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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Linda McNellis

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

Hello: My name is Linda McNellis. I am a mental health professional driven to help others overcome personal obstacles with twenty-seven years’ experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) I value each person's unique personality and individual situations that prompt them to seek professional services. I am committed to assist individuals reach their full potential. I have a significant amount of experience working with person coping with loss/grief, depression, anxiety and traumatic stress. Other areas of expertise include: family/relationship issues and self-esteem problems. My counseling style is to communicate with empathy and compassion respecting the integrity of each individual using empowerment to encourage change. The therapeutic techniques used in my practice include cognitive behavioral/dialectical therapy, person centered and stage of development theory. When appropriate I also include aspects of Carl Jung's work integrating spirituality which helps in understanding the deeper aspects of one self. If you are ready for change I am here to help without judgment and with unconditional positive regard. I look forward to working with you.

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Briana Cunningham

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Arkansas with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with clients on a range of issues including anxiety, relationship issues and depression. I also have helped with Physical, Emotional, and Sexual trauma. I believe that it is important to provide a safe environment of respect, compassion, and empathy to facilitate change. I use a combination of general systems theory and Cognitive Behavioral approaches and other interventions to aid in meeting whatever needs you may have. It can be hard to take the first step, but I am here to help whenever you are ready to move towards healing. I look forward to working with you.

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Vanessa Williams

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Arkansas with over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, anger management, and stress management. I have worked with people of all ages in various settings, including acute care, outpatient, intensive outpatient, school-based, college, and residential care. My counseling style is collaborative and client-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and will encourage you to do the work to reach your personal goals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, motivational interviewing, coaching, and reality therapy techniques. I will tailor our dialogue and your treatment plan to meet your unique needs. It takes courage to seek and work towards a more fulfilling and happier life. Change can be tough, but you don't have to do it alone. If you are ready to seek positive change, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Joey Gardner

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: DSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
12 years of experience

Hello, My name is Dr. Joey Gardner and it is a pleasure to serve you during this time of need. I am a LCSW with a doctorate in social work and masters in information technology health informatics. I believe that my education, clinical, and technology skills makes me the ultimate clinician to serve your needs. I have experience working with providers providing care coordination services to assist individuals with finding optimal care within their community. I believe that with the right resources we are able to provide effective care to increase production in society. I have experience working in school based, inpatient, and outpatient services. My counseling style is interactive with a cognitive-behavioral and solution focused approach. I truly believe that I have the skillset to be productive in order to meet your needs during this time. My goal is to empower you to be the best you. Thank you again for this opportunity and I hope to hear from you soon.

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Kenneth Jones

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

I have been a mental health counselor since 1999. Since that time, the experience I have gained has helped to prepare me for work with individuals from multiple walks of life. I have learned to speak less and listen more intently. I would love to be of service to you and to jointly pursue your goals for change.

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Ginger Blacksmith

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

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.

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Christopher Lankford

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Arkansas and Missouri with over 5 years of professional work experience. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of New England in December of 2018. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, and trauma. As a clinical social worker, I believe in the dignity and worth of each person and I provide a safe, compassionate, and empathetic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am passionate about working with people to help them learn skills they can use to manage their issues and live more satisfying lives. I use evidenced-based therapies to help my clients develop skills to accept their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and to learn more helpful ways to respond to them. 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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DaLisha Smith

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Catherine Pettus

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Arkansas with 13 years of experience. I have worked with diverse populations, ranging from children to clients 65 years and older. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, anger management, coping with grief and loss, caregiver burnout, and relationship issues. I have helped clients who have experienced emotional, sexual, and physical abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I truly believe it is important to be where my clients are and to be patient in their therapy journey. I will always treat my clients with respect, dignity, and compassion. I avoid any stigmatizing labels. I advocate for my clients and their needs. I strive for integrity and honesty while helping my clients through their journey. My approach combines cognitive- behavioral, solutions- focused therapy, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I understand that our sessions are your stories and experiences. It takes courage, strength, and perseverance to overcome struggles in life. I would love to help you through these struggles and to help you find the inner strength you are seeking. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Leah Pavela-Mullins

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,C-ET
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

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Carin Martin

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Melinda Taylor

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas and Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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!

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Amanda Mossing

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a trained, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of Florida , Colorado, Arizona, Arkansas and Utah, and I have been practicing since 2015. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). I specialize in treating PTSD and complex PTSD, complex grief and loss, relational trauma, recovery from addiction behaviors, anxiety, depression, stress issues, self esteem issues, balance during life transitions and conscious relationship work. My approach to therapy is individualized, trauma informed, process oriented and holistic in nature, with a strong mind-body-spirit connection. I aim to provide a safe, compassionate space for individuals to slow down and get curious about what's going on in the inside of them.

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Joanne Thomas

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas and in Illinois with extensive experience working with caregivers of all ages and backgrounds, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, depression, motivation, self esteem, confidence and coping with life changes. 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.

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Heather Simmons

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
DepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor licensed in Louisiana with over 5 years of experience working as a LPC. I worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, behavior issues and ADHD. I would have to describe my counseling style as being warm and passionate. I love to provide great counseling skills which includes being patience, a good listener, being knowledgeable, and having/showing empathy . I believe in treating anyone with respect, providing unconditional positive regards and demonstrating high fidelity services. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, interpersonal, group and cognitive therapy, I feel as a counselor my duty is to ensure and use counseling methods to help people manage and overcome mental and emotional issues.

How can therapists in Arkansas support you?

Therapists in Arkansas 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 Arkansas, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Arkansas 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 BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of Arkansas working 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 in Arkansas, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in Arkansas support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • 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

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. 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 commonly asked questions can be found 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.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

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 in Arkansas can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover 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 safe?

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.

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