gathered through assessment helps guide individualized treatment planning and informs the therapeutic interventions we choose together, ensuring that counseling is thoughtful, targeted, and responsive to your specific needs, strengths, and goals.

Individual Therapy Sessions

Therapy is most effective when it feels personal, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I provide individualized counseling that is guided by your goals, experiences, strengths, and areas of concern. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, with psychodynamic interventions that explore deeper emotional experiences, relationship patterns, and past influences that may affect present challenges. Above all, therapy is person-centered—meaning we work together to understand what matters most to you and create an approach that feels supportive, meaningful, and practical. My goal is not to keep people in therapy indefinitely, but to help clients gain insight, develop effective coping strategies, and build the confidence and tools needed to navigate life more independently and fully.

Marriage/Relationship Counseling

It's not unusual that there may come a time when couples begin to question whether they are truly compatible. Perhaps you have felt a disconnect for some time, or you find yourself quarreling over the same issues. I provide relationship counseling that supports couples in improving communication, deepening understanding, and navigating conflict in healthier, more constructive ways. Each relationship is unique, so therapy is tailored to the specific dynamics, needs, and goals of the couple. My approach is person-centered and collaborative, creating a balanced space where both partners feel heard, respected, and supported. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies to help identify and shift unhelpful interaction patterns, improve communication skills, and reduce reactivity during conflict. I also draw from psychodynamic perspectives to explore underlying emotional patterns, attachment needs, and relational histories that may be influencing current struggles. The goal of therapy is not to assign blame, but to foster insight, accountability, and meaningful change in how partners relate to one another. Ultimately, the work is focused on helping couples build healthier patterns and stronger connection, with an emphasis on growth, clarity, and the development of tools they can continue using outside of therapy.

FEES

SERVICES & FEES if paying out of pocket:

15 Minute phone consultation: Free

Initial Assessment/Evaluation: $165.00

Individual Therapy Session, 55-minutes: $145.00

Conjoint Sessions: 55- minutes, $165.00

I am in network with several insurance carriers including Cigna, United Healthcare/Optum, Aetna, BCBS of Massachusetts & South Carolina, as well as several EAP's. Please contact me to determine if I am an in network provider with your insurance carrier. Superbills can be provided if I do not participate in your insurance plan. All intake paperwork is completed electronically.

Note:

Note that at this time, all sessions are conducted virtually.
Telemedicine or Telehealth means the delivery of health care services through the use of interactive audio; teletherapy is conducted using our HIPAA compliant platform through Simple Practice or Zoom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked

How can therapy help me?

Good question! Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhance coping strategies for many issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, or substance use issues. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can

provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution.

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of your distress and the behavior patterns that curb your progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. It is sometimes recommended you work with your medical doctor or another mental health prescriber to determine the best course of action for you.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

I am in network with various insurance companies such as BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Please feel free to contact me to determine if I am in network with your plan.

I will gladly provide statements and/or superbills that you may take to your insurance company for reimbursement if I am not in network with your plan. Contact your insurance plan to ensure you have out of network coverage if this is the case.

How do I prepare for telehealth?

Telemedicine or Telehealth means the delivery of health care services through the use of interactive audio and video technology, permitting real-time communication between the client and the provider for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment. Teletherapy is conducted using our HIPAA compliant platform through Simple Practice.

Research to date shows mental health care delivered remotely is effective. In order to get the most out of your virtual therapy session, here are some guidelines to follow.

1. Find a comfortable & private space

Getting ready to start teletherapy requires a slight adjustment from traditional therapy because now you are receiving services from within your own home. Your space may need a few alterations to match the privacy and comfort of a therapy office.

First, you’ll want to designate a place to sit during your teletherapy sessions. Find a comfy chair and a background that won’t be distracting.

If you share your living space with roommates or family members, make sure you find a place that’s private. If you’re worried about being overheard, try a white noise maker app or use headphones. If you have children, consider turning on a show to keep your kids occupied during your session.

2. Practice using the software

When you sign up for your first teletherapy appointment, you will be told how to access the online platform for your session. You will need to log into a secure online platform that enables two-way video communication. Make sure your device has camera capabilities, and you are situated near a router for best connectivity.

3. Get in the zone

Teletherapy, just like traditional therapy, is going to address some difficult things. It’s likely that you’ll start the session with some apprehension and finish it with some weariness. Opening up to someone may be the healthiest thing you do for yourself, but that doesn’t make it easy.

Get yourself in a good headspace to be open before the session starts.

We Can't Wait to Meet You!

Lisa Barnes, MSW, LCSW-C, LISW-CP

843-732-0525

Charleston County, SC 29455

Currently accepting telehealth therapy appointments only; serving the State of South Carolina and Maryland.

Contact

Visit Us

Where we are

Located Charleston County, SC. Virtually serving the entire state of South Carolina and Maryland

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Closed