Although Pierre is the state capital of South Dakota, it also holds the title of being the second least populated state capital in the country. The city also was awarded the honor of being featured on the Boardwalk space on a recent United States Monopoly addition. Pierre teaches us that it isn’t always the biggest things that are awarded the prize.
If you’ve been feeling held back by thinking you’re small, it’s time to stop up. Reach out to a mental health professional today. A licensed mental health professional can help you achieve your dreams, no matter what their size may be.

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.

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.

Dr. Brenda Nour
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.

Rebecca “Becca” Dravland
I am licensed in South Dakota with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Most of my experience is working with teens and adolescents but I also work with women as well. I am working with Better Help part-time in the evenings with some flexibility for other times, especially during the summer months. 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. 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!

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.

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.

Nicole Weron
Hello, I’m Nicole and I’m excited you have found my webpage. I love working with children, teenagers, and adults to find their passions in life. I enjoy helping people overcome hurdles that are keeping them from thriving in an ever-changing environment. I practice therapy in beautiful Rapid City, South Dakota. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Mental Health Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisee, a National Certified School Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisee. I have an extensive background in working with children and young adults. I was a graduate assistant at Northern State University. From 2003-2015, I worked for the Department of Defense at Ellsworth AFB doing Youth Programing as well as substituting at Girls Incorporated in Rapid City. I continued my time at Ellsworth, AFB in a different role from 2015-2020 and served as a Military and Family Life Counselor for Magellan Health for both youth and adults. I have served as a school counselor for the the last 19 years. I have cherished all my students and pride myself in knowing them personally. I was selected by the South Dakota Counseling Association as the South Dakota Outstanding Professional School Counselor of the Year during the 2020-2021 school year. I was also honored in Washington D.C. as the American School Counseling Association’s South Dakota School Counselor of the Year for 2022. I also enjoy meeting college bound students when I help proctor the ACT exam at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. I utilize a variety of techniques, including Person-Centered, Person-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, stress management, increasing self-worth, inner child work, meditation, mind/body connection, mood management, anxiety reduction, empowerment, and work/life balance.

Acea Starks
I am a non-traditional therapist with a holistic approach to mental health. I am licensed in Georgia, Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont, and Florida with more than 10 years of experience working with diverse populations. I would like to provide some information about myself. I am a little 'out there.' I have piercings, tattoos, and purple hair. I am a bit of a goth. I came to mental health services a little later than some. I was an English major when I first went to college out of high school. That did not work out very well. I love writing and the English language is beautiful so occasionally I use obscure words or references. If I ever say something that is not understood just tell me and I will rephrase. My second attempt at higher learning was when I was in the nursing program. I knew I wanted to make a difference and ease suffering but to be honest, I do not like to watch people die. I have and can, but I did not want to do it all the time. I was in my 30s when I started my program. I did an associate degree in psychology, a bachelor's degree in psychology and then a master's degree in mental health counseling all in one go. It was very stressful as I was also working at the time. I have worked a lot of jobs I did not like and have had some very interesting experiences. I have worked at Wal-Mart (twice) and did a stint as a grave digger (with a shovel). I have many hobbies and interests. My approach is eclectic because there are no one size fits all treatments. I am very open but believe in setting goals and having accountability. My role is to provide clients with tools to navigate their unique issues and concerns. I am very big on self care and work life balance. I am not on line everyday and try as often as possible to strap a pack to my back and hide in the woods.

Jenee Hill
Hello, my name is Jenee' (pronounced Janay) and I have provided mental health services and drug and alcohol services for over 12 years. I am a licensed independent mental health professional (LIMHP), a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC), a licensed mental health provider, and a Nebraska Registered Service Provider. I work with all ages. I also offer trauma-informed services that are supportive, empowering, and safe. I am currently Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)-Evidence Based Psychotherapy (EBP) for ages 3-Teenagers. I also have training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) another EBP psychotherapy for treating trauma, mental health, and addictions. I have a special interest in the complexities of the human brain and the role it plays in human existence, addiction, trauma, and mental health. My expertise lies in helping people with Trauma simple and complex as well as co-occurring issues related to drug use, alcohol use and/or other mental health conditions. People are diagnosed with co-occurring conditions when one issue is established independently of the other. My counseling style is person-centered. I believe each person has unique issues, stories, and paths/journeys t healing. I employ clinically-proven techniques to help people overcome their concerns and reach their treatment goals. I am passionate about working with individuals (all ages) and families as they achieve recovery, wellness, and wholeness. I view long-term recovery as a journey, not a destination. I look forward to working with you!
Find a therapist serving clients in South Dakota
What types of therapists are available to clients in Pierre?
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 Pierre 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 Pierre available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Pierre 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, Pierre therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Pierre 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 Pierre 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 Pierre 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 Pierre 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.