The motto of Madison, South Dakota is to “discover the unexpected.” It was founded in 1880, incorporated in 1885, and was named after Madison, Wisconsin. The city has a small-town charm that it has retained all of these years even though it has acquired many of the new big city technology such as high-tech businesses, top-notch schooling, and cutting-edge medical care.

This also includes mental health care, which is important to everyone no matter who you are. In and around Madison, there are a large number of great counselors and therapists who are there to give you the support you need when you need it. Contact one of these professionals today to get some help.

This is Anna Beard's avatar and link to their profile

Anna Beard

Offering therapy in SD
License: MA ,LPC,QMHP
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Anna, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over ten years of experience providing therapy services. I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transition, mood and emotional distress. I have specialized training in working with couples, highly sensitive persons (HSP) and introverted personality styles. I received my master’s degree in counseling and completed post graduate studies in mental health counseling. The teen years are some of the most awesome ones we experience. It's a time a learning, growing and experiencing life. It can also be some of the most challenging as you try to figure out who you are are and make sense of the world around you. I can a support system for you as you navigate. On a personal note, I enjoy playing piano and guitar. I am backpacker, kayaker and SUPboarder. Contact me if you would like to work together.

This is Jacey Mohr's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is Melanie Towne's avatar and link to their profile

Melanie Towne

Offering therapy in SD
License: LCSW-PIP,QMHP
Anger managementSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of South Dakota. My background includes working with ages 10- to 17-year-old individuals in a psychiatric facility. I also have experience working with the elderly in the nursing home setting. I have 13 years of experiencing related to providing therapy to others. I enjoy working with individuals’ caregivers seeking to learn coping skills to prevent burnout, supporting people through their personal grief & bereavement experience, and folks adjusting to different life roles related to aging or illness. I also enjoy working with individuals who are struggling with depression, self-harm, and aggression. I have also worked with families to improve family dynamics and over all relationships. I have worked with youth involved in the court system here in South Dakota to navigate the system and make behavior changes. I also have experience and knowledge related to chemical dependency as well. In my time I have done individual counseling, family counseling and group therapy. I believe in person-centered, self-directed care. You are the expert in your own life, and I look forward to helping you achieve your goals. My approach includes evidenced based techniques like Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma Informed, and Solution Focused counseling. I also value the importance of developing and strengthening a personal narrative through psychodynamic, supportive therapy. Together we will discuss your preferences, map out your goals, and determine the best way I can approach our counseling relationship in order for you to meet them. I enjoy working with individuals to help encourage them and provide support to help them overcome what they feel are the areas the need assistance. I feel that everyone has strengths to build on to conquer anything.

This is L. Jenae Macnaughton's avatar and link to their profile

L. Jenae Macnaughton

Offering therapy in SD
License: MA, MBA, LPC
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Life happens; the effects of loss vary; and the impacts of stress/trauma are more ‘normal’ than most people realize. You are not alone; your struggles are real; and your mental wellness is and should be treated with as much vigor as your need for food and shelter. It is natural for our bodies to want to heal themselves; and our human strength and natural behavior is to adapt and evolve. We develop negative coping skills as we adapt to stress/trauma, grief/loss, major life changes/transitions, chronic illness/pain, identity struggles, and relationship conflicts. As these behaviors can be learned through our abilities to adapt and evolve, so can they be unlearned through behavioral health and strengthening (aka counseling). I am a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS), a Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), Certified in Brainspotting (BSP-C), and formally trained by the IFS Institute in Internal Family Systems (IFS) work (and will continue my journey to certification). I am independently licensed in AK, AR, ME, OR, SD, UT, and WA; and a Child Mental Health Specialist in WA. In addition to the specialties mentioned above, I also have experience and expertise in serving individuals struggling with addiction, chronic and/or terminal illness, adolescents, persons identifying as queer or LGBTQIA2S+, First Responders, Veterans, Government Personnel, Alaskan Native / Native American (AN/NA), and individuals struggling with high conflict situations. With over 23 years in the behavioral health field, I use my clients’ strengths to find natural healing, unique to their needs. I work with clients who may be struggling with trauma and loss/grief. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first few sessions and sustained improvement thereafter. I consider myself a Solution-Focused Therapist (SFT), meaning we focus on finding the strengths and solutions you already have within yourself (often a re-discovery process). I often use techniques such as strengths-based talk therapy, Brainspotting (learn more at www.brainspotting.com), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Psychoeducation; it all depends on your comfort level with each method.

This is Dr. Terri Sawyer's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Terri Sawyer

Offering therapy in SD
License: DSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorder
8 years of experience

Hello there! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile page. Being a supportive clinical social worker is one of the greatest joys in my life. I enjoy listening to others and helping them to find a way through tough times. My experience includes a Masters and Doctorate in Social Work and for almost 20 years, I have worked with teens and adults. Currently, I counsel the chronically ill on end of life decisions, help couples navigate marriage and families, individuals with mental health struggles, and teach at a local university. I "retired" after 15 years of helping teens and their families try to understand how to resolve conflict and learn to communicate better. I also have a small private practices where I help people in tough transitions such as divorce and family issues. I counsel a lot of couples who have struggled with infidelity and polyamorous and open relationships. In my clinical practices and experiences, I have had the privilege of helping families overcome struggles with teens are struggling through issues of adolescence and mental health problems. Parents sometimes believe that they are the only parents going through tough with teens. I enjoy supporting parents in the journey as hard as it might be sometimes. Also, I have a passion for helping those navigating a new life in sobriety. Addiction recovery is one of the bravest things that I have seen people overcome and I like to help people stay on the path of recovery. All my clinical practice incorporates cognitive behaviors strategies with a very positive Rogerian approach. Those I treat will be treated with respect and clearly set boundaries. I want to help others by starting to help them where they want to begin. I believe in my clients I help and I want them to be happy and successful. I can help my clients by setting goals, open communication, and unconditional positive regard to help with hard life situations. I wish you the best on your journey and hope to have the chance to help you! Sincerely, Dr. Terri Nicole Sawyer, LCSW Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH) Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT)

This is Nancy Loken's avatar and link to their profile

Nancy Loken

Offering therapy in SD
License: MS,LAC,LPC
AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of South Dakota. I have 11 years of experience . I provide both individual and couples counseling In working with addiction I believe that it is important to address not only the addiction, but the cause the addiction, as typically there is also a mental health disorder. In addition to working with addiction I also work with individuals with anxiety, depression, grief, self esteem, and anger management and trauma. I provide couples counseling, focusing on communication, conflict resolution, parenting and intimacy. I am eclectic in my therapeutic approach, utilizing Client Centered Therapy, Reality/Choice Theory, Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness, Attachment Theory and Acceptance Commitment Theory. My goal as a therapist is to find a therapeutic approach which the client and I feel will be the most beneficial.

This is Richelle Sims's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is Dr. Larry Andrews's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Larry Andrews

Offering therapy in SD
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Jonathan Feiock's avatar and link to their profile

Jonathan Feiock

Offering therapy in SD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issues
20 years of experience

Are you feeling stuck in a rut and struggling to figure out how to get out? I've been working in the mental health field for 20+ years and while I don't have all the answers, I'm ready to help guide you to a fuller version of yourself.

This is Helen Apostolatos's avatar and link to their profile

Helen Apostolatos

Offering therapy in SD
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and South Dakota with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

How to find counseling in Madison

Finding the best therapist close by in Madison 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 Madison. 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 Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, elsewhere in Lake, 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 Madison area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 57042 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, 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.

Madison 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 Madison.

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

57042

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist