Matthew Dugan, LPC
Matthew Dugan, LPC - Trauma and Addiction Specialist
- Trauma-informed care
- Addiction recovery support
- LGBTQ+ affirmative care
About Matthew Dugan
Matthew Dugan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and supervisor who brings more than two decades of experience to work with people facing serious and persistent mental health challenges. He earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University in 2004 and holds additional certifications in addiction counseling - including national certification as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and state certification as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) in South Carolina. As a supervisor he supports other clinicians while maintaining an active clinical practice focused on complex presentations.
Over a 23-year career he has developed expertise in crisis counseling and a range of evidence-informed approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed methods, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based techniques. He regularly works with individuals coping with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance use disorders, trauma-related conditions, and borderline personality disorder, and he addresses issues such as stress, grief, relationship and family concerns, addictions, and intimacy-related difficulties.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he brings an informed, affirmative perspective to helping people navigate coming out and the distinct challenges many LGBTQ+ individuals face. His practice centers on reducing suffering and supporting each person in building a meaningful, sustainable life.
Over a 23-year career he has developed expertise in crisis counseling and a range of evidence-informed approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed methods, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based techniques. He regularly works with individuals coping with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance use disorders, trauma-related conditions, and borderline personality disorder, and he addresses issues such as stress, grief, relationship and family concerns, addictions, and intimacy-related difficulties.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he brings an informed, affirmative perspective to helping people navigate coming out and the distinct challenges many LGBTQ+ individuals face. His practice centers on reducing suffering and supporting each person in building a meaningful, sustainable life.
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 professional experience in behavioral health and counseling.
Is Matthew Dugan a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LPC, which stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. License details include 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?
Costs 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 is straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help 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.
Therapeutic approaches for effective online care
Matthew Dugan uses several evidence-informed approaches that translate well to online formats. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; it is commonly used for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and many stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships - it can be especially helpful for intense emotions and patterns associated with borderline personality disorder. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) supports the processing of traumatic memories through structured protocols and can reduce the emotional intensity of trauma-related experiences.Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on individual needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions are shaped by client feedback and ongoing assessment so treatment can be adjusted over time.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging allow people to access licensed professionals from different locations and on varied schedules. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care, fit sessions into busy lives, and continue work on goals between live appointments.