Sometimes the past can hold you back from accomplishing the goals you have or moving forward with your life. A Yankton-area counselor can help you to work through your past experiences and gain meaningful insight from them but also prepare for the future.

Yankton is a town full of historic homes that bring the past to life and a welcoming arts community with sculpture gardens, theaters, and art galleries. This small town celebrates the past, but sometimes, we want help leaving our own personal pasts behind us, and a counselor can help you do just that.

Psychologist Dianne "Anna" Beard providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Dianne "Anna" Beard

Clinician
License Type(s): MA ,LPC,QMHP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
10 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Dorlea Knizley providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Dorlea Knizley

Clinician
License Type(s): MS,LCPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
11 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Kelli Means providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Kelli Means

Clinician
License Type(s): LIMHP,LADC,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
9 years offering treatment

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!

Psychologist Dr. Tracy Williams providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Dr. Tracy Williams

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
24 years offering treatment

I am licensed in three states with 24 years of professional work experience. I am a parent and grandparent. I have experience in helping adults, families, parents, and adolescents with a variety of concerns including relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, past trauma and rebuilding 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. 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 you in that journey and help you get where you want to go!

Psychologist Danielle R Brady providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Danielle R Brady

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
23 years offering treatment

I am licensed in South Dakota with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 Johnny Ray providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Johnny Ray

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCoaching
20 years offering treatment

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, & intimacy related issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Angel Mills providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Angel Mills

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years offering treatment

I am licensed in South Dakota with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Psychologist Pamala Topp providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Pamala Topp

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionADHD
9 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Victoria Scott providing different types of therapy in Yankton

Victoria Scott

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC, NCC,BC-TMH
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years offering treatment

I have enjoyed working for various mental health agencies and have extensive experience in several areas of counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, in the states of Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Nevada. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have worked with children as young as 4 to adults up to age 101! I have assisted clients who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relational and self-esteem issues. I am a mother of seven, including a son on the autism spectrum. My counseling style is person-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect and unconditional positive regard. I will devise a plan of treatment created specifically for you. My personal life experiences, in addition to my education and work history, help me to empower individuals to overcome difficult emotional obstacles. I know that asking for help can be difficult. Congratulations on taking that first step. I am looking forward to hearing from you and guiding you through the therapeutic process.

Psychologist Michelle Pliska providing different types of therapy in Yankton

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.

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Types of therapists available to clients in Yankton

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 Yankton that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 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 Yankton available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Yankton 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, Yankton therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Yankton region and in the state of South Dakota.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Yankton 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 Yankton may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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