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.

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Tracy Bailey

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Hi, my name is Tracy Bailey and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Dakota. I have had National Counselor Certification and received my Master of Arts for Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University. I hold certificates in Suicide Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, And Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Prior to becoming a counselor, I was a high school special education teacher. I utilize a person-centered approach and believe the relationship between the counselor and client are a significant factor for client success. I believe therapy should be client-driven and work with the client to develop appropriate goals and make adjustments when needed. In addition to CBT and DBT, I specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Christian Counseling. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in working with individuals and families of individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger management, and unexpected changes in life.

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Stacy Herman

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

Hello, my name is Stacy and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Montana. I have worked in community-based clinics for over three years working with individuals experiencing a variety of issues including family conflict, parenting styles, depression and anxiety, stress-related issues, autism, communication challenges, self-esteem, and many more. My choice to work in this field comes from the belief that everyone deserves to be understood, heard, and supported while working towards becoming what they feel is their best and being comfortable with who they are. After several years working in the school district and witnessing family members struggle to be their best selves, I decided this was my calling. I graduated from Chadron State College with a Master of Arts in Education. I would describe myself as being pretty down to earth with a side of truth to it. I believe that we all deserve to be heard and understood and to be shown compassion during those difficult times. My beliefs that we are all capable of getting to our best and a big part of that starts with how we process our thoughts as our thoughts are a big part of shaping who we are. It would be my pleasure to help you on that journey to help with thoughts and to help shape you into the person you feel is your best. I look forward to meeting you.

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Lincoln Witt

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have been licensed for 12 years. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings, including community mental health, prison systems, hospital settings and private practice. I find fulfillment in therapy and offering compassionate support to those that I work with and offering an Acceptance and Commitment treatment approach to address many of the pains and difficulties that naturally come up in life. I aspire to offer my help and support to those struggling with a variety of different issues from depression and related symptoms to anxiety and panic. Over my career, I have seen the impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on the lives of the clients I have worked with as well as finding it helpful and personally relevant as a fellow human in my own life. I look forward to the opportunities and new client relationships ahead and what life changes may happen during our work.

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Alyssa “Petersen” Domel

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: MA, LPC-MH, LAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

“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! If I can't get you in during a timely manner I have 3 therapists that work for me and I would be happy to connect you with them!!

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Barbara Lefdal

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with a mental health designation, in South Dakota with 30 years of experience in the field. I specialize in helping clients navigate caregiver stress, anxiety, grief, loss, depression, life transitions, and compassion fatigue. My approach focuses on creating a compassionate, open, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions. Seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support and empower you as you take those first steps toward meaningful change

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Janita Easter

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

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!

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Sara Cady

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

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.

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James Cady

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

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.

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Kathryn Sims

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

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Pamala Topp

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of South Dakota and Michigan. I am also an LPC-MH Supervisee (SD has a 2 tier licensing requirement). My aim is to work with clients who struggle with feeling disconnected from themselves, others, are anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage all the aspects of their lives. When we push our needs aside to without taking time for yourself, this can lead to frustration, resentment, anxiety, depression and stress. I work with you to be able to resolve the barriers that are keeping you from living a full and meaningful life. I am certified and specialize in trauma, personality disorders (CCTP-II and C-PD), and specialize in attachment issues (both children and adults). I also treat mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger/impulse control, grief & loss, adoption and relationship issues. I primarily utilize CBT, DBT-informed, EMDR, Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy with all individuals, and tend to approach what I do from an Existential, Psychodynamic and Person-Centered way. Navigating through issues on your own can be difficult and overwhelming. It helps to have someone that understands your struggle, and walk with you on your path of recovery.

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Mary Ruhland

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and South Dakota with 30 years of professional work experience. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Thank you for considering my service, I look forward to the opportunity to work together and support you on your path to wellness.

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Melodie Heupel-Carney

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

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.

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Bailey Roshau

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am an LPC-MH, NCC, and QMHP for the state of South Dakota. I have experience in community mental health as well as working with individuals with disabilities. My favorite therapy approaches to utilize are DBT, CBT, and solution focused therapy. My counseling style is considered to be fairly laid back and flexible. I have been described as supportive, caring, compassionate, and understanding. I am spiritual, but it is not the primary focus of my practice as a therapist. I believe in a holistic approach in taking care of your mind, body, and soul/spirit. I believe identifying and building on your strengths and knowledge can help you overcome your obstacles and help come to self-realization. I’m here to help you sort through the difficult things and offer you a safe space to be open and honest without fear of judgment. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I have I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Shanua Smith

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 19+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss, personality disorders. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am flexible and understanding. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My clients tell me that I am easy to talk to. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 BetterHelp therapists in South Dakota does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in South Dakota 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person South Dakota therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in South Dakota?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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