Counseling Services
No person should live a life burdened by depression, grief, anxiety, relationship problems, or any of life’s stressors without having a support system to go to for support and guidance. Fortunately, Catholic Social Services of Rapid City offers counseling services to those in need throughout Rapid City, the Black Hills, and South Dakota.
In Need of Immediate Assistance?
If you need immediate assistance, please dial 911, 211 (Helpline Center) or contact the 24-hour National Suicide Hotline by dialing 988.
Find out more
We would be glad to provide you with more information about our Counseling services such as our Sliding Fee Scale, accepted insurances, hourly rates, and more. Call us at 605-348-6086 during our regular working hours or send us a message on our contact page.
Call NowGet Started Today
Get started today by clicking the button below to create an online portal account and complete the Client Application. Once the application is submitted we will contact you to finish the intake process and schedule your first appointment. If you need assistance completing the application please contact us.
online PortalKeys for Successful Counseling
Willingness
Change can cause anxiety and push you out of your comfort zone. In counseling, you'll learn new ways of thinking and challenge old patterns. This requires time, energy, and courage. Courage means doing something even if you're afraid. If you're willing to step out of your comfort zone, you're on your way to achieving your counseling goals.
Commitment
People tend to be impatient with the personal growth process. The counseling process requires commitment and patience. Real and lasting change takes time. The key to success in counseling is not only the willingness to start the process, but the commitment to stay on the journey.
Faith
The more you believe in something, the more likely you are to be successful at it. Having trust in your therapist and the therapy process is needed for healing to happen. Lack of trust in others can be an obstacle to therapy. Believing in yourself plus having faith in the process equals a much greater chance of success.
Meet Our Counselors
Grant M. Sasse, PhD, LPC-MH
Executive & Counseling Director
John Olenyik, MDiv, LPC, QMHP
Outpatient Therapist
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John Olenyik
About Me
Hi, I am John Olenyik. I am a mental health counselor for Catholic Social Services. I have been with CSS since March 1, 2019. Previously, I was a mental health counselor in Wyoming for ten years. I came to CSS to be in Rapid City where my wife and I plan to retire. Before getting into mental health work, I was a United Methodist pastor for nearly 25 years.
Therapeutic Approach
My approach to counseling is just that – I listen, I ask questions and then I counsel or give advice based upon my years of experience and my educational perspective. I approach the counseling experience as short term, solution based, meaning we identify the issue you want to work on, develop a plan of action and then get after it. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to get at the distorted thinking that might be causing you distress. I enjoy doing what I do and most folks say I am pretty good at it, so if you are seeking some help with your life, let’s get together and make things better.
Specializations
- Anxiety and Depression
- Relationship Issues
- Trauma and PTSD
- Stress Management
- Grief and Loss
Education
- Master’s Degree in Divinity, Iliff School of Theology
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and English, Valparaiso University
Licenses/Certifications
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Erika Kling, MS, LPC
Outpatient Therapist
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Erika Kling
About Me
I was raised in Spearfish, South Dakota where I attended Black Hills State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education. I parlayed that degree into teaching for a decade in grades K-12. During my time teaching, I found a new passion and went back to school pursuing mental health counseling. I graduated from Chadron State College with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022 and have been practicing counseling since.
Therapeutic Approach
My counseling practice utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I will also utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help those heal and cope with trauma and life's difficulties. My therapeutic style is collaborative, honest, warm, and understanding. I believe every person has dignity, wisdom, and worth, and thus, view the therapy process as a collaboration between therapist and client. No one has to walk through life alone and sometimes all you need is a listening ear.
Specializations
- Anxiety and Depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- ADHD
- Domestic Violence
- Stress Management
- Grief and Loss
Education
- Master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling, Chadron State University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, Black Hills State University
Licenses
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Deborah French, MA, LPC-MH, QMHP
Outpatient Therapist
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Deborah French
About Me
I grew up on the plains of eastern Colorado in a very small rural community. I received Bachelors and Masters degrees in Audiology from the University of Northern Colorado. After a long career as an Audiologist, I felt the calling to pursue counseling as a second career. I received my counseling degree from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. I’ve lived and practiced in Arkansas, Colorado, Oregon, and now South Dakota, now my adopted home state.
Therapeutic Approach
I utilize various therapeutic modalities, primarily using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma treatment. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to process and clarify their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
Specializations
- Anxiety and Depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Grief and Loss
- Aging
Education
- Master's Degree in Community and Human Services
- Bachelor's Degree in Audiology
Licenses/Certifications
- Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health (LPC-MH)
- Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Tristan Marchant, MSW, CSW, QMHP
Outpatient Therapist
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Tristan Marchant
About Me
I grew up in Rapid City before moving to Laramie, Wyoming, where I earned my Bachelor of Social Work. After completing my undergraduate studies, I dedicated myself to raising a family and temporarily set aside my counseling aspirations. Throughout that time, faith, commitment to family, and a passion for helping others remained at the core of who I am. I have since returned to the field, earning my Master of Social Work and becoming a Licensed Certified Social Worker. As a therapist, I am committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and become the best version of themselves.
Therapeutic Approach
I believe that true healing begins with feeling heard and understood. For that reason, I prioritize active listening, empathy, and the development of strong, trusting relationships with my clients. My approach is compassionate and client-centered, supporting individuals as they navigate their thoughts, emotions, and inner experiences with greater clarity and understanding. I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other behavioral therapy interventions to support meaningful healing and personal growth. These evidence‑based approaches allow me to create a grounded, compassionate space where clients can deepen insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward lasting change.
Specializations
- Grief and Loss
- Anxiety and Depression
- Postpartum Depression
- Parenting and Relationship Challenges
- Life Transitions
Education
- Master of Social Work, Grand Canyon University
- Bachelor of Social Work, University of Wyoming
Licenses/Certifications
- Certified Social Worker (CSW)
- Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Payton Miller, MS, LPC-Supervisee
Outpatient Therapist
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Payton Miller
About Me
Hello! I was raised here in Rapid City until attending the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND to earn my undergraduate and master's degrees. Having just graduated this past April, I felt called to move back home to the Black Hills and serve my community. I hope to create a space for each individual to feel heard, seen, and empowered to work through whatever struggles they may bring to my door. During my time in school, I worked in the public school system in the Bismarck area. This experience provided me the opportunity to work with children and adolescents. However, I have also worked with families, parents, and adults.
Therapeutic Approach
The foundation of my approach begins with relationship, empathy, and understanding. I also draw in several evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I stay trauma-informed and ensure a safe and nonjudgemental environment for my clients to process and heal. I encourage a collaborative approach in order for both me and my client to choose the best treatment options based on their needs. For children and adolescents, I like to utilize Experiential Play Therapy and Art Therapy as a way for the child or adolescent to heal on their terms.
Specializations
- Anxiety and Depression
- Life Transitions
- Stress Management
- Trauma
- Existential Crisis/Issues
Education
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Concentration in Catholic Anthropology, University of Mary
- Bachelors degree in Psychology and Catholic Studies, University of Mary
Licenses
- Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisee (LPC-Supervisee)
