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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Trudy Crow

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,DAIS
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Welcome, my name is Trudy. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and I have been working in the field of mental health for over 18 years. I love what I do, and that is why I do it. Education: Walden University - Human Services Administration - Graduate Certificate - 2014 University of Arkansas-Little Rock - Social Work - MSW - 2007 University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Social Work - BSW - 2005 Experience: I have worked primarily in the outpatient treatment setting, with individuals with a variety of mental health and stress-related issues since 2005. My journey working in mental health began with a co-ed inpatient substance abuse treatment facility where I taught relaxation techniques, anger management, stress reduction, and coping strategies. From there, I evolved into the outpatient community mental health arena. I have served as an on-call therapist, group therapist, individual therapist, family therapist, and couples/marriage therapist. I have significant experience in dealing with self-harm and alternative coping strategies as well. While I have worked with all diagnoses, I have a passion for stress reduction, relaxation, depression, anxiety, and grief counseling. I lean toward Cognitive Behavior Therapy(CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping), but I also have experience with Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). I teach meditation techniques and mindfulness practices. I am also a certified Reiki Master, a Life Coach, and an active member of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. You have now entered a space that is safe and built for you to feel supported and improve your life! Welcome! Suggested reading: The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

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Barbara Ackeret-Smith

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Certified Social Worker for 35 years. I have a broad range of experience with all ages of clients. I enjoy working with a variety of ages, problems and situations. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client centered therapy primarily but often adjust my technique to meet the unique needs of my client. I have an easy-going, warm approach to therapy as well as life in general. I love to connect with others using empathy, listening and humor. I have vast experience with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic disorder, aging and caregiving issues. I also have experience with more severe mental health issues and personality disorders. My experiences also include assisting clients with adjustment to physical disability, pain and resulting mental health issues, family and marital issues. I have also worked with Hospice patients and their families helping them to managing death and dying issues. It is with much admiration and respect that I engage with clients in the journey to wellness and good mental health. I look forward to hearing your story and concerns and working to find solutions.

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Robert Bronson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger managementDepression
19 years of experience

My name is Robert Bronson, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of clinical experience. Main areas of interest and experience include PTSD/trauma recovery, depression, anxiety and healthy lifestyle modification. Areas of professional training include, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Cognitive processing therapy, Prolonged exposure therapy, Mindfulness, Action & Commitment therapy. I tend to use a holistic approach. As we walk the road of this journey we call life many of us will face reflection points that will require courage to confront and change. I am here to help. I will take the time to get to know you and your story. My style is warm,compassionate with added humor when appropriate. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you navigate your journey and challenges.

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Brian Adams

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: M.S.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyDepression
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with over 9 years of counseling experience and 20+ years of mental health experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, psychosis, attention, substance abuse, and trauma. My counseling style is gentle and non-directive while assisting clients to develop their own paths to positive changes in their lives. I will not chastise or talk down to clients; however, I will challenge their irrational thoughts and inconsistencies, but in a non-confrontational manner that does not leave the client thinking he or she is attacked. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client centered, humanistic, and rational-emotive therapy to facilitate self-awareness so the client is empowered to change. I believe treating a person is more important than treating a diagnosis which allows me to listen to the client’s subjective concerns. The majority of people will work towards better emotional health, but often they do not know how to do that. If you are ready to begin a journey to feeling better about yourself and life, I am ready to guide and support you.

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Lauren Schluterman

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
15 years of experience

Lauren Schluterman is a licensed professional counselor and served as Director of Crisis, Forensics, and Restoration for Arisa Health Central Region for a number of years prior to having a massive stroke and pivoting to telehealth to maintain recovery efforts. Her career passion areas include family preservation, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention. She uses person-centered and trauma-focused techniques in her therapeutic relationships. Lauren resides in Conway and is a single mom to a six year old son. She has a large chosen family, and she prides herself in being a daughter, sister, mom, friend, and boss. She loves to hike, walk, run, read, travel, and binge watch guilty pleasure movies and shows.

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Michele Rowe

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietySelf 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes as well as grief and loss. I believe in empowering individuals to make the changes they want to make and offering them the tools they need to support those changes. I am here to listen to your unique story and work with you on your goals.

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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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Aungelique Sledge

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

I am licensed in Arkansas and Louisiana with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. Please feel free to take a look at my personal calendar/schedule to book an appointment that is of most convenient for you. At this time currently, I primarily work only on Mondays & Wednesdays (some limited appointments on Fridays).

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William Rusnak

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I believe life is a process filled with opportunities to learn and grow. I see myself as a guide to help you travel down difficult paths when you feel stuck, lost, or helpless. I will not give you answers but I will help you search for them. The counseling process is just that – a process. While there are no guarantees for the outcome of the counseling, I will work with you to determine counseling goals and treatment plans to help you in your situation. I utilize an Attachment based focus as part of therapy incorporating CBT and DBT techniques. Should the need arise, I can offer a Christian and Biblical perspective. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked in the defense and telecom industries. I was married for 25 years until my wife succumbed to a rare form of dementia. I took care of her the last six years of her life while I was also learning to become a counselor. I understand the effects of dementia, life as a caregiver, depression, grief and loss as well as the experience of starting over. Life can be difficult. Do not travel these difficult paths alone. Counseling has become a third career for me but talking to and helping people has been a lifelong experience and joy. I am licensed in Texas and Arkansas.

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Je'riel Harvey

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

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10 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. Finding the right therapist is of the utmost importance and in working with someone, it's important to feel heard, respected, and understood and to feel confident that that person has the expertise and skills to help you. I invite you to meet with me to see if I am the right therapist for you. I provide effective high-quality therapy by approaching your needs from multiple angles; this means that you will develop greater awareness of your struggles and yourself while being provided with direct and practical guidance to see improvements in your life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am firm believer that with the right support and tools clients can find healing and meet their personal goals. My counseling focus is on utilizing client's resilience and inner strengths, identifying harmful belief systems and thought patterns, and implementing evidence based techniques suited to the client's needs. 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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