Working with a therapist can provide a supportive environment for working through many of life’s challenges. If you’re looking for therapy in South Dakota, using an online therapy platform like BetterHelp can make access to mental health care more convenient and flexible.
With BetterHelp, you can work with a marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor, or other licensed therapist from the comfort of your home at a time that suits your schedule. This flexibility makes accessing therapy more convenient, whether you’re a busy professional trying to avoid burnout or a graduate student working on a doctoral degree.
While BetterHelp does not currently offer therapy in group settings, the marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and social workers on the platform have extensive experience and can help individuals overcome their unique challenges and meet their goals.
Whether you have experienced trauma or you want to learn to overcome other emotional challenges, therapy can help. If you’re looking for an online therapist, SD has many options. The South Dakota therapists listed below are licensed to provide teletherapy across the state and can help you gain insight and take steps toward a more satisfying life.
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Kelcey Roberts
Hello! My name is Kelcey Roberts. I’m a licensed counselor in the states of South Dakota and Nebraska. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, sexuality and gender identity. I have specialized in trauma, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witnessing violence. I work closely with teens and adults in order to help them identify their own goals. I would love to work closely with you and walk with you on the journey of achieving these goals. I envision counseling as a relationship between two people in which I can provide help in whatever way you need it. I have been in the counseling field for over 10 years and I am able to use that experience to help you in the best way possible. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and person centered techniques in order to help you set goals and reach these goals in counseling. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Every single person on this planet experiences struggles and I am here to help in any way, whether it be messaging, phone calls or video meetings. I look forward to getting to know you!
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Virginia Jones
Hello! My name is Virginia Jones, I am a licensed mental health counselor in South Dakota and Iowa. My passion is helping others to live a life that is fully satisfying. I have worked with clients from 4 to 90 years of age, with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life stage, trauma, and addiction issues - to name a few. I have a background in complex trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, person-centered therapy, and have gained a deep appreciation for all therapy modalities. I believe in helping clients by first establishing a caring relationship through positive regard and trust. Past clients say that I am warm and approachable. I have had struggles and know it can be difficult to reach out for help. Let’s work together and see if we are a good fit. I am here to support and empower you.
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Dorlea Knizley
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Idaho and in South Dakota. I have worked as a Counselor since 2015. I completed my Masters of Science in Mental health Counseling with Walden University. I have operated a private practice for the past 6 years that is person-centered in approach with Client therapy. My therapy style is seeing a person suffering from a disorder / issue not seeing the person as the disorder. I use a mix of techniques when working with Clients in order to create the best fit for each individual's personal growth. I have worked with adults with anxiety, depression, grief and addiction and helped them in coping with life changing transitions. I don't take credit for Client growth, since it takes a lot of courage from a Client to make changes when needed. I see myself as a helper / teacher of skills / objective entity for feedback in providing guidance for Client growth. I do what I can to help the Client learn how to become the change they want to be. I have experience in working with individuals, couples & families. I work with adults suffering from depression, mood disorders, anxiety, addiction and substance use, grief, and relationship issues. I work with Clients to educate on the use of healthy coping skills for anger management, self-esteem building, self-confidence improvement and every day issues. I use techniques form Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative therapy, Psycho-educational, Matrix, and Solution-focused therapy.
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Christy Alten
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 28 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 19 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!!
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Dr. Patrick Keohane
I am a clinical psychologist with 26 years of experience working with adult clients. I have seen clients with a wide range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, life stress, anger, insomnia, and chronic mental illness (schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder). I love my work helping others with warmth and support. I value the creative interactive process of working with clients in psychotherapy. My therapy style is a combination of evidence-based cognitive behavioral strategies along with humanistic methods. I will work with you in a respectful therapeutic relationship to individualize your treatment in order to optimize your mental health. Your feedback during therapy is highly valued and used to help guide psychotherapy and adapt the treatment process to best help you. I would like to work with you. I appreciate your desire to reach out to get the help you need to improve your life.
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Melissa Suter
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!

Willetta Woodson
I am licensed in South Dakota with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management. 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!

Rachael Majeres
I am licensed in South Dakota with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Dr. Stacey Meehl
I am licensed in North Dakota and South Dakota with 26 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, & depression. 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.

Melodie Heupel-Carney
I am licensed in Oklahoma and South Dakota with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. 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 can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 609,545 people live in SD, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in South Dakota support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in South Dakota?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in South Dakota
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Rapid City, SD
- Aberdeen, SD
- Brookings, SD
- Watertown, SD
- Mitchell, SD
- Yankton, SD
- Pierre, SD
- Huron, SD
- Spearfish, SD
- Vermillion, SD
- Brandon, SD
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