Therapist Jobs in South Dakota
Therapist jobs in South Dakota are concentrated in behavioral health, community mental health centers, and school-based services, with demand running from entry-level counselor roles through licensed clinical and supervisory positions. The largest hiring markets are Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, where employers such as Avera Health, Monument Health, and the South Dakota Department of Social Services maintain consistent openings. Outpatient mental health, substance use treatment, and child and family therapy are the specialties drawing the most recruiter attention across the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Position: Crisis Therapist Type: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt Reports To: Clinical Director Work Location: 2210 S Brown Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Solace is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals and families as they navigate their unique journeys toward emotional well-being, resilience, and hope. The Crisis Therapist provides trauma-focused outpatient therapy for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma. The Therapist maintains a diverse clinical caseload while designing and implementing effective, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate treatment interventions reflective of survivor needs. This position works under the direction of the Clinical Director and coordinates care with advocacy and support services as appropriate. The ideal candidate is deeply knowledgeable in trauma recovery, crisis response, and trauma-informed clinical practice, and is passionate about helping survivors of all ages rebuild trust, restore safety, and move toward lifelong healing.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Trauma-Focused Therapy Across the Lifespan (Approximately 80%)
- Provide trauma-informed individual and group therapy for clients.
- Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and monitor client progress over time.
- Utilize evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, play-based interventions, or other trauma-focused approaches.
- Provide culturally responsive, strengths-based therapeutic support tailored to survivor needs and developmental stage.
- Maintain an outpatient caseload with appropriate clinical pacing, documentation, and ethical care standards.
Clinical Coordination & Professional Support (Approximately 5–10%)
- Coordinate care with internal advocates, crisis staff, caregivers (when appropriate), and community support to ensure survivors receive holistic services.
- Consult with the Clinical Director for guidance, case review, and ethical decision-making support.
- Participate in supervision, training, and professional development opportunities focused on trauma recovery and best practices.
- Support survivor access to wraparound resources while maintaining strong clinical boundaries and confidentiality.
Training & Crisis Intervention (Approximately 5–10%)
- Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention for children, youth, and adults utilizing walk-in or urgent support services.
- Respond to disclosures of interpersonal violence with professionalism, compassion, and clinical skills.
- Develop and maintain expertise in trauma-informed care, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.
- Work toward certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) or equivalent specialized credential, as supported by Solace.
- Model healthy boundaries, self-care, and emotional regulation skills while maintaining confidentiality in community and digital spaces.
Administrative Responsibilities (Approximately 5%)
- Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in compliance with agency standards and funding requirements.
- Strictly adhere to confidentiality, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines.
- Participate in evaluation and continuous improvement of therapy programming.
- Support outreach and communication efforts related to therapy services as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director or Executive Director.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education & Licensure
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field required.
- Licensed, license-eligible, or actively pursuing licensure in South Dakota, including:
o LPC / LPC-MH
o LCSW / LCSW-PIP
o LMFT
o or equivalent
- A full-time therapist commonly schedules 20 to 25 client appointments per week.
Experience
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing clinical or therapeutic services.
- Demonstrated experience or training in trauma-informed therapy.
- Experience working with children and/or adolescents preferred.
- Knowledge of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and the impact of trauma exposure across developmental stages.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Specialized training in EMDR, TF-CBT, play therapy, crisis intervention, or other evidence-based trauma modalities.
- Experience working with clients across the lifespan, including:
- Children (ages 3–12)
- Adolescents (ages 13–17)
- Adults (ages 18+)
- Experience providing therapy services to children, youth, and families in addition to adult clients.
- Experience working in victim advocacy, family services, or trauma-informed nonprofit programs.
- Familiarity with survivor support systems, community resources, and crime victim compensation processes.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Trauma-Informed Practice – Applies trauma-responsive principles to clinical care and survivor support.
- Decision-Making & Problem Solving – Exercises sound clinical and ethical judgment under pressure.
- Developmentally Appropriate Care – Adapts therapeutic approaches across age groups.
- Professional Communication & Coordination – Communicates effectively with supervisors, staff, and support systems to enhance care.
- Resilience & Adaptability – Navigates complex clinical situations with flexibility and composure.
- Documentation & Clinical Accountability – Maintains accurate records and meets professional standards of care.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates in a fast-paced, trauma-informed outpatient clinical setting. Regular interaction with clients, families, professionals, and community partners is required. Standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers) is routinely used.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
- Frequent standing, walking, and use of hands for clinical and documentation tasks.
- Visual acuity for reading, computer work, and data entry.
- Occasional lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds.
This is a full-time, exempt position with a 40-hour core workweek. Some flexibility in scheduling based on client and program needs.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Occasional travel, primarily within Sioux Falls. Overnight travel may occur for conferences or training.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Solace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or service provision.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to cover all responsibilities but provides a general overview of expectations. Duties may evolve or be assigned as needed to support Solace's mission.
See All 12 Therapist Jobs in South Dakota
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Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Therapist 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 therapist jobs across South Dakota.
- Active South Dakota licensure such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT issued by the South Dakota Board of Examiners
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or related clinical field
- Supervised clinical hours completed under a licensed supervisor per South Dakota board requirements
- Experience with evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
- Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation in an electronic health record system
- Clearance through a South Dakota background check for positions serving minors or vulnerable populations
Therapist Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a therapist in South Dakota?
To become a licensed therapist in South Dakota, you must earn a master's degree in a qualifying clinical field, complete the required supervised post-graduate hours, and pass the relevant licensure exam before applying to the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Mental Health Professionals. The board oversees credentials including the Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist designations, each with distinct hour and supervision requirements.
Which companies hire therapists in South Dakota?
South Dakota therapist roles are posted by Voyage Health, Pain & Movement Solutions, and HiredFirst and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Large integrated health systems and community mental health organizations drive most of the consistent hiring across the state.
Which South Dakota cities have the most therapist jobs?
Belle Fourche, Custer, and Rapid City have the most therapist openings in South Dakota. Sioux Falls leads because of the concentration of major health systems and behavioral health organizations headquartered there, while Rapid City benefits from Monument Health's regional presence, and smaller cities like Aberdeen draw openings from rural community mental health networks serving surrounding counties.
Are there remote therapist jobs in South Dakota?
Yes, and more than many clinical fields, since telehealth has become a standard delivery model for outpatient therapy. About 0% of therapist openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting ongoing telehealth expansion. Individual and family therapy sessions, particularly in outpatient and private practice settings, are the roles most commonly offered via telehealth across South Dakota.
How can I get hired as a therapist in South Dakota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for associate or provisionally licensed positions while you accumulate supervised hours toward full licensure. Avera Health and Monument Health both hire master's-level candidates under clinical supervision, and South Dakota community mental health centers such as Volunteers of America Dakotas frequently post associate counselor roles for new graduates. Completing your supervised hours in a high-need rural or tribal setting can also accelerate hiring, as those areas face consistent shortages and are more open to candidates still working toward independent licensure.
Where can I find and apply to therapist jobs in South Dakota?
You can find and apply to therapist jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your license level, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 12 Therapist Jobs in South Dakota
Find roles in South Dakota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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