Matthew Dugan

I am a licensed professional counselor and supervisor with twenty one years’ experience working with individuals with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). I am also nationally certified as a Master Addiction Counselor, and in South Carolina I am certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I hold a Master Degree in Counseling from Webster University (2004). Throughout my career helping others, I acquired proficiency in crisis counseling, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapies, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I regularly work with people who are coping with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma conditions, and people with Borderline Personality Disorder. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am dedicated to helping others successfully navigate the coming out process and manage the unique challenges related to our community. The goal of my work with people is to reduce suffering in all its forms and help every person build a life worth living.

Professional Disclosure Statement:

Matt Dugan, MA, LPCS #7196, LPC #5264, MAC #508759, AADC #1805245

Contact Information:
Office hours: Mon-Thu 6:00p-8:00p; 
Also, by appointment. 

Emergency Telephone: 911
www.betterhelp.com/matthew-dugan

This statement is based upon South Carolina Code Sections 40.75.270 and 40.63.270. If you have any questions regarding the documents you have received, please feel free to discuss with me.

Educational Qualifications:
Masters in Counseling: Webster Univ., 2004
21 Years of Behavioral Healthcare experience
SC Licensed Professional Counselor
SC Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor
APS Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Specialization: I am currently trained/certified in the following Best Practice Models: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Mindfulness Therapy. Please be aware that I do not offer some of these therapies via online platforms.

Services:
On the Betterhelp or Pride Counseling platform I provide asynchronous message counseling Monday through Thursday evenings 6:00p-8:00p. I respond to messages sent to me on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday on Monday. I will respond to your messages within one business day.
I also am available for live chat, phone sessions, and video sessions online. Live sessions are available by appointment (Mon-Thu evening & Sat AM). 24-hours’ notice is requested for live sessions.

Fees: Service fees are determined by your subscription with Betterhelp or Pride Counseling. If you have any questions about billing or your subscription please send your questions to [email protected] or [email protected]

Confidentiality: All of our messages are stored on the secure online platform, which functions as our clinical record and is accessible to you at any time. I will keep confidential anything you say as part of our counseling relationship, with the following exceptions: (a) you direct me in writing to disclose information to someone else, (b) it is determined you are a danger to yourself or others (including child or elder abuse), or (c) I am ordered by a court to disclose information.

Ethics: I follow the Code of Ethics of the following organization with whom complaints may be filed:
The South Carolina Board of Examiners for the Licensure of Professional Counselors, 110 Centerview Dr., Suite 202, Columbia, SC 29210. Telephone: (803) 896-4665

Emergency Situations
Betterhelp and Pride Counseling are not emergency mental health service providers.
If you are in crisis or suicidal, call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 (800) 273-8255 or 911 which can provide you with immediate help or visit the nearest emergency room.

**Any type of sexual behavior between therapist and client is unethical. It is never appropriate and will not be condoned. **