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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Geoffrey Faustman

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I offer a direct, active, goal-oriented approach in helping you find relief from the anxiety, anger, depression, shame, or whatever it is that leaves you feeling stuck. By taking a look at 1) What are you trying to achieve? 2) What are you trying to preserve? 3) What are you trying to avoid? and 4) What are you trying to eliminate? we can highlight the sometimes-complex interaction among your thoughts, decisions, actions and outcomes. Knowing yourself, making use of your personal strengths & your tools at hand while allowing your values guide you, you can propel yourself toward becoming the best, most fulfilled version of yourself. I use a combination of evidence-based treatments tailored to suit your strengths to overcome your core fears and reach your goals. These include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help with different kinds of problems and degrees of suffering. I don’t want you in therapy forever. I want you to reach your goals, and live your life to the fullest.

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Christy Alten

Offering therapy in South Dakota
License: LAC,LPCMH,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
31 years of experience

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. Stacey Meehl

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

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.

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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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Whitney Wanderscheid

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

My goal is to meet every individual with compassion and respect while providing a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment wherever you are on your journey. Establishing and maintaining a positive therapeutic relationship is key in working together to work towards a place of healing. As a client-centered therapist, my treatment approach is to focus on your individual needs to help you reach your goals. 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 and empower you in that journey. I use a range of styles and techniques in my work, for what is most beneficial and comfortable for each person. I have experience working in school settings, private practice, and community mental health. I am licensed in South Dakota with 8 years of professional work experience "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." -Maya Angelou

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Amanda Van Kalsbeek

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

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 8 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.

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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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Atalyssa Myron

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina and South Dakota, with over three years of experience working as a clinical mental health therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, such as stress and anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, low self-esteem and self-confidence, difficulty coping with life changes, self-harm and suicidal ideation, and ADHD. My therapy style is warm and open-minded client-centered therapy in the sense that I am not here to tell you what to do or “boss” you around. I believe that therapy should be collaborative, meaning we will work together to come up with solutions that feel best for you. If one solution does not work, we will continue working on it until we find something that does work. It is important to me that I treat everyone with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), mindfulness therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I, of course, will tailor our sessions and your treatment plan to best meet your unique and specific needs. I strive to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey! I look forward to working with you!

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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.

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Cynthia Lawson

Offering therapy in South Dakota
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
4 years of experience

I am a U.S. Army veteran who has become a licensed clinical social worker or LCSW in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I am also licensed in both Iowa & South Dakota as a clinical social worker in private practice. My goal is trying to bring mental health services to more communities. I spend my time between TX, IA & SD. My bachelor's degree is in health science. I have my first master's degree in criminal justice, the second master's degree in social work, and my third master's degree is in public administration. I have experience in helping clients with stress, ADHD, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, coping with life changes & many other concerns. I am a huge advocate for spending time outside and learning self-care. This can be something as simple as sitting on the porch watching the sun set. Kudos to my fellow veterans, first responders & medical professionals out there, thank you for your service. 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!

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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