Psychologist Jessica Shaffer providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Jessica Shaffer

Clinician
License Type(s): CSW-PIP,QMHP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
12 years offering treatment

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!

Psychologist Geoffrey Faustman providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Geoffrey Faustman

Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist David Teachout providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

David Teachout

Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management
15 years offering treatment

I am a mental health counselor and therapist for individuals looking to address difficulties related to emotional instability, communication and relationship issues, identity struggles and trauma (of violent and/or religious origin). I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective, focused on mindfully accepting without judgment the thoughts and experiences that we often attempt to avoid through various behaviors, with the goal of expanding your flexibility when working through the personal difficulties that come up in life. I live by the philosophy of therapy that I use, attempting to live a life of careful acceptance of others as they are, without a judgment that blinds me to who they are as whole people. I do not style myself a guru or plan on having you as a client for the rest of your life. Instead, I actively am attempting to work myself out of a job, by helping build skills of thought and emotion you can use to move out of unhelpful and unhealthy habits into a more flexible and resilient way of living.

Psychologist Jaeron-Rae Dukes providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Jaeron-Rae Dukes

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, incarceration, dissociation, psychosis, sexual behavior issues, trauma and abuse, PTSD depression, coping skills, career challenges, OCD, and eating issues. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients with specialized training for supporting transgender clients. My therapy style is warm, interactive and person centered. I believe everyone has the ability to find healing and you are the expert on you! My role is to support you and provide resources as you find your way to healing. It might be cliché, but life truly is a journey. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, as well as narrative and solution focused therapy. I will tailor our work together to meet your specific needs based on my training in Polyvagal Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Ego States, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Based, Strength Based, Trauma and Abandonment, Eye Movement and Desensitization (EMDR), and Gottman's Couples Therapy. It takes courage to reach out and ask for support towards a happier and more fulfilling life. That courage will serve you well. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Carrie Jorgensen providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Carrie Jorgensen

Clinician
License Type(s): MS,LPC,NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years offering treatment

Hi, I’m Carrie Jorgensen. In May of 2016 I graduated from South Dakota State University with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I take a strength-based approach, focusing on your goals and supporting you with embracing your own value. I work to help you establish healthy, nurturing relationships with others. My goal is to help you feel more confident and empowered. I have experience helping people manage a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, family concerns, and relationship issues. I support and advocate for diversity and inclusion, and greatly enjoy supporting clients who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Psychologist Melissa Suter providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Melissa Suter

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
5 years offering treatment

I received my Master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri. I am licensed in South Dakota with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working through end of life issues, grief, and bereavement. 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!

Psychologist Dr. Margarita  Lopez providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Dr. Margarita Lopez

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictions
10 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Michelle Pliska providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Michelle Pliska

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Maria Piacentino providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Maria Piacentino

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
28 years offering treatment

I am licensed in South Dakota with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

Psychologist Cynthia Lawson providing different types of therapy in Lesterville

Cynthia Lawson

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
4 years offering treatment

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 Lesterville?

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 Lesterville 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 Lesterville available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Lesterville 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, Lesterville therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Lesterville 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 Lesterville 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 Lesterville 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 Lesterville 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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist