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.
Find Mental Health JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Mental Health jobs







Licensed Professional Counselor- MH- Part time
Deer Oaks Behavioral Health — Long-Term Care Clinical Services
Join a mission-driven behavioral health organization that has been a trusted partner to Long-Term Care (LTC) communities for over 30 years. Deer Oaks is a nationally recognized leader in geriatric behavioral health, partnering with thousands of facilities across the country to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions.
We are seeking a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC- MH) to join our integrated clinical team. In this role, you will work onsite in one or more long-term care facilities within your local community, providing therapy, assessment, care planning, and behavioral health support. This position offers professional autonomy, a predictable Monday–Friday schedule, and robust administrative and clinical support so you can focus on what matters most—helping patients thrive.
What You’ll Do
As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, you will:
Clinical Care
- Provide individual, family, and group therapy to LTC residents.
- Conduct clinical assessments, psychosocial evaluations, screenings, and treatment planning.
- Support residents with depression, anxiety, adjustment to illness, grief, trauma, substance use, behavioral disturbances, and other conditions common in LTC settings.
- Deliver behavioral management and brief, goal-oriented interventions aligned with best practices in geriatric care.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Work closely with nursing, social services, rehabilitation, and medical providers to coordinate treatment and improve resident outcomes.
- Participate in care plan discussions, facility meetings, and case collaborations as needed.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain complete and timely documentation using our Geriatric Notes Tool (GNT).
- Follow ethical, professional, and regulatory guidelines for clinical documentation, confidentiality, and care delivery.
Facility Partnership
- Build strong, professional relationships with facility staff and leadership.
- Serve as a behavioral health resource and trusted partner in supporting residents’ mental and emotional needs.
Why Choose Deer Oaks?
We are a provider-centric organization that takes pride in supporting our clinicians with the tools, training, and benefits they need to succeed.
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible scheduling — create your own Monday–Friday schedule
- No evenings, weekends, or on-call
- Autonomy in organizing your daily workflow and caseload
Professional Growth
- ASWB-accredited CEUs at no cost
- Ongoing clinical support, mentorship, and consultation
- Access to geriatric-specific clinical training and specialty resources
Robust Administrative Support
- Dedicated teams for billing, collections, credentialing, insurance, and scheduling
- HIPAA-compliant documentation system and efficient workflows
- Liability insurance provided (100% company-paid) for full-time and part-time staff
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation model
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance- full time
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Generous PTO and paid holidays- full time
Who Thrives in this Role?
- LPCs who value autonomy paired with team collaboration
- Clinicians who enjoy working with older adults and medically complex individuals
- Strong communicators comfortable partnering with facility staff
- Providers who are organized, compassionate, and clinically confident
- Clinicians seeking long-term stability in a supportive environment
What You’ll Need
- Active, unrestricted LPC license
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team
- Comfortable navigating LTC environments
- Commitment to timely documentation and high-quality care
About Deer Oaks - The Behavioral Health Solution
Focused exclusively on behavioral health in long-term care since 1992, Deer Oaks proudly serves thousands of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities nationwide. Our mission is to enhance the emotional well-being and quality of life of residents through compassionate, clinically excellent behavioral health services.
To learn more about our organization, visit www.deeroaks.com.
or contact:
Deena Mullins, Recruitment Partner, email: dmullins@deeroaks.com, (mailto:dmullins@deeroaks.com)Cell: (210) 237-6478
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
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


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 Youth & Family Services, Community Counseling Services, and South Dakota State Government, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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?
Rapid City, 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 0% of mental health openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of October 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