This is Dr. Keley Smith-Keller's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Keley Smith-Keller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
Counselor License Type(s): 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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Dorlea Knizley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
Counselor License Type(s): 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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Amanda Wetz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
Counselor License Type(s): 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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Dr. Margarita Lopez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
Stress, AnxietyAddictions
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and South Dakota with 8+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Dr. Brenda Nour

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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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Nicole Turner Beardslee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
Counselor License Type(s): LIMHP,LPC,LADC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to NTB COUNSELING SERVICES. My name is Nicole Turner Beardslee LIMHP LPC LADC and I am the owner and operator of a private mental health therapy practice that is telehealth only. I am an independently licensed mental health professional and licensed alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Nebraska and a licensed professional counselor in the states of Texas, South Dakota and Arizona. I have been told by my clients that sessions with me are similar to 'talking to your favorite aunt'. What a nice compliment! I am truly blessed to work with a diversity of clients from many walks of life. I am passionate about helping my clients feel empowered and confident and to find healing. Scheduling an appointment, the first step, is the hardest, and I admire your courage. My clients, after the first session often tell me they wish they had started sooner. Being a therapist isn’t just a job to me. It is a calling. I love what I do, and there is nothing more rewarding than helping others and being part of their journey. It is my mission to heal hearts, promote self discovery, comfort those that grieve, walk alongside trauma survivors, provide useful coping strategies and help my clients restore, renew and reveal brighter and more fulfilling lives. All are welcome in my practice and I ensure an accepting and safe therapy experience for all in the LGBTQIA+ community. I am committed to cultural humility and being a friendly and informed therapist. I have been an independently licensed mental health professional for many years. I have collected knowledge in a variety of mental health areas and specialize in the treatment of trauma, depression and anxiety treatment, grief processing and substance abuse issues as well as anger management, confidence building, coping strategies, chronic medical conditions, life transitions, and codependency. I excel at helping my clients set healthy boundaries in their relationships, improve their sense of identity and meaning, manage stress and anger more effectively and adjust to chronic medical conditions. I share with my clients that my brain is like a toolbox. I will pick and choose the best tool for the person sitting in front of me rather than taking a cookie cutter one size fits all approach. I am caring, compassionate, goal oriented, solution focused, and client centered. Outside of my practice I am a wife and mother with six adult children. My husband and I are empty nesters who live with our two immensely spoiled Welsh Pembroke Corgi’s. We are a blended family; like the Brady Bunch we each brought three children into the marriage. It was organized chaos at times but we wouldn't have had it any other way. We are also a military family with two children being active military members and my husband a military veteran. My hobbies include antique shopping, collecting vintage glassware, watching Wheel of Fortune, playing Scrabble, attending live music of all kids, and spending time in nature, gardening, and art museums. I am a history buff, and I also enjoy creative writing, bird watching, photography, ancestry searches, listening to vinyl records, reading and walking the Corgi’s. EDUCATION M.S. in Clinical Counseling: Bellevue University, Nebraska M.S. in Human Services: Bellevue University, Nebraska B.S. in Sociology: University of South Dakota, Vermilion South Dakota

This is Margaret Sumption's avatar and link to their profile

Margaret Sumption

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
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!

This is Willetta Woodson's avatar and link to their profile

Willetta Woodson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience

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!

This is Pamala Topp's avatar and link to their profile

Pamala Topp

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of South Dakota and Michigan. I am also an LPC-MH Supervisee (SD has a 2 tier licensing requirement). My aim is to work with clients who struggle with feeling disconnected from themselves, others, are anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage all the aspects of their lives. When we push our needs aside to without taking time for yourself, this can lead to frustration, resentment, anxiety, depression and stress. I work with you to be able to resolve the barriers that are keeping you from living a full and meaningful life. I am certified and specialize in trauma, personality disorders (CCTP-II and C-PD), and specialize in attachment issues (both children and adults). I also treat mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger/impulse control, grief & loss, adoption and relationship issues. I primarily utilize CBT, DBT-informed, EMDR, Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy with all individuals, and tend to approach what I do from an Existential, Psychodynamic and Person-Centered way. Navigating through issues on your own can be difficult and overwhelming. It helps to have someone that understands your struggle, and walk with you on your path of recovery.

This is Mary Dallman's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Dallman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SD, Akaska
AddictionsGriefEating disordersCareer difficultiesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California, South Dakota and Washington with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders, & career difficulties. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Akaska

Finding the best therapist close by in Akaska can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Akaska that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Akaska. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Akaska, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Akaska region and in the state of South Dakota. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Akaska or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Akaska therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Akaska area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Akaska, elsewhere in Walworth, or in the greater state of South Dakota. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Akaska area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Akaska therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Akaska due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Akaska may not take health insurance, some in the state of South Dakota may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of South Dakota you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Akaska online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Akaska, South Dakota working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Akaska psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Akaska above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Akaska provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Akaska?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Akaska therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Akaska therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Akaska therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in SD, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 57420 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Akaska counselor?

Before seeing your Akaska therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Akaska therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Akaska licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Akaska counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Akaska, South Dakota can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Akaska has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Akaska, South Dakota

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Akaska therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Akaska.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Akaska:

57420

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