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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Dr. Michelle Dobson
Hello! My name is Michelle Dobson and I’m a licensed professional counselor in the State of Arkansas. I hold a master's degree in mental health counseling and a PhD in counselor education and supervision. In addition, I am a Registered Play Therapist. I believe in the power of play for all individuals. I have over ten years of experience helping individuals of all ages overcome depression, anxiety, trauma and other life stressors. I have helped couples and families resolve conflict and improve family dynamics. I focus on communication and relationship building as the keys to overcome most mental health issues. I view past experiences as important for understanding the present situation, however, the main focus of counseling will be on setting and achieving future goals. I understand family systems and the impact it can have on the mental health of all family members. I believe each individual has within them the strengths needed to achieve their goals, whether personal or family. Through the therapeutic relationship, we will locate and develop your strengths together to accomplish those goals.
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Aarin Mitchell
My name is Aarin Mitchel. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Arkansas and Louisiana with over 20 years of experience working with children, teenagers, adults and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting problems, self esteem issues, impulsive behaviors, anger and aggression, self harm behaviors and suicidal ideations. I also helped many people who have experienced domestic violence and other abuse including physical, emotional and sexual. My therapy style is caring, open minded and interactive. I strive at being a good listener and creative thinker. I have always believed it is important to treat everyone as an individual and fairly. I aspire to do this using respect, sensitivity, and compassion, in addition to refraining from labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, including trauma focused and person center therapy. I look forward to working with you.
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Jeremiah Dillehay
I am a fully licensed professional counselor and have dedicated my last 12 years to helping others overcome so many struggles in their lives. I believe in using solution focused techniques as well as a considerable emphasis on CBT/REBT to help clients with excessive anxiety. I am also a nationally certified adult ADHD counselor, ADHD-CCSP. I am a big believer in helping my people learn and grow, so THEY can overcome their obstacles. Most of my clients see substantial gains in the first month or two. I am also a firm believer in teaching core mental health principles and then helping my people utilize that knowledge to tackle their underlying problems, I'm not a “just sit and question” kind of counselor. A little about me: I started my helping journey in 2003, at 28 years old, when I went to Arkansas State University. I received a degree in psychology and went out to work in the mental health community. I loved my work and decided to go back. I graduated with my Ed.S. in mental health counseling in 2011 and have been helping as a licensed counselor since 2012, and love my work. Thanks for reading and if you think we are a fit, I look forward to talking to you very soon. :-)
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Kristie Williams
I am licensed in Arkansas and Arizona. I have 7 years of professional work experience. I am experienced in assisting clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Dr. Gwendolyn Drake
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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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.
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Linda Lay
I am licensed in Arkansas and Texas with 17 years of professional work serving multiple populations. In my practice I focus on working with those who are experiencing stress, anxiety, response to trauma and abuse, & people wo are overwhelmed with life events of all descriptions. Common issues I help with are low self esteem, overly people pleasing and lack of confidence. Many of my clients are being inundated with things coming from several directions - family, work, social, health, etc. Therapy with me generally begins with helping 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. We identify what is creating the greatest problem in currently. I want to get the pressure off as soon as possible. From there I help the client priortize their problems, explore for solutions and build a plan to improve their life.
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Janice Suskey
I am licensed in Arkansas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Percival Fisher, Jr.
Greetings, Everyone! I'm Percival Fisher, Jr., but you can simply call me "Percy." With 13 years of experience, I've been dedicated to providing both individual and group psychotherapy. My goal is to assist you in achieving your therapy objectives by creating a safe, warm, and interactive space to explore your presenting issues. I bring expertise in addressing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, "coming out"/LGBTQIA-related issues, and family conflicts. To tailor the therapeutic experience to your unique needs, I employ a diverse set of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Crisis Intervention, and Relational Therapeutic techniques. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington (LICSW), and West Virginia (LICSW), I am also a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. Additionally, I hold certifications as a Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) from the International Association of Trauma Professionals and a Certified Case Manager (CCM) from the Commission for Case Management Certification. Beyond psychotherapy, my background spans behavioral health research, HIV/AIDS education and counseling, teaching, medical social work, and leadership. During my leisure time, I indulge in watching Marvel series on Netflix, psychological thrillers, reading, traveling, engaging in conversations about current events related to mental health, and staying active through workouts. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with you and support your journey. Take care! Percival Fisher, Jr., MSW, LCSW-C. LICSW, LCSW, BCD, CCTP-II, CCM
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Lyndsey Curry
I am licensed in Arkansas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with a wide range of mental health issues and disorders. I am certified to provide trauma-focused therapy for those who are struggling with processing trauma that they have experienced. 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:
- 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
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