Matthew Dugan, LPC

Matthew Dugan is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor with 21 years of experience supporting people who live with serious and persistent mental illness. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University (2004) and is nationally certified as a Master Addiction Counselor - a credential that reflects advanced training in substance use treatment. In South Carolina he is also certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, which further informs his work with co-occurring addiction and mental health concerns.

Over the course of his career he has developed strong skills in crisis counseling and a range of evidence-informed interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). He regularly helps people who are coping with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance use disorders, trauma-related conditions, and Borderline Personality Disorder.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he brings an informed and affirming perspective to issues such as coming out and gender-related challenges. His work centers on reducing suffering and helping each person build a life that feels meaningful and sustainable, with treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, often called CBT, helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is practical and skills-focused, and is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a trauma-focused method that helps reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories. It is frequently used for trauma-related symptoms and can be integrated into a broader treatment plan when trauma is a central issue.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, combines skills training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness to support people who struggle with intense emotions and relationship challenges. It is especially helpful when self-harm, impulsivity, or chronic emotional instability are present.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Matthew works with clients to understand their needs, goals, and preferences and tailors a treatment plan that may draw from one or more of these methods. The therapist will discuss options and adapt techniques as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and many issues can also be addressed via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain continuity of care across locations within the therapist's service area, and access support in times of need, while working with licensed professionals who use methods suited to the client's goals.