Do you sometimes have flashbacks of a bad experience that you had or nightmares that leave you terrified to go to sleep? This can be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be caused by experiencing a major event like war, abuse, a violent attack, or a natural disaster such as a tornado. The counselors in Brookings are trained in PTSD as well as other mental health disorders. 

Brookings is known for its art and education and hosts several art fairs and festivals every year. However, if you have PTSD, it can make going anywhere a big deal. Talk to a therapist in Brookings right away so you can get back to enjoying life again.

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Nicole Weron

Offering therapy in SD
GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersBipolar disorderDepression
16 years of experience

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.

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Erin Meyer

Offering therapy in SD
License: LPC-MH,LAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
14 years of experience

My focus is to provide mental health and chemical dependency counseling services to individuals, couples and families with a variety of issues using a multitude of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a positive, solution-focused fashion to help learn to solve their problems. I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Addictions Counselor. My experience includes providing mental health and chemical dependency counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in outpatient clinics, school districts, colleges, residential, hospital, crisis center & home-based settings. I am a member of the South Dakota Counseling Association, a branch of the American Counseling Association, and have served on the board in various capacities as the past Ethics Coordinator of SDCA, past president of the Sioux Chapter of SDCA, Past-President of SDCA, and President of South Dakota Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors. Issues include but are not limited to depression, chemical dependency, anxiety, crisis, adjustment disorders, Peri-natal mood disorders, OCD, mood disorders, women’s issues, abuse, codependency, self-esteem, trauma, self injury, personality disorders, LGBTQ issues including transgender and gender identity, and stress management; Chemical Dependency Assessments; Couples Counseling; Family Counseling; Parenting Issues, CBT and DBT, EMDR, and many more. As a professional counselor I strive to help people to the best of my ability to help solve their problems and create change. I pride myself on core values and adhere to the ethics of the field. My work is based on the belief that my clients' individual needs are of the utmost importance. I am entirely committed to providing the best care possible. I would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust.

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Jacey Mohr

Offering therapy in SD
License: MSW, PIP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Hello, I am a Master level social worker with certification in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) in the state of South Dakota. Much of my experience has been working with elderly and geriatric populations in long term care settings as a mental health provider for the last six years. In this role, I have worked with issues of anger, depression, isolation, adjustment, abandonment, and family related issues. My therapy approach is one of support with focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and supportive, person centered discussion. Seeking to make a change is scary, difficult, and sometimes intimidating. We are not people that are meant to be alone and asking for help is a strength to be proud of. If I can help you, support you, and be someone to encourage a positive change-I look forward to meeting you.

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David Teachout

Offering therapy in SD
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management
15 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor and therapist for individuals looking to address difficulties related to emotional instability, communication and relationship issues, identity struggles and trauma (of violent and/or religious origin). I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective, focused on mindfully accepting without judgment the thoughts and experiences that we often attempt to avoid through various behaviors, with the goal of expanding your flexibility when working through the personal difficulties that come up in life. I live by the philosophy of therapy that I use, attempting to live a life of careful acceptance of others as they are, without a judgment that blinds me to who they are as whole people. I do not style myself a guru or plan on having you as a client for the rest of your life. Instead, I actively am attempting to work myself out of a job, by helping build skills of thought and emotion you can use to move out of unhelpful and unhealthy habits into a more flexible and resilient way of living.

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Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut

Offering therapy in SD
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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Carrie Jorgensen

Offering therapy in SD
License: MS,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hi, I’m Carrie Jorgensen. In May of 2016 I graduated from South Dakota State University with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I take a strength-based approach, focusing on your goals and supporting you with embracing your own value. I work to help you establish healthy, nurturing relationships with others. My goal is to help you feel more confident and empowered. I have experience helping people manage a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, family concerns, and relationship issues. I support and advocate for diversity and inclusion, and greatly enjoy supporting clients who identify as LGBTQIA+.

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Richelle Sims

Offering therapy in SD
License: LCSW,QMHP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I earned my undergraduate degree in social work from Fort Hays State University. I worked in the child welfare system for several years before continuing my education at the University of South Dakota, where I earned my Masters of Social Work. I draw from a variety of evidence-based practices that include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), The Gottman Method, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to create a tailored approach for each individual or couple and their situation. I enjoy working with adults in individual and couple/relationship therapy as well as teens. As a therapist, I am warm, open, encouraging, and genuine. In my practice, I combine experience, education, and creativity with a sense of humor and a down-to-earth, realistic approach. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you.

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Jennifer Peters

Offering therapy in SD
License: MA,LPC-MH,QMHP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a mental health therapist licensed in South Dakota with 20 years of experience. I have a great deal of experience in helping women heal from traumatic events. In my personal life, I am a adoptive mother and a breast cancer survivor. I am non-judgmental and non-traditional. I use evidence based practices for treating trauma including EMDR, TF-CBT and CAMS.

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Janita Easter

Offering therapy in SD
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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Amber Corey

Offering therapy in SD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Private Practice (LCSW-PIP) in South Dakota with 10+ years working as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with coping with life changes and providing clients new tools to help navigate the changing landscape of life. I understand that there may be just a few things that you are hoping to work through and learn new coping skills for going forward. However, I promise to look at you as a whole person who has changing needs that can some times occur on a daily basis. I will always meet you where you are therapeutically and hopefully you can reach your goals with my assistance. As a therapist, I take what I can do for individuals to make the changes they are hoping for seriously. I promise to always respond to you in a manner that is effective to your treatment plan and goals. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Brookings

Finding the best therapist close by in Brookings can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Brookings. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Brookings, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Brookings or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Brookings area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Brookings, elsewhere in Brookings, or in the greater state of South Dakota.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Brookings area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Brookings therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Brookings due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Brookings may not take health insurance, some in the state of South Dakota may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of South Dakota you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Brookings, South Dakota working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Brookings above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Brookings helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Brookings therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Brookings therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Brookings therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in SD, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 57006 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Brookings counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, 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 feedback and advice. A Brookings licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Brookings, South Dakota can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Brookings has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Brookings.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Brookings:

57006, 57007

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