
Dianne "Anna" Beard
Hello! My name is Anna, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over ten years of experience providing therapy services. I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transition, mood and emotional distress. I have specialized training in working with couples, highly sensitive persons (HSP) and introverted personality styles. I received my master’s degree in counseling and completed post graduate studies in mental health counseling. The teen years are some of the most awesome ones we experience. It's a time a learning, growing and experiencing life. It can also be some of the most challenging as you try to figure out who you are are and make sense of the world around you. I can a support system for you as you navigate. On a personal note, I enjoy playing piano and guitar. I am backpacker, kayaker and SUPboarder. Contact me if you would like to work together.

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.

Dr. Margarita Lopez
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.

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.

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.

Victor Bien
I am licensed in South Dakota with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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.

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!

Jodi Bourne
I am licensed in Nebraska and South Dakota with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with the elderly and supporting life changes that this comes with. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in South Dakota
What types of therapists are available to clients in Wetonka?
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 Wetonka 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 Wetonka available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Wetonka 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, Wetonka therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Wetonka 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 Wetonka 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 Wetonka 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 Wetonka 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.