This is Jessica Shaffer's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Shaffer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Counselor License Type(s): CSW-PIP,QMHP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I'm glad you're here on my page. Help is a hard thing to ask for and you're already showing great strength by reaching out! Even if you don't get your help from me, you're in the right place! Clinically and personally, I bring a broad range of experience. I believe that the connection between the therapist and the client is the number one tool in counseling, and I am skillful at building trusting relationships. I have been working in the mental health field since 2003 and have been practicing therapy since 2011 . Currently, I am working with youth ages 5-18, and occasionally some adults, providing individual and group therapy. The youth and adults that I'm working with have experienced various types of trauma. My treatment will consist of finding out what will work best for you. That might look like providing solution focused therapy, crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or even mindfulness techniques. I have also worked with clients experiencing depression, PTSD, anxiety, and relationship issues. Previously, I worked in a locked correctional facility in Colorado where I specialized in crisis therapy with the clients that were acutely suicidal, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of severe and persistent mental illness. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology in 2003, from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD (My favorite city in SD!) and graduated with my Master of Social Work in 2010, from Newman University in Colorado Springs, CO (My favorite city in CO!). I am licensed in the State of South Dakota as a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP). In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors. I love what I do and am excited to join the movement of online counseling!

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Janet Huff

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Life can present us with challenges beyond our control. Relationships may be strained, poor health may arise, jobs may be difficult, or we may struggle with grief or a life adjustment. We may feel alone and unsure of how to feel better. If you find yourself at this place, you are not alone. We all experience feelings of distress at different times of our lives. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am here to offer you support and help you find solutions that work for you. I focus on helping you to learn ways to feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your life. My counseling style is one that reflects openness, a nonjudgmental attitude, empathy, active listening, positive regard, and respect for you. I offer a strength-based, solution-focused approach to help you identify your strengths, learn different ways to address the difficulties you face, and discover ways to feel less stressed and more in control of your life. Please know that you are not alone. I look forward to working with you to help you learn how to increase your feelings of personal empowerment and reclaim the joy in your life.

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Erin Meyer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Counselor License Type(s): LPC-MH,LAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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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Lynette Belknap-Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC LCPC PC, LMHC
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! My name is Lynette. I have been practicing therapy for over 12 years. I am currently licensed in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. I believe in treating all people with dignity and respect. Your privacy is precious to me and I will protect it. I have enjoyed helping many different populations of people with all sorts of issues and concerns. Helping people reach their individual potential for success is a joy for me. I am a trained in EMDR, SFBT, CBT, MRT, MI, and Prime for Life, and practice as a full time professional counselor in several venues. I believe in meeting people where they are and walking with them on their journey to accomplish their goals to be their personal best. Sometimes in life, there are situations that arise, that cause problems we struggle to cope with on our own. Anxiety, stress, feelings of being overwhelmed or depression, just to name a few. I can help by working together, with you, on creative solutions, setting goals and guiding you through the steps of accomplishing those goals. I specialize in trauma and PTSD as well as anxiety and depression concerns, as well as substance abuse, and I have significant experience in families and relationship issues. There are solutions, we can find them together, and we can accomplish your goals to reduce negative emotions, relieve stress and build a path to overall health and wellness. I am an eclectic therapist. I believe in building a a custom strategy that is tailor fit to your specific situation and needs. You are the expert on your situation. With you choosing the destination, my navigation will see you through to great success! Whenever you're ready...so am I!

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Melissa Suter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I received my Master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri. I am licensed in South Dakota with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working through end of life issues, grief, and bereavement. 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!

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Sara Cady

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in South Dakota with 6+ 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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Connie Fritz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in South Dakota with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with their mental health such as daily stress and anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, many other mental health concerns, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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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Victoria Scott

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Counselor License Type(s): LPC, NCC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I have enjoyed working for various mental health agencies and have extensive experience in several areas of counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, in the states of Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Nevada. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have worked with children as young as 4 to adults up to age 101! I have assisted clients who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relational and self-esteem issues. I am a mother of seven, including a son on the autism spectrum. My counseling style is person-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect and unconditional positive regard. I will devise a plan of treatment created specifically for you. My personal life experiences, in addition to my education and work history, help me to empower individuals to overcome difficult emotional obstacles. I know that asking for help can be difficult. Congratulations on taking that first step. I am looking forward to hearing from you and guiding you through the therapeutic process.

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Norma Pansch

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Florida, Illinois and South Dakota with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

This is Whitney Wanderscheid's avatar and link to their profile

Whitney Wanderscheid

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionADHD
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My goal is to meet every individual with compassion and respect while providing a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment wherever you are on your journey. Establishing and maintaining a positive therapeutic relationship is key in working together to work towards a place of healing. As a client-centered therapist, my treatment approach is to focus on your individual needs to help you reach your goals. 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 and empower you in that journey. I use a range of styles and techniques in my work, for what is most beneficial and comfortable for each person. I have experience working in school settings, private practice, and community mental health. I am licensed in South Dakota with 8 years of professional work experience "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." -Maya Angelou

How to find a therapist for counseling in Elk Point

Finding the best therapist close by in Elk Point 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 in Elk Point that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Elk Point. 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 Elk Point, 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 in the Elk Point region and in the state of South Dakota. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Elk Point or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Elk Point area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Elk Point 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 Elk Point, elsewhere in Union, or in the greater state of South Dakota.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Elk Point 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 Elk Point 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 Elk Point 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

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

Therapists in Elk Point, 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 Elk Point psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Elk Point 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 Elk Point helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Elk Point 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Elk Point 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 in Elk Point?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Elk Point 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.

Elk Point therapists 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 Elk Point 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 Elk Point 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in SD, therapists 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 57025 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Elk Point 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Elk Point.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Elk Point 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 with a Elk Point counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Elk Point, 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.

Elk Point 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Elk Point, South Dakota

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 to customer service 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 Elk Point.

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

57025

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