Christy Alten , LPC-MH, LMHC

Christy Alten brings more than three decades of clinical experience to her work supporting adults and adolescents facing addictions and mental health challenges. She approaches counseling with a blend of spiritual perspective and evidence-based strategies, offering a compassionate, judgment-free setting where clients can pursue healing, purpose, and hope.

She is credentialed as an LPC-MH and an LMHC - LPC-MH refers to Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health and LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor - and she also holds a South Dakota credential as a licensed addictions counselor. Over a 31-year career she has used 12-step approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Gottman couples techniques, polyvagal-informed methods, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy when appropriate, integrating existential and spiritual reflections into practical treatment plans.

Christy also has extensive experience mentoring other clinicians, with more than 22 years providing clinical supervision and professional development to helpers at various stages of their careers. She emphasizes collaborative planning, working with each person to shape a clear, individualized path forward so clients can build skills and resilience at their own pace.

At this time she is not accepting new clients. For colleagues seeking supervision resources or practitioners looking for clinical consultation, Christy remains invested in supporting the ongoing growth of those in the helping professions.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and building on each person's strengths. It helps clients explore values, make meaning of difficult experiences, and develop a sense of agency in life decisions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is practical and skill-based, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns to help clients learn tools that change daily patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and tolerating distress. It is useful when strong emotions or impulsive behaviors interfere with relationships and daily functioning.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Christy works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and then tailors methods so therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy offers flexible options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to attend sessions around work, family, or geographic limits. Licensed professionals can adapt these formats to provide consistent, ongoing support that fits into a client's life and helps maintain momentum between sessions.