
Jessica Shaffer
I'm glad you're here on my page. Help is a hard thing to ask for and you're already showing great strength by reaching out! Even if you don't get your help from me, you're in the right place! Clinically and personally, I bring a broad range of experience. I believe that the connection between the therapist and the client is the number one tool in counseling, and I am skillful at building trusting relationships. I have been working in the mental health field since 2003 and have been practicing therapy since 2011 . Currently, I am working with youth ages 5-18, and occasionally some adults, providing individual and group therapy. The youth and adults that I'm working with have experienced various types of trauma. My treatment will consist of finding out what will work best for you. That might look like providing solution focused therapy, crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or even mindfulness techniques. I have also worked with clients experiencing depression, PTSD, anxiety, and relationship issues. Previously, I worked in a locked correctional facility in Colorado where I specialized in crisis therapy with the clients that were acutely suicidal, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of severe and persistent mental illness. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology in 2003, from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD (My favorite city in SD!) and graduated with my Master of Social Work in 2010, from Newman University in Colorado Springs, CO (My favorite city in CO!). I am licensed in the State of South Dakota as a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP). In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors. I love what I do and am excited to join the movement of online counseling!

Kelcey Roberts
Hello! My name is Kelcey Roberts. I’m a licensed counselor in the states of South Dakota and Nebraska. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, sexuality and gender identity. I have specialized in trauma, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witnessing violence. I work closely with teens and adults in order to help them identify their own goals. I would love to work closely with you and walk with you on the journey of achieving these goals. I envision counseling as a relationship between two people in which I can provide help in whatever way you need it. I have been in the counseling field for over 10 years and I am able to use that experience to help you in the best way possible. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and person centered techniques in order to help you set goals and reach these goals in counseling. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Every single person on this planet experiences struggles and I am here to help in any way, whether it be messaging, phone calls or video meetings. I look forward to getting to know you!

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.

Melanie Towne
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.

Kelli Means
Hello and welcome! My name is Kelli Means and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a licensed independent mental health practitioner (LIMHP) and licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) in the state of Nebraska and a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of South Dakota. In 2019 I earned certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist and have maintained this certification with ongoing education in the trauma field. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2011 and my Masters of Science from Wayne State College in Community Mental Health Counseling in 2015. I have worked in the mental health field for 10 years and the past 6 years have been as a mental health and addictions therapist at non-profit agencies that work with state funding and/or sliding fee scales. I have worked in a variety of settings, including an inpatient psychiatric unit while attending my master’s program, outpatient therapy, school-based therapy, and residential drug and alcohol treatment. I have found that my heart is truly in working with patients who have limited resources to meet their needs. While I have experience with children and adolescents, most of my experience has been working with adults. As a provider, I have worked with patients with a range of diagnoses and stressors, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, panic/panic attacks, schizophrenia (including first psychotic episodes), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, LGBT+, grief/loss, relationships, sex trafficking, self-esteem, domestic violence, alcohol and other drug addictions, and dissociations. My counseling style is welcoming and conversational. I am known for being upfront and honest always and blunt when needed, though I tailor my approach to meet each individual’s needs. My therapeutic approach combines Person-Centered, Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused therapist, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, and Somatic therapy depending on what you want or need. My job will never be to fix you or change you. I believe all my clients are people first and more than the sum of their symptoms or their diagnosis. My most significant job as a therapist is to understand who you are and build trust with you; if you don’t trust your therapist, you aren’t likely to tell them much, and if you don’t tell them much, you won’t get much work done. My hope is to teach you to cope on your own and learn to be assertive with what you want or need in life. You are in control of your life and ability to make changes, I am merely a guide to help you when you are lost or uncertain. I look forward to meeting you and starting this journey with you!

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!

James Cady
I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Morningside College in Sioux City . I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota . In the spring of 2013, I was awarded a Specialist’s Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. For six years, I worked as a counselor with a local community mental health center. In June of 2013, I established a private practice . In my years as a counselor, I have worked with a variety of populations experiencing a wide range of emotional challenges. This work has included working with families, couples, and children.

Pamala Topp
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.

Mary Ruhland
I am licensed in Iowa and South Dakota with 30 years of professional work experience. 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! Thank you for considering my service, I look forward to the opportunity to work together and support you on your path to wellness.

Cynthia Lawson
I am originally from WA and a U.S. Army veteran. I have become a licensed clinical social worker or LCSW in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I am also licensed in Washington, 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. Life can be prickly like a cactus, sometimes we need help to navigate times where we get stuck. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Find a therapist serving clients in South Dakota
What types of therapists are available to clients in Custer?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Custer that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Custer available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Custer therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Custer therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Custer region and in the state of South Dakota.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Custer can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Custer may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Custer offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.