Sometimes the past can hold you back from accomplishing the goals you have or moving forward with your life. A Yankton-area counselor can help you to work through your past experiences and gain meaningful insight from them but also prepare for the future.

Yankton is a town full of historic homes that bring the past to life and a welcoming arts community with sculpture gardens, theaters, and art galleries. This small town celebrates the past, but sometimes, we want help leaving our own personal pasts behind us, and a counselor can help you do just that.

Psychologist David Teachout providing different types of therapy in Yankton

David Teachout

Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management
15 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Jaeron-Rae Dukes providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Jaeron-Rae Dukes

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, incarceration, dissociation, psychosis, sexual behavior issues, trauma and abuse, PTSD depression, coping skills, career challenges, OCD, and eating issues. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients with specialized training for supporting transgender clients. My therapy style is warm, interactive and person centered. I believe everyone has the ability to find healing and you are the expert on you! My role is to support you and provide resources as you find your way to healing. It might be cliché, but life truly is a journey. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, as well as narrative and solution focused therapy. I will tailor our work together to meet your specific needs based on my training in Polyvagal Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Ego States, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Based, Strength Based, Trauma and Abandonment, Eye Movement and Desensitization (EMDR), and Gottman's Couples Therapy. It takes courage to reach out and ask for support towards a happier and more fulfilling life. That courage will serve you well. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut

Clinician
License Type(s): PsyD LCPC NBCC CSP CRC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
17 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Amanda Wetz providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Amanda Wetz

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
10 years offering treatment

I am Amanda Wetz. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a combined 19 years experience in social work services with 10 years experience providing clinical services. I value being a supporter in day to day stressors and planning. I am experienced in a variety of specific areas of issues as well as other issues such as anxiety, depression, feelings of inadequacy, coping skills, and problem solving skills. I have experience with specific populations. I have provided individual, group, and family therapy services. I value increasing coping skills and building confidence to have a fulfilling life. I have provided services to individuals for personal issues as well as individuals with professional/profession issues. I believe in the importance of supporting caregivers of those with mental illness and disease process changes. It is important to have strength around us in our intimate and professional relationships. It is important to have many different circles of support and I specialize in helping others identify those supports and have them in the most supportive position for you. My therapeutic approach is supportive in nature. I value person centered approach with recovery based principle. This provides you as the client control of your progress and change. I view myself as a guide and mentor in therapy. We work together to provide a choice based plan and support you in developing coping skills and strengths to create your desired path forward. I value short term brief therapy. I feel therapy can be 8 to 12 sessions and you can gain the skills and confidence to continue on practicing them in your day to day. I prefer to only provide these timeframes of therapy to client and can provide supportive therapy after 12 sessions. I am a strong proponent of strengths based approach. We will identify your strengths and build on them to assist you in overcoming areas of less strength. Not weakness just less strong. We will work together to increase your confidence and strength to have a satisfying and fulfilling life. It takes courage and strength to reach out for additional support in making changes. I am here to support and encourage you as you make decisions and changes to better yourself. I am here to support, guide, and provide options as you make your way forward. I am here to walk with you on your journey.

Psychologist Christy Alten providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Christy Alten

Clinician
License Type(s): LAC,LPCMH,LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
31 years offering treatment

I'm so glad that you are reaching out for help! I believe with all my heart that there is hope, and purpose and healing from pain. I am a Licensed Addictions counselor in South Dakota, and a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in South Dakota and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. I have been practicing for over 30 years working with adults and adolescents struggling with addictions and mental health issues. This is a judgement free zone! I am a Chrisitan counselor with a passion for hope and healing through the love of God and evidenced based strategies. I am experienced in 12 Step therapies, DBT and CBT, Gottman couples work, and Polyvagal approaches. I approach counseling from an existential and spiritual perspective. We will work together to create a plan to best meet your needs and walk through the healing journey together. You are not alone! I also have a passion for helping to develop new clinicians and to support clinicians long in the field. I have over 22 years of experience providing clinical supervision and professional development. Helpers need helpers too! So don't be afraid to admit you are struggling and ask for help! You can do this! As for scheduling, I do not put all my open slots through self-scheduling. I am able to accommodate more than is posted. I have limited availability on nights and weekends, but am not opposed to making something work for you when you are willing to fully engage in the therapy process. Together we can do what we could not do alone. Thanks for reaching out!!

Psychologist James Cady providing different types of therapy in Yankton

James Cady

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years offering treatment

I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Morningside College in Sioux City . I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota . In the spring of 2013, I was awarded a Specialist’s Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. For six years, I worked as a counselor with a local community mental health center. In June of 2013, I established a private practice . In my years as a counselor, I have worked with a variety of populations experiencing a wide range of emotional challenges. This work has included working with families, couples, and children.

Psychologist Antoinette Gooden providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Antoinette Gooden

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC, LPCC, NCC, MAC , ACS, CCTP,BH-TMC
Mental Wellness Specialties: GriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years offering treatment

Hello, Welcome to the Better Help Community. My name is Antoinette, and I am a licensed professional counselor in Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, South Dakota, and Virginia. I have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of issues including grief and loss, depression, anxiety, marital concerns, women issues, workplace stressors, family conflict, and issues related to military families. I would describe my approach as goal-oriented, and client-centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind difficult situations, and so change the way one feels. This helps people identify unhelpful ways of thinking as they learn better ways of coping with life's stressors. It would be my privilege to become a partner in your journey while helping you to figure out your goals. I will provide a supportive and understanding environment that offers a clear direction with specific strategies to assist with your current stressors. I look forward to helping/serving you!

Psychologist Bailee Baldwin providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Bailee Baldwin

Clinician
License Type(s): CSW-PIP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years offering treatment

I am licensed in South Dakota and Ohio with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Amanda Van Kalsbeek providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Amanda Van Kalsbeek

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years offering treatment

If you’re here, it’s likely because life feels heavy or overwhelming, and you’re looking for support. Maybe stress is taking over, relationships feel hard to manage, or memories from the past keep surfacing and leaving you feeling stuck or disconnected. Whatever you’re carrying, therapy can be a place to find relief, healing, and understanding. As a licensed professional counselor in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota I have worked in the behavioral health field for over 9 years. I specialize in helping people who are dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and challenges in relationships or family dynamics. My approach is rooted in compassionate, trauma-informed care, where we can safely explore how past experiences shape the present and gently work toward healing. I care deeply about supporting each person on their unique journey. If you’re ready to find a bit more peace, connection, and meaning in life, I’d be honored to walk with you and support you every step of the way.

Psychologist Debra DeMinck providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Debra DeMinck

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
33 years offering treatment

“Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” --Joshua J. Marine Hello! My name is Deb and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota with 33 years of professional work experience. My experience covers a spectrum of clients and settings, ranging in age from preteens to “mature” adults; I have provided therapy in day treatment facilities, schools and colleges, community agencies, and in private practice. I blend a variety of interventions and theories to adapt to your specific needs and goals: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach skills in distress tolerance, interpersonal relationships, mindfulness, and emotion regulation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients become aware of unhelpful thought patterns and to create new cognitions and behaviors. I also have advanced training and experience in numerous other modalities such as Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). My therapy style is non-judgmental, supportive, and compassionate. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I will encourage you to recognize and build on your strengths and successes to improve your emotional well-being and find purpose and joy in your life. My ultimate goal is to help you determine what you want your life to look like and then take the steps to get there. We all deserve to live the life that matters to us!

Find a therapist serving clients in South Dakota

What types of therapists are available to clients in Yankton?

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Yankton that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Yankton available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Yankton therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Yankton therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Yankton region and in the state of South Dakota.

How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?

Therapists in Yankton can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Yankton may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Yankton offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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