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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Virginia Jones

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LCSW-PIP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Virginia Jones, I am a licensed mental health counselor in South Dakota and Iowa. My passion is helping others to live a life that is fully satisfying. I have worked with clients from 4 to 90 years of age, with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life stage, trauma, and addiction issues - to name a few. I have a background in complex trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, person-centered therapy, and have gained a deep appreciation for all therapy modalities. I believe in helping clients by first establishing a caring relationship through positive regard and trust. Past clients say that I am warm and approachable. I have had struggles and know it can be difficult to reach out for help. Let’s work together and see if we are a good fit. I am here to support and empower you.

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Dorlea Knizley

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Idaho and in South Dakota. I have worked as a Counselor since 2015. I completed my Masters of Science in Mental health Counseling with Walden University. I have operated a private practice for the past 6 years that is person-centered in approach with Client therapy. My therapy style is seeing a person suffering from a disorder / issue not seeing the person as the disorder. I use a mix of techniques when working with Clients in order to create the best fit for each individual's personal growth. I have worked with adults with anxiety, depression, grief and addiction and helped them in coping with life changing transitions. I don't take credit for Client growth, since it takes a lot of courage from a Client to make changes when needed. I see myself as a helper / teacher of skills / objective entity for feedback in providing guidance for Client growth. I do what I can to help the Client learn how to become the change they want to be. I have experience in working with individuals, couples & families. I work with adults suffering from depression, mood disorders, anxiety, addiction and substance use, grief, and relationship issues. I work with Clients to educate on the use of healthy coping skills for anger management, self-esteem building, self-confidence improvement and every day issues. I use techniques form Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative therapy, Psycho-educational, Matrix, and Solution-focused therapy.

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Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: PsyD LCPC NBCC CSP CRC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
17 years of experience

As a psychologist/therapist, I want to work with you to gain the tools and strategies to help you move past the area that is of concern. I have been in practice for nearly 20 years, having raised three beautiful daughters and now enjoying 4 grandchildren. I believe that we must find the positive and the good in each day even if it's small to give us the power and motivation to move forward. It is not always easy, but it is definitely worth it. My approach combines cognitive behavioral, client/person-centered, solution-focused, psychoanalysis, trauma-focused CBT, and teaching individuals how to be kind to self by using healing oriented approach therapies. I will tailor our treatment plans to meet your unique and specific needs. When you are ready to take your first step towards change, I am here to help guide you toward a more productive life. Lets talk and begin a new chapter. You will not be judged, but understood.

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Laura Phen

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
24 years of experience

****Only accepting clients from Arizona at this time. I have 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe space where you can experience a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship. Thank you for having the courage to reach out and for consider me to be with you in that journey.

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Carla Starr

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of South Dakota and New York. I have been in the field for nearly 18 years and have worked in various settings. I received my BSW at Buffalo State College, and went on to get my MSW at the University at Buffalo in 2005. My experience includes working as a medical social worker where I supported and advocated for individuals with chronic medical conditions, working as an inpatient psychiatric social worker with both children and adults, being a school social worker, and an outpatient integrated therapist. The experience I have gained from these various settings has increased my clinical skills and provided me with the honor of empowering many different types of clients. As a BIPOC clinician, I aim to provide a culturally responsive space for clients to feel supported and empowered to develop trust and connection. You have taken the brave step in reaching out for help and my goal is to provide empathetic, non-judgmental support to help in your healing journey.

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Rachael Majeres

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Angel Mills

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Laura VanSteenwyk

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

I am a licensed clinical social worker in South Dakota and Arizona with over 11 years of professional work experience. During that time, I've had the privilege of helping clients work through daily challenges such stress, anxiety, eating disorders, assertiveness, self esteem, confidence, life transitions, relational stressors, trauma, and depression. I believe you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming whatever challenge(s) you may be facing. Together, we'll work on filling your toolbox with skills to assist you in achieving your goals. I am here to provide a safe, open, judgement free, and confidential space. We will go at your pace and address the challenge(s) that are most important to you. Everyone is unique and has their own unique story. It would be an honor to work with you as you navigate yours. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support, listen and assist you in that process.

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Gypsy Petz

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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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Mary Dallman

Offering therapy in South Dakota
AddictionsGriefEating disordersCareer difficultiesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California, South Dakota and Washington with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders, & career difficulties. 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 therapists in South Dakota support you?

Therapists in South Dakota 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 South Dakota, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in South Dakota 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 does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of South Dakota working 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 in South Dakota, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in South Dakota support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • 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

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some commonly asked questions can be found 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.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

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 in South Dakota can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover 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 safe?

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.

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