Getting started is simple. When you reach out to us, your very first contact will be with one of our licensed clinicians — not a receptionist or automated system. We'll ask a few general questions about your situation and insurance coverage, then match you with the provider who is the best fit for your needs.

You'll leave the call with an appointment scheduled and a secure link to our client portal where you can complete your initial paperwork at your own pace before your first session.

Your first session is an initial assessment. Using the information you provided in your 

paperwork, your clinician will take time to learn more about what brought you in, your personal relationships, recent stressors, physical health, family background, and your strengths.

It may take a session or two to develop a complete picture and build a clear care plan together — and that's completely normal. By the end of your first appointment, you'll have your provider's direct contact information, a general sense of what future sessions will look like, and a schedule for ongoing care.

Yes. Dakota Group provides mental health services both in person at our Aberdeen, SD office and online via telehealth. Our virtual sessions offer the same personalized, confidential care as in-office visits — giving you flexibility no matter your schedule or location. Ask us about telehealth options when you call.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer — the length of therapy depends on your goals, the challenges you're working through, and the pace that feels right for you. Some clients reach their goals in a handful of sessions; others benefit from longer-term support. During your initial assessment, your clinician will discuss a general plan and timeline with you, and that plan can always be adjusted as things evolve.

That uncertainty is more common than you might think — and it's a perfectly valid place to start. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people come to us simply because something feels off, they're navigating a life transition, or they want to understand themselves better. Reaching out for an initial conversation is low-commitment and a great way to get your questions answered before deciding anything.

Yes. During your initial call, we'll talk through your needs and preferences and match you with the clinician who is the best fit. If at any point you feel a different clinician might serve you better, please let us know — we want you to feel comfortable and confident in your care.

We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

We accept most major insurance plans. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm your mental health benefits and any applicable copays or deductibles. Our team is happy to help answer questions when you reach out.

Our standard fees are:

• Initial Assessment — $250

• Therapy Session — $225

Fees for specialized services — including psychosexual assessments, attorney referrals, and court-related services — are individualized and provided upon consultation. Participants in the Brown County Drug/DUI Court program are referred through UJS and are not charged for their care.

We understand that cost can be a barrier to care. If you are uninsured or your plan doesn't cover mental health services, please reach out and we'll discuss your options. Our standard self-pay rates are $250 for an initial assessment and $225 per therapy session. We want to help you find a path to care that works for your situation.

We recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card and asking specifically about your outpatient mental health benefits. Key questions to ask: Do I need a referral? What is my copay or coinsurance for therapy? Do I have a deductible to meet first? Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person? Our team is also happy to help walk you through this process.

Our clinicians are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches and often combine multiple methods to meet your unique needs. Our therapeutic offerings include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Flash Therapy

• Somatic Therapies

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches

• Art Therapy Techniques

• Play Therapy Techniques

• Talk Therapy

• Skill Development

Yes. Dakota Group provides mental health services for individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families. Our clinicians tailor their approach to be developmentally appropriate and responsive to each client's unique situation and goals.

We help clients navigate a wide range of mental health challenges, including:

• Anxiety and stress

• Depression

• ADHD

• Trauma and PTSD

• Grief and loss

• Substance misuse and addiction

• Mood and self-regulation difficulties

• Anger and outbursts

• Sleep-related challenges

• Relationship and family concerns

• Life transitions and identity

We take a strength-based, growth-oriented approach — tailored to you.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy designed to reduce the distress associated with difficult or traumatic memories. It is especially helpful for trauma, anxiety, and addiction recovery. Flash Therapy is a related, rapid-result approach that can also produce safe, significant relief.

During your initial assessment, your clinician will discuss whether EMDR or Flash Therapy is a good fit for your situation and answer any questions you have.

Yes. Assessment and evaluation are a core part of what we offer. Our clinicians conduct comprehensive mental health assessments that can help identify ADHD, learning challenges, mood disorders, and other concerns. A thorough assessment helps ensure that your care plan is built on an accurate, complete understanding of your needs. Contact us to learn more about the assessment process.

Confidentiality is one of our highest priorities. From your very first call, you'll speak directly with a licensed clinician — not a front desk. All paperwork is completed through a secure, HIPAA-compliant client portal. We do not share your information without your explicit consent, except as required by law.

With the exception of services provided to Brown County Drug/DUI Court participants (referred through UJS), Dakota Group clinicians do not provide services that currently or may involve court proceedings.

We believe deeply in the value of a safe, secure, and collaborative therapeutic environment — for both our clients and our clinicians. Trust and confidentiality are foundational to the work we do together.

Like all licensed mental health providers, there are a small number of legally mandated exceptions to confidentiality. These generally include situations involving imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, or a valid court order. Your clinician will discuss these limits with you at the start of treatment so you always know where you stand. In all other circumstances, what you share stays between you and your provider.

No. Your participation in therapy is protected health information under HIPAA. We will not share any information about your care — including whether you are a client — with your employer, school, or anyone else without your written consent. The only exceptions are the narrow, legally required disclosures described above.