- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions and recovery
- LGBT concerns
About Matthew
Matthew Dugan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina with 23 years of clinical experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, and issues common in the LGBT community. He also supports people dealing with grief, career stress, bipolar disorder, and major life changes.
Matthew draws on several practical methods in session. He uses client-centered techniques to keep conversations focused on what matters to the client. He applies cognitive behavioral strategies to identify unhelpful thinking and change behavior. He also uses dialectical behavior approaches and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing when appropriate.
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. Matthew aims to reduce distress and help people put steps into action. He has long experience with substance use and addiction work and with trauma-informed care. He helps people who are navigating coming out and other LGBT-specific pressures.
His training includes a master’s degree in counseling from Webster University. He has many years working in behavioral health settings and with serious mental illness and co-occurring conditions. That background shapes an approach that balances practical skills, motivational strategies, and trauma work.
People can expect clear explanations about methods and regular check-ins on progress. Matthew encourages collaboration about goals and techniques so sessions feel relevant. Before booking, confirm current session formats and scheduling options through the platform.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s priorities and relies on listening and reflection to guide sessions. Online, this looks like regular check-ins on goals and conversations that follow what feels most pressing to the client.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical exercises to change patterns. In remote sessions CBT can include homework assignments, thought records, and real-time problem solving during video or phone meetings.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improved communication. Online DBT work often focuses on short skills coaching and practicing techniques between sessions so skills can be used in daily life.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will discuss options, try methods that match the client’s needs, and adjust based on what helps most. Goals and preferences guide which techniques are emphasized.
Confirm which session formats are available before booking, as formats are not listed here. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and make it easier to have shorter check-ins or evening appointments. Ask about the scheduling and format choices when you complete the matching questionnaire and arrange your first session.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of young adult concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, career and relationship issues, identity and coming out concerns, substance use, grief, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions are client-centered and conversational with practical tools drawn from CBT and DBT when useful.
How much experience does he have?
He has 23 years of experience in behavioral health, including work with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in South Carolina.
Can I work with him if I don’t live in the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does he offer?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps start the process?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.