Therapist profile
Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut, LCPC, LPC, LPC-MH
South Dakota
Dr Paula Ehrmantraut - LCPC, LPC, LPC-MH; stress and relationships
Continue with PaulaWhere Paula stands
- Credentials
- LCPC, LPC, LPC-MH
- License
- LCPC, Montana / BBH-LCPC-LIC-1196; LMHC, Washington / LH61575860; LPC, South Dakota / LPC-MH30682; LCMHC, Utah / 12837443-6004
- NPI
- 1831135359
- Experience
- 17 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- South Dakota
About
- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- Client-centered care
About Paula
Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut is an LCPC, LPC, LPC-MH licensed in South Dakota with 17 years of experience. She works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addiction concerns, and LGBT issues. She also addresses codependency and related patterns such as people-pleasing and trouble setting boundaries.
Paula keeps language direct in sessions. She helps people notice how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going and then practices small changes together. Sessions focus on practical strategies and clearer communication rather than abstract theory. She uses straightforward tools to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
Her background includes long clinical experience and time raising a family, which she says shaped her outlook on steady, manageable progress. She draws on Client-Centered Therapy to prioritize the client’s perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to shift unhelpful thinking and behavior, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotional regulation.
In session Paula often works on specific tasks such as identifying patterns of caretaking, practicing boundary-setting language, and building routines to lower anxiety. She also addresses substance use and recovery-related challenges with practical planning and relapse prevention skills.
People meet Paula to get clear next steps. She asks about daily habits, relationships, and goals, then helps set small, achievable changes. The focus is on skills that can be used between sessions to create steadier days.
How sessions work
How Paula’s approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting the client’s experience so people feel understood and can decide their next steps. It helps when someone needs space to sort out values and choices rather than being told what to do.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s useful for anxiety, low mood, and habits that keep people stuck because it breaks problems into specific, changeable parts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. People learn techniques for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication.
Paula treats finding the right approach as a joint process. She will review your goals and preferences, try methods that fit, and adjust based on what works. Collaboration guides which tools stay and which get dropped.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm available online options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier, allow shorter check-ins when days are busy, reduce travel time, and let people use calmer hours for sessions. Therapists can assign practical exercises between meetings so progress continues outside session time.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
Montana, Washington, South Dakota, Utah
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addictions, LGBT concerns, and codependency-related patterns.
How would she describe her therapy style?
Her style is practical and client-focused. She uses clear tools and short-term strategies alongside deeper talk when needed.
How much experience does she have?
She has 17 years of clinical experience working with adults on a range of concerns.
What credentials and location apply?
She holds LCPC, LPC, and LPC-MH credentials and practices from South Dakota.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She accepts international clients. Check time zones and scheduling when arranging sessions.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.