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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Ian Charnley

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
12 years of experience

With 12+ yrs. as a licensed therapist and 15+ yrs. working in the human services field, I have assisted many individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I have extensive experience working in a variety of settings. Settings have included private practice, non-profit organizations, in-home therapy, therapeutic group homes, and juvenile & adult detention centers. In each setting, I’ve assisted clients through life’s positions that are not planned on being in, and yet find ourselves in. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness in which a healthy mind, body, and soul lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. I look to strengthen the core of each individual and couple to be able to strive, not just survive, through difficult moments. I provide tools and resources for short-term and long-term growth. The hardest and yet one of the more alleviating steps a client can take is the first step to reach out. As a partner in the therapeutic process, I meet each session with support and commitment.

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Tracy Bailey

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hi, my name is Tracy Bailey and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Dakota. I have had National Counselor Certification and received my Master of Arts for Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University. I hold certificates in Suicide Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, And Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Prior to becoming a counselor, I was a high school special education teacher. I utilize a person-centered approach and believe the relationship between the counselor and client are a significant factor for client success. I believe therapy should be client-driven and work with the client to develop appropriate goals and make adjustments when needed. In addition to CBT and DBT, I specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Christian Counseling. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in working with individuals and families of individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger management, and unexpected changes in life.

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Lesley Dzintars

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LPC-MH,QMHP,CBT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I believe therapy is a valuable tool to expand self awareness and learn strategies to address problems and create the life we desire. I have over 20 years of experience treating major mental illness. I also have experience with relationship issues, life transitions, substance use, stress management, self growth and more. Our beliefs and our thinking patterns shape our life experience. When we understand how thoughts generate feelings; we are empowered to deal with life's challenges. Life is a journey and along the way we learn from each other and from our experiences. I enjoy teaching, coaching, learning and collaborating along with my clients. I look forward to working with you.

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Dorlea Knizley

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

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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Sara Cady

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 7+ 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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Margaret Sumption

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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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Janita Easter

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Therapist in the state of Michigan with over 10 years of experience in Behavioral Health. I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, relationship issues and personality disorders. I have helped many clients overcome the lasting effects of trauma and reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms. Mental Health deserves equal importance as physical health and it takes dedication to achieve your goals. I am a dedicated Therapist here for you, let me guide you on your journey to feeling better! My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion; I meet my clients where they are and we start building from there. My areas of training include Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Trauma Focused and DBT Informed. I use a Humanistic approach and dialogue based format. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a resolution and work toward a happier life. I applaud you for taking the first steps towards change. Together we can work toward a healthier, happier you!

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Lisa Kuzman

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Trauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and South Dakota with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I utilize a trauma informed approach and 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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Darcy Wiebrand

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, depression, & compassion fatigue. 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.

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Lisa Johnson

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. 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. 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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Melodie Heupel-Carney

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

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 therapists in South Dakota support you?

Therapists in South Dakota 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 South Dakota, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in South Dakota 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 BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of South Dakota working 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 in South Dakota, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in South Dakota support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • 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

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:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some commonly asked questions can be found 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.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

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 in South Dakota can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover 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 safe?

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.

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