Working with a therapist can provide a supportive environment for working through many of life’s challenges. If you’re looking for therapy in South Dakota, using an online therapy platform like BetterHelp can make access to mental health care more convenient and flexible.
With BetterHelp, you can work with a marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor, or other licensed therapist from the comfort of your home at a time that suits your schedule. This flexibility makes accessing therapy more convenient, whether you’re a busy professional trying to avoid burnout or a graduate student working on a doctoral degree.
While BetterHelp does not currently offer therapy in group settings, the marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and social workers on the platform have extensive experience and can help individuals overcome their unique challenges and meet their goals.
Whether you have experienced trauma or you want to learn to overcome other emotional challenges, therapy can help. If you’re looking for an online therapist, SD has many options. The South Dakota therapists listed below are licensed to provide teletherapy across the state and can help you gain insight and take steps toward a more satisfying life.

Geoffrey Faustman
I offer a direct, active, goal-oriented approach in helping you find relief from the anxiety, anger, depression, shame, or whatever it is that leaves you feeling stuck. By taking a look at 1) What are you trying to achieve? 2) What are you trying to preserve? 3) What are you trying to avoid? and 4) What are you trying to eliminate? we can highlight the sometimes-complex interaction among your thoughts, decisions, actions and outcomes. Knowing yourself, making use of your personal strengths & your tools at hand while allowing your values guide you, you can propel yourself toward becoming the best, most fulfilled version of yourself. I use a combination of evidence-based treatments tailored to suit your strengths to overcome your core fears and reach your goals. These include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help with different kinds of problems and degrees of suffering. I don’t want you in therapy forever. I want you to reach your goals, and live your life to the fullest.

Alyssa “Petersen” Domel
“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” (Joshua J. Marine) Everybody struggles with the challenges of life and everyone deserves a full and fruitful life. I am committed to facing these challenges with you and walking along side you to create the life that you deserve. I am trained in working with adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with substance abuse and dependence, depression, anxiety, postpartum anxiety and depression and personality disorders. I also have specialized trauma training for individuals with PTSD, C-PTSD, or unspecified traumas. I am also certified to work with those individuals who follow the Medicine Wheel traditions. Together we can meet and overcome the challenges that are preventing you from being the best you! Please email or call to schedule your first step on your new journey!

Mary Blair
I am a licensed professional counselor in South Dakota with over 18 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, consultant, hospice and hospital chaplain. I have seen clients with a wide range of concerns including grief/loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma history, and parenting and relationship challenges. My style of therapy integrates the various types of therapy that I have trained in including internal family systems (IFS), psychodynamic, and several somatic approaches. I especially enjoy working with clients in a holistic manner, giving attention to mind, body, and spirit (as you define it). I find that therapy is more effective and efficient if all aspects of a person are included. My approach is not only client-centered, but allows for you to take the lead in many respects. When experiencing a brain-body approach, your brain will know what is best to focus on in therapy sessions. I look forward to beginning this healing self-discovery journey with you and I appreciate the courage that it has taken for you to reach out for support.

Sara Cady
I am licensed in South Dakota with 7+ years of professional work experience and many more years of experience in the helping profession. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

James Cady
I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Morningside College in Sioux City . I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota . In the spring of 2013, I was awarded a Specialist’s Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. For six years, I worked as a counselor with a local community mental health center. In June of 2013, I established a private practice . In my years as a counselor, I have worked with a variety of populations experiencing a wide range of emotional challenges. This work has included working with families, couples, and children.

Janita Easter
I am a Licensed Therapist in the state of Michigan with over 10 years of experience in Behavioral Health. I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, relationship issues and personality disorders. I have helped many clients overcome the lasting effects of trauma and reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms. Mental Health deserves equal importance as physical health and it takes dedication to achieve your goals. I am a dedicated Therapist here for you, let me guide you on your journey to feeling better! My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion; I meet my clients where they are and we start building from there. My areas of training include Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Trauma Focused and DBT Informed. I use a Humanistic approach and dialogue based format. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a resolution and work toward a happier life. I applaud you for taking the first steps towards change. Together we can work toward a healthier, happier you!

Michelle Pliska
It takes courage to reach out for help. Whether you are experiencing depression, life stressors, or just need someone to listen, I am honored to be trusted with your story. I am licensed in South Dakota with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression, and much more. My experience includes work in both clinical mental health and educational settings, including middle and high schools and college. I have a background in juvenile justice systems as well. I offer traditional talk therapy and am registered as a play therapist. Our therapy sessions could include music, art, or other creative expressions to help enhance healing. When you choose to engage in counseling with me, I provide a supportive environment for growth and healing. You will receive unconditional positive regard, safety, and confidentiality. We will do good and meaningful work together to move your life in the direction you want to go. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Nicole Weron
Hello, I’m Nicole and I’m excited you have found my webpage. I love working with children, teenagers, and adults to find their passions in life. I enjoy helping people overcome hurdles that are keeping them from thriving in an ever-changing environment. I practice therapy in beautiful Rapid City, South Dakota. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Mental Health Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisee, a National Certified School Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisee. I have an extensive background in working with children and young adults. I was a graduate assistant at Northern State University. From 2003-2015, I worked for the Department of Defense at Ellsworth AFB doing Youth Programing as well as substituting at Girls Incorporated in Rapid City. I continued my time at Ellsworth, AFB in a different role from 2015-2020 and served as a Military and Family Life Counselor for Magellan Health for both youth and adults. I have served as a school counselor for the the last 19 years. I have cherished all my students and pride myself in knowing them personally. I was selected by the South Dakota Counseling Association as the South Dakota Outstanding Professional School Counselor of the Year during the 2020-2021 school year. I was also honored in Washington D.C. as the American School Counseling Association’s South Dakota School Counselor of the Year for 2022. I also enjoy meeting college bound students when I help proctor the ACT exam at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. I utilize a variety of techniques, including Person-Centered, Person-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, stress management, increasing self-worth, inner child work, meditation, mind/body connection, mood management, anxiety reduction, empowerment, and work/life balance.

Melodie Heupel-Carney
I am licensed in Oklahoma and South Dakota with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Morris Patzlaff
I am licensed in Minnesota and South Dakota with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues & parenting issues. I also have experience working with professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 609,545 people live in SD, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in South Dakota support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in South Dakota?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in South Dakota
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Rapid City, SD
- Aberdeen, SD
- Brookings, SD
- Watertown, SD
- Mitchell, SD
- Yankton, SD
- Pierre, SD
- Huron, SD
- Spearfish, SD
- Vermillion, SD
- Brandon, SD
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