LPC

Matthew Dugan , LPC

Therapist in South Carolina

Online therapy - get matched and start messaging.

About Matthew

Matthew Dugan is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with more than two decades of experience supporting people facing complex mental health and addiction challenges. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University (2004) and has built a career working with individuals who live with mood disorders, trauma, substance use conditions, and relationship or identity concerns. Matthew draws on evidence-based methods including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, mindfulness approaches, motivational interviewing, and crisis counseling to tailor treatment to each person’s needs.

He has extensive experience with serious and persistent mental illness and works regularly with people coping with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, and personality-related challenges. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he brings particular sensitivity to issues around coming out, gender dysphoria, and the unique stressors that LGBTQ+ people can face. His clinical aim is to reduce suffering and help clients build meaningful, sustainable lives through practical skills, trauma-focused work, and collaborative planning.

Matthew emphasizes a person-centered stance that honors each client’s goals and preferences while applying practical strategies to improve coping, communication, and emotional regulation. He combines long-term experience with an adaptable approach to address a broad range of concerns from addiction and grief to relationship and career stressors.

Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more balanced perspectives. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems and emphasizes practical skills and short-term goals.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, combines acceptance and change strategies and focuses on skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It is especially helpful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and patterns of self-harm or crisis.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a trauma-focused method that supports processing distressing memories and reducing their emotional charge. It is commonly used for post-traumatic stress and other trauma-related symptoms.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Matthew will work with each person to consider symptoms, history, and personal preferences and together determine which methods are most likely to help meet their goals.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and many clients also use live chat or text-based messaging for ongoing support. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access licensed professionals from different locations.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Matthew Dugan have?

Matthew Dugan has 23 years of experience in behavioral healthcare and counseling.

Is Matthew Dugan a licensed therapist?

Yes. Matthew Dugan is a Licensed Professional Counselor - LPC. His South Carolina license is SC LPC 5264.

In which languages does Matthew Dugan provide therapy?

Matthew Dugan provides therapy in English.

Where is Matthew Dugan located?

Matthew Dugan is located in South Carolina.

How can I work with Matthew Dugan as my therapist?

You can work with Matthew Dugan through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Matthew Dugan work with international clients?

Matthew Dugan does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Matthew Dugan cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Licensed

South Carolina

Languages

English

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