Dialed In Health

Is ChatGPT a real therapist? Can AI replace therapy? Is it safe to use ChatGPT for mental health? Millions of people are asking these questions — and increasingly, they're asking ChatGPT itself.

Over 230 million people ask ChatGPT health questions every week, and a growing number have decided AI is their therapist. Sioux Falls clinical therapist Paula Lain, LPC sees clients walk into her office "wound up" after two weeks of ChatGPT therapy conversations that felt like real therapy but weren't. She's not anti-AI — she uses it herself. But she has a direct answer to the question everyone should be asking: what does AI actually do when you pour your mental health into it, and what does it leave out?

In this episode, Paula breaks down why ChatGPT therapy feels so therapeutic when it isn't working, the validation loop and AI echo chamber that's making anxiety worse, what the research shows about AI mental health risk, and the clinical difference between a therapy dog and dog-assisted counseling — a modality that doesn't exist anywhere else in Sioux Falls.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE

- Is it safe to use ChatGPT as a therapist? - Why does ChatGPT therapy feel so therapeutic when it isn't working? - What are the actual risks of AI for mental health? - Can AI detect when someone is in a mental health crisis? - What does a real therapist do that ChatGPT cannot? - Is mental health advice on TikTok and Instagram accurate? - How do I know if I actually need therapy? - What is CBT and how does cognitive behavioral therapy work? - What is dog-assisted counseling, and how is it different from a therapy dog or comfort animal? - Who benefits most from canine-assisted therapy? - How do I find a real therapist in Sioux Falls?

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro — 230 million ChatGPT health questions a week 01:34 Meet Paula Lain, LPC and Ollie the counseling dog 01:45 What goal-based, no-BS therapy actually looks like 03:03 How to know if you actually need therapy 06:00 TikTok diagnosis and the danger of self-labeling 10:01 The ChatGPT therapy problem: what Paula sees in her practice 10:27 The real danger of using ChatGPT or Claude as your therapist 12:39 The validation loop and AI echo chamber, explained 13:36 How AI therapy makes anxiety worse, not better 18:49 What CBT is and why cognitive behavioral therapy works 21:39 Dog-assisted counseling vs. a therapy dog (they aren't the same) 25:07 Why dogs can smell cortisol and read emotional states 28:06 The Ollie session that changed everything 30:40 Who benefits most from canine-assisted therapy 31:59 How to connect with Paula Lain Counseling 33:52 Paula's billboard message to anyone using ChatGPT as a therapist

ABOUT THE GUEST

Paula Lain, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor at Paula Lain Counseling and Co. in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Her practice offers individual, couples, teen, tween, and family counseling, with specialties in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), and dog-assisted counseling — the only clinically integrated canine-assisted practice in the Sioux Falls region.

Location: 431 North Phillips Avenue, Suite 320, Sioux Falls, SD Website: paulalaincounseling.com New client inquiries through the website intake form.

ABOUT DIALED IN HEALTH

Health and wellness is confusing. There's a new trend every week, everyone has an opinion, and half the time you can't tell what's legit and what's just good marketing. Dialed In Health is the show where host Melissa Goodwin sits down with the actual practitioners — the providers who see clients every day — and asks the questions you'd ask if you were sitting across from them. So you can find the right people, make better decisions, and feel confident about what's out there.

Watch the full video version on YouTube: youtube.com/@dialedinhealth Find vetted Sioux Falls health and wellness providers in the Dialed In Health directory: vitalitygrowthlabs.com

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to follow Dialed In Health in your podcast app and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It takes 30 seconds and it makes a real difference.

DISCLAIMER

This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or care from a licensed mental health professional. The views shared are Paula Lain's clinical perspective and do not represent the views of Dialed In Health or Vitality Growth Labs. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

By the time the average woman walks out the door in the morning, she has already applied 150 different chemicals to her body. Most of them are talking to her hormones.

In this episode, Jessica Morrell, NP, owner of Radiant Health and Hormone Therapy in Sioux Falls, SD, sits down with Melissa Goodwin to break down what endocrine disruptors actually are, where they are hiding in your house, and why your hormone replacement therapy might not be working the way you hoped.

Jessica has been practicing functional medicine for over 15 years. She explains why fragrance, non stick cookware, plasticizers in makeup, agricultural runoff in your tap water, and the flame retardant on your couch are all signaling to your endocrine system. She walks through the receptor detox she runs when patients start hormone therapy and feel worse, why fiber matters more than protein for daily detox, and why women planning a pregnancy in the next year should be paying the closest attention.

If you have been blaming your fatigue, weight gain, irregular cycles, or stalled hormone therapy on age, this conversation will change how you think about your home, your bathroom counter, and your kitchen.

ABOUT THE GUEST Jessica Morrell, NP, is the owner of Radiant Health and Hormone Therapy in Sioux Falls, SD. With more than 15 years in functional medicine, Jessica specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, hormone receptor detox, and clean skincare and aesthetics. Radiant treats women and men who are not getting answers from standard panels and who want a provider who looks at the whole picture.

Website: radiantht.com Phone: 605-604-0200 Instagram: @radiantht Facebook: Radiant Health and Hormone Therapy Location: Sioux Falls, SD

QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS What is an endocrine disruptor? What hormones are part of the endocrine system? What are the most common endocrine disruptors in the home? How do plastics affect your hormones? What is a microplastic and how does it get into the body? Why is my hormone therapy not working? What is a hormone receptor detox? How much fiber should I eat to support detox? Are essential oil fragrances safer than synthetic perfume? Are plasticizers in makeup harmful? Is Midwest tap water safe to drink? What cleaning products are safe for hormones? How do I detox naturally every day? Can endocrine disruptors cause PCOS or infertility? When should I be the most careful about toxin exposure? How do I find a hormone specialist in Sioux Falls?

CONNECT WITH DIALED IN HEALTH Find a trusted wellness provider: vitalitygrowthlabs.com/directory Melissa's favorite products and sponsors: linktr.ee/lonetreetallow Host: Melissa Goodwin Produced by Vitality Growth Labs: vitalitygrowthlabs.com

When families call Kore Cares, it is usually because something has already happened. A fall. A stroke. A hospital stay. Gabrielle Hoing spent more than two decades in geriatric care and helped build 11 private duty agencies across 8 states before founding Kore Cares in South Dakota 10 years ago.

In this episode, Gabrielle answers the exact questions adult children ask when they are figuring out whether it is time to get help for an aging parent, what in-home care actually covers, how Medicare and Medicaid pay (and don't pay) for care at home, and how to tell a good agency from a bad one.

KORE CARES OPEN HOUSES

Kore Cares is celebrating 10 years of helping South Dakotans live safely at home. Stop by any of the open houses, enter raffles, meet caregivers, and ask questions.

Sioux Falls Kore Cares Open House. Wednesday, April 22, 2026. 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Yankton Kore Cares Open House. Thursday, April 23, 2026. 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Brookings Kore Cares Open House. Monday, April 27, 2026. 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Brookings Activity Center.

Watertown Kore Cares Open House. [DATE AND LOCATION TO ADD].

Learn more, find your nearest office, or request a complimentary in-home consultation at korecares.com.

QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

What are the signs someone needs in-home care? Gabrielle lists the specific behaviors families notice first: exhaustion after light housework, avoiding the shower for fear of falling, skipping physician visits to avoid a care recommendation, unexplained weight loss, driving changes, and isolation. The pattern she sees most often is families waiting until a crisis forces the call.

What is the difference between home care and home health care? Home health care is typically Medicare-covered, tied to a physician order, and focused on skilled therapy after an illness or hospital stay. Home care is non-medical daily support: bathing, dressing, meal prep, laundry, med setups, companionship, and ongoing nursing services. Kore Cares offers both.

Does Medicare cover in-home care? Medicare covers short-term skilled services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy after a qualifying hospital stay. Medicare does not cover custodial or personal care at home. For non-medical home care, the payer options are Medicaid, the VA, long-term care insurance, or private pay.

How do I choose a trustworthy home care agency? Ask about mission and ownership, training process, CPR and dementia certification, background checks, quality assurance, and backup coverage when a caregiver calls out. South Dakota does not currently regulate private pay home care, which makes these questions especially important.

How do I talk to my parent about getting a caregiver? Gabrielle's approach: start with observations, not conclusions. Frame the ask around yourself if needed. Give them time. Most people come around when they have space to think about the impact on themselves and their family.

Is in-home care only for seniors? Kore Cares serves anyone 18 and older, plus pediatric cases case-by-case. About 40 percent of clients are under 65, including people recovering from surgery or injury, people living with disabilities, and people managing chronic illness.

ABOUT KORE CARES

Kore Cares is a locally owned home care agency serving 43 counties and 111 cities across South Dakota, including Aberdeen, Brookings, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton. They offer personal care, companion care, skilled nursing, and their Care Connection service for families who are not sure what they need yet.

Website: korecares.com Sioux Falls office: 605-275-2344 Facebook: Kore Cares

ABOUT DIALED IN HEALTH

Dialed In Health is the show where real practitioners answer the health and wellness questions you are already searching. No influencers. No celebrity doctors. Just licensed local providers giving you real answers you can act on.

Host: Melissa Goodwin Website: vitalitygrowthlabs.com Find a trusted provider: vitalitygrowthlabs.com/the-directory Instagram: @dialedin_health Facebook: Dialed In Health

Dialed In Health is powered by Vitality Growth Labs.

Wellness is not just physical. Your nervous system, your energy, and the way you breathe are running the show under everything else. In this episode of Dialed In Health, Melissa Goodwin sits down at Alchemy House in Sioux Falls with founders Megan Randall and Jillian Gunlicks to talk about what actually happens when your body gets stuck in fight or flight, why conventional care often misses the energetic side of healing, and the specific therapies people are using to bring their nervous systems back online.

We cover how the amygdala drives the fight or flight response, why most of us are overstimulated and under rested, and what a real nervous system reset looks like in practice. Megan and Jillian walk through the modalities offered at Alchemy House: halo therapy (salt therapy), the Bio Charger, the vibroacoustic sound table, Lucia light therapy, Reiki, breathwork, Qi Gong, hypnotherapy, and sound baths. If you have ever wondered whether energy work is legitimate, what the research actually says, or how to start without feeling overwhelmed, this conversation is for you. Y

ou will learn how to recognize the signs that your nervous system is dysregulated, what to try first if you are new to this world, and why slowing down is often the most powerful thing you can do for your health. We also talk about how top hospitals like Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic now offer Reiki, how the placebo effect is far more valuable than people give it credit for, and why these practices are less "woo woo" and more a return to how humans were designed to live. Connect with Alchemy House at alchemyhousesd.com or on Facebook and Instagram at @alchemyhousesd.

Their one year anniversary celebration is May 3, and they are hosting an after hours mini session event on April 17 at 6pm. Dialed In Health is the podcast where regular people get good health information from real practitioners. Find a trusted wellness provider near you at vitalitygrowthlabs.com/thedirectory.

If you are a health or wellness provider and want to be on the show, visit vitalitygrowthlabs.com or apply at https://dialedinhealth.kit.com/39b0bb5dc1.

Most of us filter our drinking water and never think twice about the shower. But your skin and lungs absorb chlorine, chloramines, and disinfection byproducts every time you turn on the hot water — and for many municipalities, that's just the beginning.

In this episode, Alyssa sits down with the team at Kinetico to talk about what's actually in our tap water, why Sioux Falls shut down 21 wells in 2016, the difference between chlorine and chloramines, PFAS contamination, and what whole-home filtration really does (and doesn't) solve.

What we cover:

• Why a 10-minute shower exposes you to more contaminants than a glass of tap water
• Chlorine vs. chloramines — and why it matters
• PFAS, "forever chemicals," and the 2016 Sioux Falls contamination
• How boiling water concentrates contaminants into your food
• What to look for in a home water system
• Simple next steps if you're not ready for a whole-home setup

Guest: Julene Edwards Host: Melissa Goodwin

Subscribe to Dialed In Health wherever you listen

vitalitygrowthlabs.com/podcast

📩 Want to be on the show? https://dialedinhealth.kit.com/39b0bb5dc1

What if the reason you can't lose weight has nothing to do with your diet?

Dr. Jessica Pearson is a physician, Air Force veteran, and functional medicine provider at Prairie Roots Health in Sioux Falls. In this episode, she breaks down why cortisol is the hormone most people overlook and why addressing it can change everything from belly fat to energy to hormone balance.

In this episode: what cortisol is and why your body releases it even when you don't feel stressed, how chronic stress creates belly fat through an insulin loop, how cortisol steals from the shared production pathway for estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, why calorie restriction can raise cortisol and make weight loss harder, what caffeine does to your stress response, how to test cortisol the right way, what HRV measures and how wearables like the Oura Ring track it, what perimenopause does to an already elevated cortisol level, and practical ways to lower cortisol that go beyond meditating.

April Special at Prairie Roots Health: Get a complimentary before and after NeuralChek assessment (a $120 value) with the purchase of a Wellness Therapy membership plan. Contact Prairie Roots Health at prairierootshealth.com to learn more.

Dr. Jessica Pearson, MD practices at Prairie Roots Health in Sioux Falls, SD. Find her at prairierootshealth.com.

Dialed In Health is your source for health and wellness information from real practitioners who see patients every day. New episodes every week. Subscribe wherever you listen.

Most women will see six providers before they get a real hormone diagnosis. Mary Jordan, NP, saw five herself before figuring it out on her own. In this episode, Mary Jordan from Encompass Wellness in Sioux Falls, SD sits down with Melissa Goodwin to break down what most providers miss when it comes to hormone health for women and men. Mary spent 12 years in the ICU watching labs keep patients alive. Now she applies that same precision to hormone replacement therapy, running 35+ labs where most clinics run five. She explains why testosterone is the missing hormone for women, what andropause actually means, why perimenopause and menopause are not the same thing, and why the testosterone clinics popping up everywhere may not be giving men the full picture. If you have been told your fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, or weight gain is just stress or just getting older, this conversation will change how you think about your health. ABOUT THE GUEST Mary Jordan, NP, is the founder of Encompass Wellness and Aesthetics in Sioux Falls and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. A former ICU nurse with 12 years of hospital experience, Mary brings intensive care precision to functional hormone care. Encompass Wellness specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, thyroid management, GLP-1 therapy, and medical aesthetics. Website: encompass-wellness.com Phone: 605-740-0414 Locations: Sioux Falls, SD and Dakota Dunes, SD QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS Why do women need testosterone? What is andropause in women? What are the first signs of low testosterone in women? What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Does hormone replacement therapy cause cancer? What should be checked with testosterone therapy for men? What is the difference between testosterone pellets and injections? Does testosterone make women look like a man? Can hormone imbalance cause anxiety and depression? How often should you get your hormones checked? What labs should be checked for hormone imbalance? Is hormone replacement therapy safe long term? How do I get my hormones tested in Sioux Falls? CONNECT WITH DIALED IN HEALTH Find a trusted wellness provider: vitalitygrowthlabs.com/the-directory Host: Melissa Goodwin Produced by Vitality Growth Labs: vitalitygrowthlabs.com

Peptides are everywhere right now. But most of what people are reading comes from influencers with discount codes, not from the practitioners who actually prescribe them.

Ashley Wagner is a nurse practitioner and the owner of Vitalis MVMT in Harrisburg, South Dakota. She answers the questions people are actually searching: what peptides are, how they work, what they are being used for, what the risks are, and why buying them without medical oversight can cause real harm.

Topics covered: what a peptide is and how it signals the body, peptides versus hormones and steroids, what peptides are used for including weight loss, anxiety, ADHD, gut healing, BPC-157 for injury recovery, GHK-CU for hair and skin and nails, growth hormone peptides, peptides for perimenopause and women over 40, why online peptide sourcing is dangerous, what a legitimate 503A or 503B compounding pharmacy source looks like, peptide stacking benefits and dangers, how to get started, prescription requirements, and legality.

Guest: Ashley Wagner, NP. Vitalis MVMT, Harrisburg, South Dakota. vitaliswellness.life. 605-767-1601.

Products and brands Melissa actually uses and trusts: linktr.ee/lonetreetallow

Find a trusted provider at vitalitygrowthlabs.com/the-directory. Learn about Dialed In Health at vitalitygrowthlabs.com.

Most people hire a birth doula the first time because they want support.

Most partners call for one a second time because they saw what it did.

Kelsie Thomas and Renee Forred of Transitions Doula Services in Sioux Falls

join Melissa Goodwin to answer the questions people are actually searching:

what a doula does, how they train, what Medicaid covers in South Dakota,

and what happens when a doula shows up not at the beginning of life

but at the end.

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WHAT IS A DOULA?

A doula is a non-medical emotional and physical support person who helps

families navigate birth, postpartum recovery, and end of life transitions.

Doulas do not deliver babies or provide medical care. They support the whole

family through the experience.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOULA AND A MIDWIFE?

A midwife handles the medical side of birth. A doula handles the support side.

Both can be on your team at the same time. They serve different roles.

HOW ARE DOULAS TRAINED AND CERTIFIED?

There is no single required path. Kelsie and Renee are both certified through

Doulas of North America (DONA), an internationally recognized certifying body

that requires ongoing continuing education.

DOES MEDICAID COVER DOULA CARE IN SOUTH DAKOTA?

Yes. As of January 2025, Medicaid in South Dakota approved doula coverage.

Kelsie walks through the billing codes and what that means for families.

WHAT IS A DEATH DOULA AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM HOSPICE?

Hospice is a medical service. A death doula is non-medical. They provide

emotional, logistical, and planning support for people who are dying and for

the families around them. They can work alongside hospice or independently.

WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE BECOMING DEATH DOULAS RIGHT NOW?

Demand is growing because people want a different experience at the end of life

than what the medical system alone can provide. Kelsie and Renee answer this

directly from their own experience.

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IN THIS EPISODE

What a doula actually does

Birth doulas: hospital births, epidurals, C sections, and VBAC

Real client stories: Jill's VBAC birth and Kristen and John's postpartum experience

Medicaid doula coverage in South Dakota as of January 2025

What a death doula is and how they differ from hospice

Cafe Mortal: community death conversations over coffee

Why interest in death doula work is surging

How to find Transitions Doula Services in Sioux Falls

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CONNECT WITH TRANSITIONS DOULA SERVICES

Website: TransitionsDoulaServices.com

Facebook: [INSERT LINK]

Instagram: [INSERT LINK]

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ARE YOU A HEALTH OR WELLNESS PROVIDER?

Apply to be on Dialed In Health: [INSERT GUEST APPLICATION LINK]

Dialed In Health is powered by Vitality Growth Labs.

We help health and wellness providers get found on Google, YouTube,

ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude and turn that visibility into clients.

Learn more: vitalitygrowthlabs.com

What happens when a US Marine and professional MMA fighter with 22 surgeries finally admits he needs help? Clark Bevens served in the Marine Corps from 1993 to 2001, fought 24 professional fights, won world titles in jiu jitsu, and spent decades ignoring injuries because asking for help felt like weakness. After COVID forced him to step back from running a major health club organization, the pain caught up with him. In this episode of Dialed In Health, host Melissa Goodwin sits down with Clark in his home in Yankton, South Dakota, alongside his Kore Cares team: Emily Pinkleman (CNA) and Carly King (Agency Manager). They talk about what in home care actually looks like day to day, how caregivers build trust with clients, why so many people (especially veterans) delay getting the care they deserve, and how to get past the pride and embarrassment that keeps people suffering alone. Kore Cares provides in home care across 38 counties in South Dakota, serving people of all ages and abilities.

Connect with Kore Cares: https://www.korecares.com/

Connect with Dialed In Health: vitalitygrowthlabs.com

Provider Directory: vitalitygrowthlabs.com/thedirectory

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lonetreetallow

Want to be a guest on Dialed In Health? Apply here: https://dialedinhealth.kit.com/39b0bb...