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.

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Beverly Vanover

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC-TA BC-TMH NCC CCTP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

Hello. I have a passion for learning about, discussing and treating symptoms concerning stress and emotional dysregulation of anger, depression, and anxiety often associated with attachment/abandonment wounds that create challenges in relationships with oneself and others. My name is Beverly Vanover and I received my Master’s of Science Degree in Community Counseling from John Brown University. My experience in the field of mental health includes working in community mental health at hospitals, schools and day treatment. I have experience facilitating mental health and 12-step program groups for the community, as well as in the institutional setting. I am a board-certified telemental health counselor (BC-TMH), certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP) and a nationally certified counselor (NCC). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas (TA-technology assisted), Missouri, Colorado and Texas. I have a passion for learning about, discussing and treating emotional dysregulation and symptoms of anger, depression, and anxiety often associated with attachment/abandonment wounds that create fear of intimacy and relationship problems. Please note that my clients will need to be located physically in either Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado or Texas at the time of live sessions and when counseling occurs. I want my clients to be partners in their healing. I want them to understand how powerful their minds are - how mind and body are connected. Healing of emotions related to relationships like anger, anxiety and depression, life transitions, lack of fulfillment or adjustment to changes are possible. We will get through this together. You want to be HEARD- I get it. You want to find your voice - I know that. If it is important to you, it is important to me! I know you are tired of doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. You want to self regulate in order to get control of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. People notice my passion for working to help them heal, feel heard, achieve goals and live the life they want to be living. I strongly relate to the term "wounded" healer so that means that I am compassionate FOR and empathic TO your needs. Contact me to schedule an appointment. I can help you improve the quality of your life. Let's start today! (You will be asked for the following information as part of my informed consent: Name, address, emergency contact, photo identification) (Please be willing to attend video sessions) (Any reviews either video or typed that are visible on this profile page have not been solicited by me) If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - don't use this site. These resources can provide you with immediate help. https://www.betterhelp.com/gethelpnow/

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Michelle McHugh

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,PIP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, PIP), licensed in Alabama and Arkansas. Over 20 years ago, I began my career after graduating from NYU School of Social Work with my MSW. Since then, I've worked in a variety of clinical settings - from inpatient addiction rehabs and inpatient psychiatric facilities to outpatient mental health clinics. I've developed specialities in the following areas: LGBTQIA concerns, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Codependency, and shame reduction. I currently have 11+ years of active service in the Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer and I have spent the past 8 years working with active Guard soldiers as well as military veterans from all branches. My counseling style is very collaborative, client-focused, and we will avoid stigmatizing language and labels. My approach can combine Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CBT), Mindfulness practices, 12-step recovery principles, with some Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) mixed in. I'm trained and certified in two evidence-based therapies for treating trauma/PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and EMDR. The above approaches will be tailored to fit each client's unique needs. Let's work together to create meaningful and lasting changes in your life. Take that first courageous step and reach out to me today. I'm here and ready to work with you!

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Kathleen Hove

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Therapy provides the powerful opportunity to connect with another person who knows what it's like to experience suffering but who also knows the way through it. It’s easy to feel alone during the painful parts of life such as when others hurt us, we let ourselves down, or plans don’t play out the way we hoped, but the reality is that all of us can relate to these moments because they are part of the human experience. As a fellow human, I can empathize with your suffering. As a therapist, I can help alleviate it with evidence-based treatments tailored to you. I am honored to have been working in mental health for almost ten years now. I have gained a wide variety of experience during that time working with different emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges among adults, children, and families. I have a special place in my heart for working with fear-based symptoms like anxiety and trauma, which is why I specialize in treating those conditions. We all need and deserve to feel safe within ourselves and our surroundings, and I am passionate about building that sense of safety for others who are missing it. If you choose to work with me, you will be met with non-judgment, empathy, compassion, and a playful sense of humor when appropriate. I value a collaborative approach to therapy where I trust in you as the expert on yourself to help me guide our therapeutic process in the right direction. I am hopeful that together we can begin to bridge the gap between where you are and where you would like to be.

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Dr. Gwendolyn Drake

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I believe that a sense of compassion is essential in dealing with life's challenges, and I take my work and my clients seriously. Seeking help is difficult enough, and it's my job to make the process easier by offering my clients a warm, empathic, and safe place to address their challenges and concerns. If you are struggling with a particular issue, or simply looking for a safe place to express yourself, I'm excited to begin the process with you. I am a clinical psychologist with 17 years of experience, and am currently licensed in Virginia, Tennessee and Arkansas. I was excited to join the BetterHelp team because I have always believed that mental health services are more effective in a range of formats, and in a manner that makes them accessible anytime and anywhere. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, stress and adjusting to many of the challenges life throws our way. I utilize a client-centered approach (meaning that YOU are the expert on you) that will allow you to identify your own strengths and resources, as well as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based and dialectical behavior therapeutic approaches. I look forward to speaking with you!

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Tammerah Copeland

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Let's get started.

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Danielle Patterson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 13 years of professional work experience. I work with teens and adults who have had difficult life experiences, trauma, depression, anxiety, in addition to self-esteem, body image, and substance use issues. I primarily utilize skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as EMDR. My counseling education is from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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.

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Andrea Goodwin

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

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Sarah Saragusa

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Thaddeus Elder

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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.
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