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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Lisa Kennedy

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
18 years of experience

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!

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Dr. John Joslin

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
37 years of experience

Are the challenges of everyday life becoming too much to handle? Are you having difficulties with LGBTQ concerns, grief and loss, relationships, intimacy, physical illness or injury, or emotional health? When these struggles become overwhelming, you do not have to go it alone! My name is John David Joslin, LCSW. Please call me David. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker. With caring and compassion, I will actively listen, help guide you in better understanding your problems, and help you discover solutions. I am a social worker and health educator with over 37 years of experience helping clients to solve problems, find peace of mind and make a fresh start in life. Let me help you with your healing journey. The time to start is now! I provide online psychotherapy for adults who are basically mentally healthy and who need guidance in handling the challenges of everyday life. Psychotherapy involves professional guidance in resolving conflicts and emotional problems by helping people make healthy changes in ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.  This is accomplished by using cognitive behavioral techniques and psychoeducation. I have made a long journey to find my truth. I am still on that journey. I want to help you on your journey to find your truth.

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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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Patricia Howard

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MA, LPC, ILP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

My name is Patricia Howard. My friends and family call me "Ms. Pat". I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Independent Licensed Practitioner. I have a private practice in Mena, Arkansas. I have been married for over 50 years and have 5 grandchildren and 3 great grands. Spending time with my family is what I like to do best. I have a specialization in Technology-Assisted Counseling. In Arkansas we are required to have this specialization in order to provide teletherapy services. I also have a certification in Animal Assisted Therapy. Dogs are a big part of my personal life, and in my practice, I use them to help people to feel calm and to reduce their anxiety and depression symptoms. I teach people how to "appropriately manipulate" to get their needs met. I help people to learn the difference between aggressive and assertive behaviors. I have been counseling for over 20 years. Counting my years of teaching and counseling, I have been helping children and their families solve problems for about 27 years. My counseling approach is "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy", which means I help you to change any unhealthy, maladaptive thoughts to healthy rational thinking. I help people to understand that they have enough personal power, within themselves, to solve their own problems. They just need to believe in themselves and have faith that their decisions can and will work out in the end. I believe having faith in something outside of ourselves is essential for coping with life's challenges. It makes no difference to me what religious beliefs you have, because to me all people have immense value. If you feel like you might benefit from counseling sessions with me, please check my schedule to see what days I have available for counseling and schedule a session so we can get started on helping you to feel much better.

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Veronica Kasprzak Bratcher

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,CMHC
Trauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am a professional counselor licensed in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Utah with over 9 years of experience working as a therapist and an additional 10 years as a social worker and family advocate. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, adoption and foster care, blended families, trauma and grief. I am trained in EMDR which is a highly effective treatment for trauma. I specialize in helping clients working through abuse and/or trauma including complex grief and loss of a child. I approach counseling as an interactive conversation where you are the expert of your experience and I am your coach to help address areas that aren't working the way you need them to and strengthen the tools that have helped you come this far. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, in a non-judgmental space. We are all doing the best we can and sometimes we need some help or another approach to make the progress we are wanting to see. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, attachment, and trauma informed counseling. Our work together will be specific to where you are in your progress and your specific goals. Making changes is brave and can feel uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. Yet staying the same is often already uncomfortable and often why we reach out to change. Let's do this together! I look forward to working with you!

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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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Sabrina Lewis

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MA,LPC,CRC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have 8 years of combined experience and education in the mental health/counseling field with specialized education and training in trauma and rehabilitation. I use a client centered approach with cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy approaches to help clients navigate through life’s most challenging circumstances. It takes courage and strength to ask for help and I appreciate you trusting me to guide you through your healing process.

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Dr. Danielle Langford

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee & Arkansas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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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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Jacqueline Schnedler

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

I am licensed in Arkansas and New Mexico with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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