James believes his job as a counselor is to be a supportive, authentic, and a calming presence. He believes that within this environment people can be supported to heal from past traumas, grow towards authentic happiness, and find solutions to live a life worth living.

James earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University in 2018. James is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of South Dakota with a Mental Health Endorsement (LPC-MH), is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with the National Board for Certified Counselors, and is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).

Over the past ten years James has worked in a variety of settings within the realm of behavioral health including inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment centers, community mental health centers, and nonprofit counseling organizations. James supports all efforts to collaborate with community partners and is a board member of the Black Hills Community Services Connection nonprofit. He has presented at the annual South Dakota Counseling Association conference, hospitals, businesses, schools, and for the state of South Dakota’s foster parent education program.

James has specialized throughout his career in addressing the particular challenges and joys of childhood and adolescence and provides psychotherapy to children, teens, and their families utilizing an approach influenced by Person-Centered Counseling, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and family systems approaches. James is trained in evidence based modalities including Functional Family Therapy, Moral Reconation Therapy, trauma informed CBT, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

James enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, family and friends playing board games. He enjoys hiking, listening to music, reading, and watching soccer.

To schedule an in-person (or teletherapy) appointment, please call Scovel Psychological at 605-721-8822.