Katie Sherfield-Tarver, MA LPC is the owner and founder of Olive Branch Therapy Services in downtown Laurens.

She grew up in Laurens, graduated from Laurens High School and went to college to major in graphic design but an experience she could have never predicted changed her trajectory forever.

“At the end of my freshman year in college I had been through a lot. My anxiety and depression had really taken away a big part of my joy in life and I started this journey to find someone, other than friends, to talk to,” Sherfield-Tarver said.

After meeting with a couple of therapists, she met one counselor that immediately put her at ease. His easy-going and welcoming personality allowed Sherfield-Tarver to feel open and honest. For once, she felt like she didn’t have to have it all together.

“The healing I was able to do through therapy with him was life changing for me,” Sherfield-Tarver said. “Because of that experience, I completely switched careers. I got my master’s degree in mental health counseling.”

After completing her education and working alongside experienced mental health counselors for a few years, Sherfield-Traver turned her attention back toward her hometown.

“It was crazy to me that we didn’t have anything like this in Laurens. So, I talked to my husband, who is my biggest cheerleader and told him what I wanted to do. He told me to ‘Go for it’,” Sherfield-Tarver said.

Much of the budget was spent creating a space that felt calm and welcoming. The front office looks like a living room and each private individual space includes blankets, candles, low lighting and more. In June of 2024, Olive Branch Therapy Services was open.

“The Lord really opened up so many doors for me to be able to do this. I had my first session and it’s just been such a blessing. It really exploded from there,” Sherfield-Tarver said. “It’s one of the joys of my life to get to do this – just a crazy gift.”

Just a few months later, she brought two more licensed therapists on board: Tracie Scarborough and Jessica Wood.

The three counselors see ages five and up, individuals and family. They treat anxiety, depression, stress, grief, PTSD, women’s fertility issues, physical and sexual abuse victims and more.

They also offer mindfulness classes, psychoeducation classes and yoga.

With the rising need for mental health care, the number of people struggling with anxiety and depression at all ages and a change in the way society looks at mental health and wellness, Sherfield-Tarver knows she’s in the right place at the right time.

“It’s just been incredible. This is the kind of stuff that I needed when I was growing up and to be able to offer it to kids, teens and adults is truly fulfilling,” Sherfield-Tarver said. “I thought I really knew this town but I realize now, the strength of the people who live here. There’re so many things that have happened where people just had to push through and keep going. It’s strength and resiliency but there’s also a strength in accepting therapy no matter where you are in life.”

Olive Branch Therapy Services offers a sliding-scale payment plan based on income. They are a self-paid practice; they don’t work directly with insurance providers. However, they are able to work with each individual and their financial needs and remain one of the lowest priced therapy services in the area.

“Regardless of your religious belief, humans weren’t made to do life alone, long-term. You have people around you that love you and if you don’t, you have us,” Sherfield-Tarver said. “I hope we can push past any stigma, be mindful of how we’re feeling and don’t wait till you’re in crisis mode. Reach out for help.”