Christy Alten , LPC-MH, LMHC

Christy Alten brings 31 years of clinical experience supporting adults and adolescents through addictions and a range of mental health concerns. She combines faith-informed care with evidence-based techniques to help people find purpose, healing, and practical strategies for recovery and growth. As a Licensed Addictions Counselor in South Dakota and a licensed mental health professional holding LPC-MH and LMHC credentials, she blends spiritual perspective with clinical training to meet each person's unique needs. LPC-MH indicates a Licensed Professional Counselor focused on mental health, and LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Her practice addresses stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, self-esteem, grief, sleep difficulties, parenting and family problems, anger, career concerns, bipolar challenges, and compassion fatigue, along with issues such as codependency, abandonment, communication problems, and life purpose. She is experienced in 12-step approaches and in therapeutic methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Gottman work for couples, Polyvagal-informed techniques, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She frames counseling from an existential and spiritual viewpoint while using practical, evidence-based tools.

In addition to direct clinical work, she has over 22 years of experience providing clinical supervision and professional development for other clinicians. Scheduling is arranged by direct contact rather than self-scheduling; she maintains limited evening and weekend availability and discusses scheduling with prospective clients to find an appropriate plan for engagement.

Therapeutic approaches and effective online care

Christy frequently uses client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the individual's values and experiences guide the work; it helps people build insight, self-acceptance, and personal agency. CBT is a practical, skills-based approach that helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, often useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life transitions. DBT emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, and it can be especially helpful for managing intense emotions, relationship challenges, and impulsive behaviors.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. She works collaboratively with each person to explore which methods fit their goals, preferences, and needs, adjusting the plan as work progresses to ensure the best possible fit. Licensed professionals tailor techniques to the individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and receive support from home or when travel is difficult, while still working directly with trained therapists to pursue recovery and growth.