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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Dr. Keley Smith-Keller

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: Ed.D.,LPC,CCC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
30 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor for the State of South Dakota and a Certified Career Counselor through the National Career Development Association, with more than 30 years of experience working with individuals and groups. I empower people to make life and career choices that help them flourish. I have a master's degree in counseling and a doctorate in adult and higher education. I have worked with adults in higher education settings, as they adjust to college, manage relationships and anxiety, and make satisfying career choices. My approach combines narrative and solution-focused therapy. I believe that all of us have the tools we need to make our lives more satisfying. I will work with you in asking questions that help identify the preferred future you may be seeking. With a niche in writing for emotional wellbeing, I will use the chat space and writing to help you understand yourself. Congratulations on taking the first step towards that preferred future. I look forward to working with you!

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Melanie Towne

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LCSW-PIP,QMHP
Anger managementSelf esteemDepression
11 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.

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Virginia Jones

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LCSW-PIP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
11 years of experience

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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Amanda Wetz

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
10 years of experience

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.

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David Johnson

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
30 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota and Minnesota with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & 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. 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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Mary Blair

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in South Dakota with over 18 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, consultant, hospice and hospital chaplain. I have seen clients with a wide range of concerns including grief/loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma history, and parenting and relationship challenges. My style of therapy integrates the various types of therapy that I have trained in including internal family systems (IFS), psychodynamic, and several somatic approaches. I especially enjoy working with clients in a holistic manner, giving attention to mind, body, and spirit (as you define it). I find that therapy is more effective and efficient if all aspects of a person are included. My approach is not only client-centered, but allows for you to take the lead in many respects. When experiencing a brain-body approach, your brain will know what is best to focus on in therapy sessions. I look forward to beginning this healing self-discovery journey with you and I appreciate the courage that it has taken for you to reach out for support.

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Malia Holbeck

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, career difficulties, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Amanda Ulmer

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, emotion regulation, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in accepting everyone as they are, treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I look forward to being a part of your journey through life.

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Acea Starks

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

I am a non-traditional therapist with a holistic approach to mental health. I am licensed in Georgia, Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont, and Florida with more than 10 years of experience working with diverse populations. I would like to provide some information about myself. I am a little 'out there.' I have piercings, tattoos, and purple hair. I am a bit of a goth. I came to mental health services a little later than some. I was an English major when I first went to college out of high school. That did not work out very well. I love writing and the English language is beautiful so occasionally I use obscure words or references. If I ever say something that is not understood just tell me and I will rephrase. My second attempt at higher learning was when I was in the nursing program. I knew I wanted to make a difference and ease suffering but to be honest, I do not like to watch people die. I have and can, but I did not want to do it all the time. I was in my 30s when I started my program. I did an associate degree in psychology, a bachelor's degree in psychology and then a master's degree in mental health counseling all in one go. It was very stressful as I was also working at the time. I have worked a lot of jobs I did not like and have had some very interesting experiences. I have worked at Wal-Mart (twice) and did a stint as a grave digger (with a shovel). I have many hobbies and interests. My approach is eclectic because there are no one size fits all treatments. I am very open but believe in setting goals and having accountability. My role is to provide clients with tools to navigate their unique issues and concerns. I am very big on self care and work life balance. I am not on line everyday and try as often as possible to strap a pack to my back and hide in the woods.

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Stacy Herman

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Stacy and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Montana. I have worked in community-based clinics for over three years working with individuals experiencing a variety of issues including family conflict, parenting styles, depression and anxiety, stress-related issues, autism, communication challenges, self-esteem, and many more. My choice to work in this field comes from the belief that everyone deserves to be understood, heard, and supported while working towards becoming what they feel is their best and being comfortable with who they are. After several years working in the school district and witnessing family members struggle to be their best selves, I decided this was my calling. I graduated from Chadron State College with a Master of Arts in Education. I would describe myself as being pretty down to earth with a side of truth to it. I believe that we all deserve to be heard and understood and to be shown compassion during those difficult times. My beliefs that we are all capable of getting to our best and a big part of that starts with how we process our thoughts as our thoughts are a big part of shaping who we are. It would be my pleasure to help you on that journey to help with thoughts and to help shape you into the person you feel is your best. I look forward to meeting you.

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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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