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.

Ian Charnley
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.

Amy Roth
Hello, my name is Amy Roth. I am an LPC-MH (Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health) with the state of South Dakota and an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). I graduated with my Masters in Counseling and Human Resource Development from SDSU in 2007. I have been working in the counseling field for well over 15 years and I have experience with all ages covering a wide range of issues. In today's world, therapists need to be adaptable and meet their clients where they are. This means I offer anything from video, live chat, and phone sessions. My areas of interest/experience lay with trauma, attachment, mood disorders, adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, etc. The age range that I enjoy most working with at this time is the 15 and up age range, however, I have and still do work with clients of all ages. I tend to focus more on where the individual and their specific needs, such as what they are struggling with at that moment, what our goals for therapy are, and what works best for each person. I focus on the needs of the person in front of me and draw from my knowledge and experience to design a treatment that will help the most.

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 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!!

David Johnson
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.

Laura Phen
****Only accepting clients from Arizona at this time. I have 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe space where you can experience a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship. Thank you for having the courage to reach out and for consider me to be with you in that journey.

Margaret Sumption
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!

Connie Fritz
I am licensed in South Dakota with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with their mental health such as daily stress and anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, many other mental health concerns, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

Victoria Scott
I have enjoyed working for various mental health agencies and have extensive experience in several areas of counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, in the states of Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Nevada. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have worked with children as young as 4 to adults up to age 101! I have assisted clients who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relational and self-esteem issues. I am a mother of seven, including a son on the autism spectrum. My counseling style is person-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect and unconditional positive regard. I will devise a plan of treatment created specifically for you. My personal life experiences, in addition to my education and work history, help me to empower individuals to overcome difficult emotional obstacles. I know that asking for help can be difficult. Congratulations on taking that first step. I am looking forward to hearing from you and guiding you through the therapeutic process.

Michelle Pliska
It takes courage to reach out for help. Whether you are experiencing depression, life stressors, or just need someone to listen, I am honored to be trusted with your story. I am licensed in South Dakota with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression, and much more. My experience includes work in both clinical mental health and educational settings, including middle and high schools and college. I have a background in juvenile justice systems as well. I offer traditional talk therapy and am registered as a play therapist. Our therapy sessions could include music, art, or other creative expressions to help enhance healing. When you choose to engage in counseling with me, I provide a supportive environment for growth and healing. You will receive unconditional positive regard, safety, and confidentiality. We will do good and meaningful work together to move your life in the direction you want to go. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

Stacy Herman
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:
- 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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