Therapy and other wellness services can provide a supportive environment for taking the first steps toward improving one's mental health. In Arkansas, counseling services can be challenging to find due to barriers like a lack of available mental health care providers or transportation challenges. If you’re looking for a therapist, AR has many telehealth services available.

With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can work with a qualified, licensed mental health professional from the comfort of your home at a time that works for you. While BetterHelp does not offer group therapy at this time, the therapists on the platform use various approaches to individual therapy, including reprocessing therapy, eye movement desensitization, and person-centered therapy. An online therapist can help you with various life challenges, from treating anxiety to learning how to begin healing relationships, using a collaborative, holistic approach that meets your unique needs.

Whether you need support navigating relationship challenges or learning to have more self-compassion, online therapy can help. Reach out to a mental health professional licensed to provide treatment in Arkansas below to get started.

This is Dr. Scott Butler's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Scott Butler

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: Ph.D, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Hi, thanks for taking some time to get to know me. I am Dr. Scott Butler. I am licensed in Louisiana and Arkansas as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from LSU and a Master’s and Ph.D. in mental health counseling from the University of New Orleans. I've been offering counseling for over 30 years. I was married for 30 years and have three daughters; one is an attorney, one is a licensed professional counselor, working on her Ph.D. and my youngest is a junior in college. I have worked in many different mental health settings including hospitals, crisis intervention hotlines, non-profit organizations, as a preferred provider for local and state agencies and over 20 years in adoption and foster care work. I have been deemed an expert witness in criminal and civil cases and have authored one novel, king cake baby. I use a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach to counseling which is a goal-oriented treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. I generally do 45 minute sessions. If interested in working with me, please provide your full name and an emergency contact name and number as this is required to facilitate professional counseling. Life can be difficult, right? Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we simply need someone to help guide us to a better place. I am a trained listener. I take in the information you provide and turn it back to you in a step by step approach to help you move beyond what brought you to me. Beginning this process with the right counselor helps you get better, faster. I hope to be that counselor.

This is Patricia Howard's avatar and link to their profile

Patricia Howard

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MA, LPC, ILP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

My name is Patricia Howard. My friends and family call me "Ms. Pat". I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Independent Licensed Practitioner. I have a private practice in Mena, Arkansas. I have been married for over 50 years and have 5 grandchildren and 3 great grands. Spending time with my family is what I like to do best. I have a specialization in Technology-Assisted Counseling. In Arkansas we are required to have this specialization in order to provide teletherapy services. I also have a certification in Animal Assisted Therapy. Dogs are a big part of my personal life, and in my practice, I use them to help people to feel calm and to reduce their anxiety and depression symptoms. I teach people how to "appropriately manipulate" to get their needs met. I help people to learn the difference between aggressive and assertive behaviors. I have been counseling for over 20 years. Counting my years of teaching and counseling, I have been helping children and their families solve problems for about 27 years. My counseling approach is "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy", which means I help you to change any unhealthy, maladaptive thoughts to healthy rational thinking. I help people to understand that they have enough personal power, within themselves, to solve their own problems. They just need to believe in themselves and have faith that their decisions can and will work out in the end. I believe having faith in something outside of ourselves is essential for coping with life's challenges. It makes no difference to me what religious beliefs you have, because to me all people have immense value. If you feel like you might benefit from counseling sessions with me, please check my schedule to see what days I have available for counseling and schedule a session so we can get started on helping you to feel much better.

This is Martha Kuhn's avatar and link to their profile

Martha Kuhn

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MA,MBA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas and Louisiana with over 15 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, Borderline Personality Disorder, severe mental illness, family struggles, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am currently coauthoring a book that takes the more wholistic approach to the brain. With this, I’m working on a coaching certification. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Andrea Fresh's avatar and link to their profile

Andrea Fresh

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in Arkansas with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, groups and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, stress related concerns and life transitions. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma and/or abuse as well as those who simply need support while navigating life transitions. I have worked with those experiencing the "Quarter Life Crisis" as they emerge into adulthood as well as those who are preparing for retirement and empty-nesting. It's not about a diagnosis it's about good self-care and that's what we focus on during your sessions. I specialize in issues common to the Black community but am able to transcend both racial and cultural lines to provide help in the time of need. I specialize in "people" so if you fit that category we are certain to learn and grow together. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you by offering professional services that are unbiased and delivered in a no none sense way. If you are looking for real life, every day practical solutions to life's hurdles partner with me to take those leaps. I look forward to working with you!

This is Jasmine Mackey's avatar and link to their profile

Jasmine Mackey

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Shaquila Glass's avatar and link to their profile

Shaquila Glass

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in District of Columbia and Virginia, with 12 years of professional experience. I have experience helping clients with trauma, stress, life-transitions, anxiety, and overcoming challenges. I have received additional training for maternal mental health, women's issues, and female adolescents transitioning into womanhood. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I am dedicated to fostering healthy relationships and emotional well-being across diverse populations.

This is LaJoya McDonald's avatar and link to their profile

LaJoya McDonald

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Crystal Brooks's avatar and link to their profile

Crystal Brooks

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in both Arkansas and Texas. I have over 13 years of experience as a social worker dedicated to helping others learn tools that they can put in their emotional toolbox to use when needed. I work with both adults and couples who want to not only process what they are going through but also learn about themselves in order to discover what tools they need to grow. I am a little different than what you probably think of when you consider going to a therapist, but this is a good thing. I will tailor your therapy experience to your unique personality and way of dealing with emotions or struggles that you may encounter in life. This will allow you to discover your strengths and how you can use them to overcome your current circumstance. My current appointment schedule is limited to Monday through Thursday during lunch hours and early evening.

This is Rickey Etheridge's avatar and link to their profile

Rickey Etheridge

Offering therapy in Arkansas
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTG + related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience in treating individuals with personality disorders, in particular, Borderline Personality Disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Mary Amanda Alls's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Amanda Alls

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas and California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have been working with children experiencing mental health crises for the past two years and adults with depression and anxiety for the past several years. I have expertise in mindfulness, yoga, crisis de-escalation and compassionate listening. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Thank you for considering me on your healing journey.

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 1,970,374 people live in AR, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in Arkansas support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or depressive conditions
  • Adjustment issues
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma
  • Relationship conflicts and concerns

Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does a therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

When should I get a therapist in Arkansas?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Is online therapy the safe option?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist