Matthew Dugan, LPC
Experienced LPC for trauma, addiction, and LGBTQ care
- Trauma-informed care
- Addiction recovery support
- LGBTQ+ affirmative
About Matthew Dugan
Matthew Dugan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in South Carolina with more than two decades of experience in behavioral health. He holds a master’s degree in counseling from Webster University and is nationally certified as a Master Addiction Counselor - a credential that reflects advanced training in treating substance use disorders - and is also certified in South Carolina as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Over his 23-year career he has developed deep experience supporting people with serious and persistent mental illness as well as those facing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma, and substance use challenges.
He integrates a range of evidence-informed methods into care, including cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques. Matthew commonly works with issues such as stress, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy difficulties, anger, self-esteem, career transitions, and compassion fatigue. Additional focuses include codependency, abandonment, communication and control issues, and gender dysphoria.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he brings personal insight to helping others navigate coming out and the distinct challenges that can arise for queer and trans people. His work centers on reducing suffering and helping people move toward a life they find meaningful and worth living.
He integrates a range of evidence-informed methods into care, including cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques. Matthew commonly works with issues such as stress, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy difficulties, anger, self-esteem, career transitions, and compassion fatigue. Additional focuses include codependency, abandonment, communication and control issues, and gender dysphoria.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he brings personal insight to helping others navigate coming out and the distinct challenges that can arise for queer and trans people. His work centers on reducing suffering and helping people move toward a life they find meaningful and worth living.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Matthew Dugan have?
Matthew Dugan has 23 years of experience.
Is Matthew Dugan a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LPC. License details: SC LPC 5264.
In which languages does Matthew Dugan provide therapy?
English.
Where is Matthew Dugan located?
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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just 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.
Approaches and Online Therapy with a Licensed Professional
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is practical and goal-oriented, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, combines skills training in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It is particularly helpful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and patterns of self-harm or instability.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a trauma-focused approach that helps people process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact. It is commonly used for post-traumatic stress and other trauma-related symptoms.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Matthew works with clients to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then tailors methods so the work fits each person. Together they explore which strategies feel most helpful and adjust the plan as progress is made.
Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, access support from different locations, and continue work between live sessions. Licensed professionals can adapt these delivery methods to provide effective therapeutic work while honoring each person's pace and comfort.