About the Christian Counseling Center

Our Story

The First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina, brought their vision of a Christian counseling center – a place that would serve both the church and the community – to life in the late 1980s. In April 1997, Dr. Tom Barbian began his work as the first Executive Director of The Christian Counseling Center.

Over the last twenty-seven years, The Center has grown to include over twenty mental health providers (including Licensed Professional Counselors, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Independent Social Worker, and Licensed Professional Counseling Associates), a Staff Psychiatrist, and four administrative staff across six locations. Additionally, The Center serves the community as a teaching center by providing continual openings for graduate intern counselors.

In June 2024, Dr. Brian Mesimer was hired as the second Executive Director in order to carry on the initial vision of the church and The Center. Each year thousands of people are helped in Columbia and the surrounding area through the services of The Christian Counseling Center of First Presbyterian Church.

Our Philosophy

OUR VISION
To provide the highest level of Christian counseling that will result in changed lives and have eternal impact in Columbia and throughout the world.

OUR MISSION
The Christian Counseling Center has the unique role in assisting First Presbyterian Church by providing Biblically-based clinical counseling and preventative services in order to build vibrant lives and strong families. This ministry is available to members of the church as well as to all who seek personal and relational wholeness.

COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY
We are committed to privacy, both from an ethical and legal standpoint. As a counseling center, we follow the HIPAA regulations as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Policies.