While therapy is most often associated with the treatment of mental illness, there are few of us that can’t benefit from therapy at some point in our lives. A therapist can offer tools and strategies to manage stress around life experiences, explore hidden parts of ourselves, and build healthy relationships with others.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Rapid City, SD may offer more options than surrounding communities but finding the right therapist can be challenging even in a city. Within the broader field of psychotherapy there are numerous evidence-based therapeutic approaches and techniques that can be more or less effective depending on the challenges being addressed, as well as personal preference. A therapist who specializes in treating behavioral problems for those who have experienced trauma may be what you want, but one may not be available (or seeing new patients) in your immediate area. This is where online therapy can come in.
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that offers access to a wide range of mental health professionals with training in a variety of therapeutic approaches and experience working with diverse populations. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your individual needs. And because it can be essential to success to feel that you are sharing in a safe environment, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Online therapy can also be a convenient solution for busy professionals, parents, and students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home.
If you live in the Rapid City or Black Hills area, and have been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, whether exploring your feelings or managing stress, contact BetterHelp to get started. Or you can check out the list of local online therapists below to find out more. Click on any profile to learn more about their practice and experience, and to read reviews from clients who have already benefited from online therapy.
David Teachout
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.
Haylee Heckert
I am a licensed professional counselor. I have worked with a range of populations including college students, children ages 5-18, families, and during my internship I worked in an inpatient setting for adults. I have experience helping my clients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, peer and family relationships, and trauma. I work hard to treat everyone with respect and kindness. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment that is warm, safe, collaborative, and encourages growth. I find the therapeutic bond to be key to the success of treatment, therefore I am always open to dialogue about how I can best help you. In our time together I can help you define your goals and create plans to help you achieve those goals.
Danielle R Brady
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.
Johnny Ray
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.
Angel Mills
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.
Kathryn Sims
I am licensed in South Dakota with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Victoria Scott
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.
Nicole Roth
Education: Masters: Clinical Psychology- Bellevue University, Bellevue NE Masters: Human Resources/MBA- Colorado Technical University Bachelors: Addiction Studies- Minot State University- Minot, ND Licensure: LPC-MH, LPCC, LAC, QMHP Certifications: Edit- Specializing in Eating Disorders and body Dysmorphia. Certified Trauma Therapist (CCTP)- International Trauma Training Institute I am compassionate, empathetic and understanding. I believe that each individual is unique and that there is no one size fits all in mental health. Thus, I firmly believe in a person-centered/individualized approach. I believe the best outcomes are for the therapist and individual to work as a team. My goal is to walk along side my clients, honor their feelings- help them heal and be able to create the life they desire. Unfortunately, sometimes life throws curve balls at us that causes pain and brings us to life spaces in which we never probably thought we would ever find self. I feel negative emotions, like anxiety/depression has a way of clouding our vision where it's easy to get lost and loose direction. I have been blessed to have had the opportunities to work with individuals, families and couples in a variety of different settings. I have experience working with individuals inpatient, outpatient as well as in the institutional and correctional setting. I also have experience working with a diversified population of people from various ethnic backgrounds. I specialize in working with those who struggle with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, depression, anxiety, life transitions, adjustment and addictions. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and work on change. I am glad you decided to take that step and I am ready to plant footsteps beside you through this journey. I look forward to working with you!
Gypsy Petz
I am licensed in South Dakota with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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.
Maria Piacentino
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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Rapid City
Finding the best therapist close by in Rapid City can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services in Rapid City that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Rapid City. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Rapid City, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Rapid City region and in the state of South Dakota. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Rapid City or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Rapid City area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find Rapid City therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Rapid City, elsewhere in Pennington, or in the greater state of South Dakota.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Rapid City area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Rapid City therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Rapid City due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Rapid City may not take health insurance, some in the state of South Dakota may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of South Dakota you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this Rapid City online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Rapid City, South Dakota working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Rapid City psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Rapid City above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Rapid City helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified Rapid City therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Rapid City therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Rapid City?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Rapid City therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Rapid City therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Rapid City therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Rapid City therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in SD, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 57709 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Rapid City counselor?
Before seeing your Rapid City therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Rapid City.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Rapid City licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy with a Rapid City counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Rapid City, South Dakota can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Rapid City has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Rapid City, South Dakota
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Rapid City:
57701, 57702, 57703, 57709