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Grief counselors and therapists in South Dakota

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Top grief and loss counseling therapists in South Dakota

Navigate grief and loss with compassionate support from 60 licensed providers across South Dakota. Headway offers virtual and in-person sessions using evidence-based approaches like Complicated Grief Treatment and CBT to help you cope with bereavement. With insurance coverage available and sessions starting as soon as tomorrow, healing is within reach.

Frank Coleman

Frank Coleman

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I'm Rob, a licensed counselor working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and anger. Our sessions are focused on real progress. We work through what's most...”
“I'm Rob, a licensed counselor working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and anger. Our sessions are focused on real progress. We work through what's most stuck and I give you concrete tools to carry into your daily life...”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Affirming, Empowering, Energetic

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts,


Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristine Wensmann

Kristine Wensmann

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I specialize in working with adolescents, adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, end of life concerns, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, or simply struggling...”
“I specialize in working with adolescents, adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, end of life concerns, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, or simply struggling to cope with life's demands. If you’re ready to feel more like yourself again, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Daniel Caron

Daniel Caron

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“Much of my experience has been focused on depression, anxiety, grief, and major phase of life issues. I believe that people are capable of discovering their own solutions and it is my job to help them navigate that...”
“Much of my experience has been focused on depression, anxiety, grief, and major phase of life issues. I believe that people are capable of discovering their own solutions and it is my job to help them navigate that process.”

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues,

Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,


Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Grueneich

Jessica Grueneich

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“All the while, you're in your own private battle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or grief. Life stress is inevitable. However, lack of support and distress tolerance skills can make managing life's...”
“All the while, you're in your own private battle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or grief. Life stress is inevitable. However, lack of support and distress tolerance skills can make managing life's stressors nearly impossible. It's exhausting keeping on that mask. How are you really though?”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions,

Energetic, Holistic, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,

Kate Prendergast

Kate Prendergast

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“...p>Areas of Specialty I work across a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, with particular focus on: • Addiction (substance use and behavioral) • Anxiety and depression • Grief...”
“...p>Areas of Specialty I work across a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, with particular focus on: • Addiction (substance use and behavioral) • Anxiety and depression • Grief... My style is warm but direct. I'll meet you where you are, while also helping you gently challenge patterns that may be holding you back.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care,

Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Kellie Branch-Dircks

Kellie Branch-Dircks

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, trauma (including first responders...”
“With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, trauma (including first responders ), aging-related concerns, and members of the agricultural and farming communities.”

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,

Empowering, Participatory, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health

Jennifer Stratton

Jennifer Stratton

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I have worked with those with trauma, PTSD, and many more afflictions - and I understand the effects losing a child or loved one has on a person, and how grief is always with us it just changes over time...”
“I have worked with those with trauma, PTSD, and many more afflictions - and I understand the effects losing a child or loved one has on a person, and how grief is always with us it just changes over time... I have worked in the mental health field for 20 years, working with all ages and stages of development.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Open-minded, Participatory, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Aetna Medicare Advantage,

Estela Chester

Estela Chester

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South Dakota


“I treat clients of all ages experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, bereavement, and life transitions. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard and cared for as we...”
“I treat clients of all ages experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, bereavement, and life transitions. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard and cared for as we work together to help you feel more balanced, confident, and supported.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,

Empowering, Open-minded, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare,

Stephen Willmer

Stephen Willmer

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I also have experience helping clients with depression, mood disorders, couples and family concerns, major life transitions, grief, divorce, domestic violence, parenting, trauma, and changing relationships...”
“I also have experience helping clients with depression, mood disorders, couples and family concerns, major life transitions, grief, divorce, domestic violence, parenting, trauma, and changing relationships... I will listen without judgment, offer steady support, and be honest and direct when doing so can help you move forward.”

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression,

Challenging, Direct, Empowering

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare,

Patricia Reed

Patricia Reed

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South Dakota


“I primarily serve adults seeking care for anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, stress and burnout, grief, and major life transitions. I work especially well with adults who may appear high-functioning on the...”
“I primarily serve adults seeking care for anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, stress and burnout, grief, and major life transitions. I work especially well with adults who may appear high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, or emotionally stuck on the inside.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression,

Direct, Empowering, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare,

Morgan Catlett

Morgan Catlett

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, or life transitions, I believe therapy offers space for healing and growth.”
“Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, or life transitions, I believe therapy offers space for healing and growth. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with men and women of various ages, teens, members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, Native American clients, and many others.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,

Direct, Inquisitive, Open-minded

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health

Oksana Johnson

Oksana Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“Do you or your child feel overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD, or major life changes? I provide a compassionate, welcoming space where children, adolescents, adults, and families can feel heard, understood,...”
“Do you or your child feel overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD, or major life changes? I provide a compassionate, welcoming space where children, adolescents, adults, and families can feel heard, understood, and supported.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression,

Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health

Bonnie Haack

Bonnie Haack

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“Through understanding their life history and motivations, clients can expect to formulate solutions to everyday day problems as well as process trauma and grief.”
“Through understanding their life history and motivations, clients can expect to formulate solutions to everyday day problems as well as process trauma and grief. I am direct but warm, patient, and empathetic. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health counseling field working with all ages.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Direct, Open-minded, Warm

Accepts Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna,

Danielle Finn

Danielle Finn

Therapist

Virtual • Rapid City, SD


“Whether it is being a single parent, going through a divorce, having parents who are divorcing, the loss of a loved one, or the everyday stressors that come from the different relationships in your life...”
“Whether it is being a single parent, going through a divorce, having parents who are divorcing, the loss of a loved one, or the everyday stressors that come from the different relationships in your life... I believe in meeting clients where they are at so each client's journey is different and molded to their individual needs.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Empowering, Humorous, Warm

Accepts Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,


Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily Christensen

Emily Christensen

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I am a down-to-earth therapist and believe that authenticity is extremely important in a therapeutic relationship.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues,

Empowering, Humorous, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Roselyn Onyibe

Roselyn Onyibe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South Dakota


“My approach emphasizes effective listening, therapeutic communication, support, and client education.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Open-minded, Participatory, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Jessica Shaffer

Jessica Shaffer

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“Clients can expect to feel heard, respected, and supported in a space where their experiences and strengths are valued.”

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues,

Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts,


Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelli Means

Kelli Means

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“My counseling style is welcoming and conversational. I am known for being upfront and honest always and blunt when needed...”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,

Empowering, Humorous, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,

Christina Johnson-Gunn

Christina Johnson-Gunn

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in painful relationship patterns, carrying the effects of trauma, or facing a life transition that feels hard to manage, therapy can be a place to exhale. I work with adults who want support making sense of what they’re going through and finding practical ways to feel more grounded, understood, and in control. I also support clients navigating family dynamics, including experiences related to autism, adoption, and complex relationships.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health

Jammie Tompkins

Jammie Tompkins

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South Dakota


“What is important to me is that the person I see will know they are heard, that they matter, and that this is a mutual partnership in the decision-making process for a plan of care.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Amanda Roy-Vitto

Amanda Roy-Vitto

Therapist

Virtual & in-person

211 North Main Street, Spearfish, SD

“I'm a bit of an unapologetic optimist and seek to find connection, meaning, and favor even in the dreaded things.”

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,

Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Marissa Waldner

Marissa Waldner

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor based in South Dakota, and I work exclusively via telehealth — which means I can see clients from anywhere in the state, whether you're in Sioux Falls, a reservation community, or a town with one stoplight. I have a background in school counseling, which means I understand how kids think, how families work, and how what happens at school follows everyone home. I work with people of all ages — from young children to seniors — including military families, new and expecting mothers, adults carrying old trauma, and anyone somewhere in the middle of a hard season. I tend to be warm but direct. I won't waste your time dancing around what's actually going on.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,

Dr. Michael Tilus

Dr. Michael Tilus

Psychologist

Virtual • South Dakota


Some pain doesn't get easier with time. It just gets more familiar.

I work with people who have been carrying something heavy for a long time: survivors of childhood neglect and trauma, people navigating the aftermath of sexual, physical, emotional, or religious violence, and those whose sense of self has been fractured by relational or spiritual betrayal. I also work with Veterans living with PTSD, depression, and substance use, and with thoughtful professionals seeking deep, ongoing therapy to work through disrupted beliefs or a life that has lost its meaning. My practice is open to people across the full lifespan, including children and adolescents.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Affirming, Inquisitive, Participatory

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,


Offers free consultationsView profile and book
David Bova

David Bova

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I believe that the journey starts with where the client is and that there is no such thing as slow progress.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Challenging, Creative, Energetic

Accepts Aetna, Sanford Health Plan, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Elysia Russell

Elysia Russell

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy spending time outdoors, riding my horses, and being with my family. These activities help me stay grounded and connected to what matters most in life. I value balance, authenticity, and meaningful relationships, and I bring those same values into my work with clients. I strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and working toward their goals.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Jacob Read

Jacob Read

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South Dakota


“My diverse background allows me to connect deeply with patients from all walks of life, understanding firsthand the challenges they face and the hope that lies in the possibility of change.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Creative, Humorous, Open-minded

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,

Rhonda Heath

Rhonda Heath

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South Dakota


“My approach to care is to meet you where you are. Ideally, you are ready for a holistic approach that focuses on supplements, therapy, TMS, and regular exercise.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare,

Carrie Holden

Carrie Holden

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I believe in a collaborative and compassionate approach to counseling. I do not see myself as any better than you; rather, we are partners in your journey.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Infertility,

Challenging, Open-minded, Participatory

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Jennifer Ruggeri

Jennifer Ruggeri

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy and evidence-based techniques, allowing me to create a safe and nurturing environment for my clients.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,

Natcha Connot

Natcha Connot

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I am especially passionate about women’s mental health and wellness. I have experience supporting women navigating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and those seeking additional emotional support throughout their perinatal journey.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues,

Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Wendy Beaster

Wendy Beaster

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“My goal is to create a space where you feel heard without judgment and can make real progress, not just talk in circles.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Katherine Schwenk

Katherine Schwenk

Therapist

Virtual & in-person

550 North 5th Street, Rapid City, SD

“I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to create goals that are realistic and achievable; starting from where you are at.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues,

Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Emmanuel Nwala

Emmanuel Nwala

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I have a passion for helping people reach their self-actualization, whatever that may be for each person.”

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,

Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,

Stacey Anderson

Stacey Anderson

Therapist

Virtual • Rapid City, SD


“I provide person centered concepts to therapy and work with a strengths based approach to empower clients to use their inner resources to overcome challenges and barriers to being successful in therapy.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+,

Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,


Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Mayforth

Jennifer Mayforth

Therapist

Virtual & in-person

2525 West Main Street, Rapid City, SD

“I am warm, kind, real, and compassionate. I work to honor your courage to be vulnerable and will do my best to meet you where you're at.”

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,

Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Amber Leafstedt

Amber Leafstedt

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“My approach to therapy is warm, relational, and grounded in the belief that healing happens in the context of safety and connection.”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Empowering, Humorous, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts,

Kelsey Kruse

Kelsey Kruse

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I am a seasoned trauma therapist who has been serving the Sioux Falls, South Dakota community and surrounding area for over 10 years...”

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety,

Empowering, Humorous, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,

Janet Nelson

Janet Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I am a California, Connecticut, and South Dakota licensed therapist who is trained in EMDR and specializes in treating trauma.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions,

Humorous, Open-minded, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Sanford Health Plan,

Brian Mathis

Brian Mathis

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“If you're carrying something that feels too heavy to keep holding — trauma that hasn't had space to heal, chronic stress...”

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,

Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

Melissa Gallup

Melissa Gallup

Therapist

Virtual • South Dakota


“I believe in genuine conversations, meeting people where they are, and creating a comfortable, nonjudgmental space.”

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues,

Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive

Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health,

About our therapists in South Dakota who help people navigate grief and loss

Number of therapists serving South Dakota
There are over 59 therapists in South Dakota accepting new patients.
59+
Average years in practice
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12 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%Grief or loss
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 98%Depression
  • 97%Trauma
  • 93%Stress management
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 98%Aetna
  • 93%Cigna
  • 92%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 59%Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network
  • 54%Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 2%Hindi
  • 2%Igbo
  • 2%Kashmiri
  • 2%Punjabi
How they see their clients
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  • 93%Online only
  • 7%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 81%Woman
  • 19%Man
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Professional Counselor
  • 32%Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice
  • 12%Certified Nurse Practitioner
  • 5%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 5%Psychologist, Doctor of Psychology
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 31%Family therapy
  • 20%Couples therapy
  • 17%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Happy patient looking away

Find the right grief counselor for you

Headway makes it easy to find a therapist who can support you through loss — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.