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.

Lisa Kennedy
I’ve been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for the past 18 years and have worked in many different types of community services such as Geropsych, Hospice, Inpatient Psych and now working with Domestic Violence survivors and their alleged offenders - adults and children through the military. I’m also trained as a Forensic Child Interviewer. I’m well versed in personality disorders and mood disorders, along with aging and marital/couple issues. I consider myself a Behavioral Therapist and use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) as the main mode of therapy, but also use Mindfulness, Solutions Focused Therapy and Strength Base Therapy. I work full time in private practice and am consistent in responding to each and every person that messages me 5 days a week. I absolutely love what I do and I look forward to meeting you, working with you and supporting you through the process of positive changes in your life!

Dr. Scott Butler
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.

Ginah Pettyjohn
I have experience working with different populations from many different backgrounds and seasons of life. I facilitate client's healing and growth by creating a safe environment as well as by being authentic, supportive, compassionate, and empathic within a comfortable atmosphere. I primarily practice Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques. I focus on implementing new skills and tools to ease distressing emotions from the past, for the present, and to build resilience for the future. I would love to help you to work through this current season of life and prepare you for the future. So feel free to reach out by phone or email for more information. I look forward from hearing from you.

Kathleen Hove
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.

Jameshia Braxton
Greetings to you!! I am so excited and happy that you have reached out to me for help. I am Jameshia, a licensed therapist in the state of Arkansas. I am a LCSW who has practiced therapy for over 13 years. I have worked in outpatient and day treatment settings with various populations. Throughout my career, I have provided individual, family, and group therapy. I have a variety of clinical approaches that I utilize that include, but not limited to; Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and etc. As we work together and build rapport, I may also incorporate homework assignments, reframing, and a host of other skills/techniques to assist the needs of my client(s). It is also important to note that I am willing to adapt to the needs of the individual, couple, and or family whom I may be serving. Being open and honest about your needs is key to having success throughout the therapeutic process. I believe in meeting people where they are and being a source of empowerment for positive change. I know that therapy is a process and takes courage to trust a stranger. However, YOU have already made the first step! I am here and ready to start the therapeutic process of healing whenever you are ready. ~ Stay Encouraged, Be Well!! Jameshia

Tosha Honey
I am licensed in Arkansas by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and have 9 years of professional work experience. I am a nationally certified Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT) and am a Certified Sexual Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP). I'm also a supervisor for new therapists entering the counseling field to ensure they are providing the best treatment to their clients. I have worked as a therapist in an agency setting since 2013, both as a school based therapist and as a therapist for an intensive day treatment program. I have worked with a broad range of mental health issues, including but not limited to, depression, stress and anxiety, adjustment disorders, trauma, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, problematic sexual behaviors, anger, and more. My theoretical orientation for counseling is predominantly person-centered; however, I use many techniques from a variety of theories based on client needs, including (but not limited to) cognitive behavioral, behavioral, reality, and Gestalt. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe forming a positive therapeutic relationship is one of the most important steps in the counseling experience. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I know that taking that first step to starting counseling can be difficult, so I applaud the courage you have to work towards positive changes in your life. I am here to support you, empower you, and to help you on the journey to becoming a more fulfilled and happier person.

Dr. Tracy Griffith
I am licensed in Pennsylvania, Arkansas and Texas with 20 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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. 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.

Ginger Blacksmith
I am licensed in Arkansas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe there is hope and positive change possible for each individual and family. Through faith-based counseling, I strive to empower clients to find the Peace of Mind, knowing that many individual and family burdens can be relieved through the collaborative relationship with a trained coach or counselor.

Amy Neighbors
I am licensed in Arkansas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages. I am trained in treating clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. As a practicing therapist, I devote a portion of my time continuing to learn and develop therapeutic skills and modalities to better serve all clients. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I approach each client as a person and work with holistic approach. 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. Therapy can be uncomfortable and a little scary at first, but reaching out is the first step!

Tamika Johnson
I want to thank you for taking that first courageous step in the journey of healing, acknowledging that you want support. There are many challenges that we face throughout life and there are times when it can seem overwhelming. As a Helping Hands Professional, I would be honored to walk with you through navigation of your life experiences. Patience and being kind with yourself as you work toward your healing is key to this process. Celebration of every step forward and learning from every step you may take back are significant in reclaiming your strength. Growing pains, although uncomfortable, are necessary to break through to your next level. Guidance along the way is not weakness. My name is Tamika M. Johnson, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked in the field of mental health for many years and have worked with people who presented with many life challenges. I believe in the mind, spirt, and body connection and that everyone deserves to experience enriched and fulfilled lives. Although many may feel underserving of a life of enrichment, they can reach out like you have and get a better footing on what’s necessary to enjoy life again. We will work together to get there. I believe that each person is unique and will work with you to explore meaningful goals through self-awareness, with the understanding that it can be a difficult journey. My goal is to remain patient with you, respect your uniqueness, and invest in your emotional wellness. I provide person centered support that consists of exploring your strengths, attributes and desires for a better life. My areas of specialties include, but are not limited to: Acute, Chronic and Complex traumas, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, Suicidality, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, Body Image, Anxiety, Depression, Borderline Personality, Histrionic and Dependency Disorders. I use many counseling approaches that are specific to individual needs and preferences, such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Person Centered approaches, Christian Counseling, and Trauma Informed Approaches. The counseling experience begins with developing a safe and consistent rapport that allows the counselor and client the space to grow into a healthy therapeutic alliance. Therapy can be challenging. However, having a safe environment to talk about and process life's difficulties is so very important. I am excited in working with you to help you experience the great things that life has to offer you. Let us Work Together to make it happen!
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in Arkansas
- Little Rock, AR
- Fort Smith, AR
- Fayetteville, AR
- Springdale, AR
- Jonesboro, AR
- North Little Rock, AR
- Conway, AR
- Rogers, AR
- Bentonville, AR
- Pine Bluff, AR
- Hot Springs, AR
- Benton, AR
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming