Mental Health Jobs in South Dakota
Mental Health jobs in South Dakota are concentrated in community behavioral health centers, tribal health programs, and state-run facilities, with demand ranging from entry-level case managers to licensed clinical supervisors. Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen account for the largest share of openings, where employers such as Avera Health, Monument Health, and the South Dakota Department of Social Services maintain consistent hiring. The most in-demand specialties are substance use counseling, crisis intervention, and children and adolescent behavioral health. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 4 of 7+ Mental Health jobs
Education and Experience
Therapist, at a minimum will possess a Master’s Degree in a Human Services field and must hold or be able to obtain LPC, LPC-MH, CSW, or psychologist licensure within their respective fields. If licensed, maintain licensure status. Current QMHP status is preferred, but will be willing to work to obtain QMHP if currently licensed.
Certificates, licenses, registrations
- LPC, LPC-MH or CSW, psychologist licensure within their respective fields Valid South Dakota Driver’s license
- Driver’s license
- Must not be excluded from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and any Federal health care program, as provided by the OIG, USDHHS.
Other qualifications
- Skills, knowledge, and/or experience that demonstrates an ability to deal appropriately and in a caring manner with individuals with severe and persistent illnesses.
- Basic knowledge regarding developmental stages and needs of children.
- Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- A strong commitment to working as an integral part of a team.
- Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one and be willing to transport consumers
Supervisory – as needed for mentoring and licensure candidates
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/CRITICAL JOB ELEMENTS
Client Care
- Conduct client intake, assessments and diagnostic interviews
- Individual and group counseling with clients and family members.
- Develop and update treatment plans in a timely manner.
- Documentation of all clients related contacts reflecting individual treatment plan.
- Complete progress reports and discharge summaries in a timely manner.
- Referral to appropriate services to meet client needs.
- Participate in and utilize treatment teams concepts.
- Case management and liaison services with family and referral sources.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings;
- Provide on-call crisis intervention on a rotating schedule to include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Complete outcome tool as directed by Clinical Supervisor
- Complete Division required surveys as directed by Clinical Supervisor
- Other duties as assigned.
- A full time provider will work 40 hours a week.
- Due to the nature of the position, the provider will be expected to work a minimum of one evening per week if needed.
Licensure & Credentialing
- Maintain professional licensure
- Participate with credentialing staff to establish and maintain billing/admitting/service credentials
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Family leave
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Loan repayment program
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Education and Experience
Therapist, at a minimum will possess a Master’s Degree in a Human Services field and must hold or be able to obtain LPC, LPC-MH, CSW, or psychologist licensure within their respective fields. If licensed, maintain licensure status. Current QMHP status is preferred, but will be willing to work to obtain QMHP if currently licensed.
Certificates, licenses, registrations
- LPC, LPC-MH or CSW, psychologist licensure within their respective fields Valid South Dakota Driver’s license
- Driver’s license
- Must not be excluded from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and any Federal health care program, as provided by the OIG, USDHHS.
Other qualifications
- Skills, knowledge, and/or experience that demonstrates an ability to deal appropriately and in a caring manner with individuals with severe and persistent illnesses.
- Basic knowledge regarding developmental stages and needs of children.
- Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- A strong commitment to working as an integral part of a team.
- Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one and be willing to transport consumers
Supervisory – as needed for mentoring and licensure candidates
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/CRITICAL JOB ELEMENTS
Client Care
- Conduct client intake, assessments and diagnostic interviews
- Individual and group counseling with clients and family members.
- Develop and update treatment plans in a timely manner.
- Documentation of all clients related contacts reflecting individual treatment plan.
- Complete progress reports and discharge summaries in a timely manner.
- Referral to appropriate services to meet client needs.
- Participate in and utilize treatment teams concepts.
- Case management and liaison services with family and referral sources.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings;
- Provide on-call crisis intervention on a rotating schedule to include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Complete outcome tool as directed by Clinical Supervisor
- Complete Division required surveys as directed by Clinical Supervisor
- Other duties as assigned.
- A full time provider will work 40 hours a week.
- Due to the nature of the position, the provider will be expected to work a minimum of one evening per week if needed.
Licensure & Credentialing
- Maintain professional licensure
- Participate with credentialing staff to establish and maintain billing/admitting/service credentials
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Family leave
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Loan repayment program
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 7 Mental Health Jobs in South Dakota
Find roles in South Dakota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health JobsMental Health Jobs by City in South Dakota
Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Job Market in South Dakota
A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What South Dakota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health jobs across South Dakota.
- Active South Dakota license such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT issued by the South Dakota Board of Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related clinical field
- Experience providing direct client services in a behavioral health or community mental health setting
- Familiarity with evidence-based treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing
- Ability to complete accurate clinical documentation and maintain compliance with HIPAA requirements
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel between sites for community or mobile crisis services
Mental Health Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health in South Dakota?
Licensure in South Dakota is issued by the South Dakota Board of Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists for counselors and by the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners for social workers. Most clinical roles require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or psychology followed by supervised post-graduate hours and a passing score on the relevant national exam. Candidates pursuing the Licensed Professional Counselor credential must complete supervised clinical hours before sitting for licensure.
Which companies hire mental healths in South Dakota?
Employers hiring mental healths in South Dakota right now include Legion Health, HELPLINE CENTER, and Monument Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. South Dakota's tribal nations, including those served by the Great Plains Tribal Leaders' Health Board, are also steady employers of behavioral health professionals across the state.
Which South Dakota cities have the most mental health jobs?
South Dakota, Huron, and Yankton have the most mental health job openings in South Dakota. Sioux Falls drives the largest share of demand as the state's primary healthcare hub, home to Avera Health and Sanford Health, while Rapid City benefits from Monument Health's regional footprint and proximity to tribal health programs in the western part of the state.
Are there remote mental health jobs in South Dakota?
Yes, and more than many clinical fields, because telehealth has expanded access to mental health services significantly. About 60% of mental health openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the state's rural geography and ongoing investment in telehealth infrastructure. Roles focused on therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and care coordination are the most commonly offered in remote formats.
How can I get hired as a mental health in South Dakota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a behavioral health technician or case manager role, which most South Dakota employers fill without requiring full licensure. Avera Health and Monument Health both hire bachelor's-level candidates into care coordination and residential support positions that build supervised clinical hours toward licensure. Completing a practicum or internship at a community mental health center such as BH Pavilion or a tribal behavioral health program strengthens applications considerably for candidates just finishing their degree.
Where can I find and apply to mental health jobs in South Dakota?
You can find and apply to mental health jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your license level and preferred setting, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 7 Mental Health Jobs in South Dakota
Find roles in South Dakota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Jobs