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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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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Laura Hall

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
11 years of experience

Hello! My name is Laura and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arkansas. I have been working in the field of mental health for more than 10 years. I have experience working with individuals experiencing a variety of issues, such as addiction, depression and anxiety, stress-related issues, communication challenges, family conflict, bipolar, first episode psychosis and many more. I have worked in the school, community mental health, hospital, and private practice settings. My choice to work in this field comes from the belief that we all benefit from having someone listen, understand, and accept exactly where we are and offer the support necessary to improve the quality of life. With the outbreak of COVID-19 I became more concerned for people that were shut-in and not able to seek help in traditional settings. That is when I pursued my specialization for technology-assisted counseling. I believe in making goals that are realistic and personal to your values and lifestyle. I was able to pursue my passion to help people along their journey at Henderson State University where I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I would describe myself as open-minded and down-to-earth. I often times use a lot of examples to make my ideas into more practical and relatable. I have a great deal of respect for every walk of life and respect everyone’s journey. I appreciate the variety of cultures and have a great respect for a person’s right to hold their own values. I am known for creating a safe and welcomed space. This is your time to confront your goals. I am here to assist you in your mental health goals. I provide CBT, solution-focused, reality therapy, and person-centered strategies as my methodology. I am mostly available for live chat, but have some availability for live phone/video sessions on alternating weekends. You will have to get with me to see when those weekends are available. I am very responsive to messaging as I check my messages a MINIMUM of twice daily and respond when I can. I look forward to working with you!

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Martha Kuhn

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MA,MBA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas and Louisiana with over 15 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, Borderline Personality Disorder, severe mental illness, family struggles, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am currently coauthoring a book that takes the more wholistic approach to the brain. With this, I’m working on a coaching certification. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. 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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Dr. Herschel Pollard

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
58 years of experience

I have had over a half-century of clinical experience, and have worked with a broad variety of clients. I see each client as a unique individual with a distinct array of problems and questions. I do not limit myself to a specific "brand" of psychotherapy, but instead design a treatment approach to match the individual client's needs, all the while recognizing that the client's situation may evolve, priorities may change, new goals may arise, and that psychotherapy at its best is often a process of illuminating a path to self fulfillment.

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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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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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Danielle Patterson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 13 years of professional work experience. I work with teens and adults who have had difficult life experiences, trauma, depression, anxiety, in addition to self-esteem, body image, and substance use issues. I primarily utilize skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as EMDR. My counseling education is from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. 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.

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Cheryl Comfort

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I obtained my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018 from John Brown University. I am licensed in the State of Arkansas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, anger management, 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 and empower you in that process.

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Shelby Koshy

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a dedicated and compassionate social worker with extensive experience in inpatient psychiatric care, community based mental health services, intensive outpatient behavioral health, and community service organizations. Over the years, I've worked closely with individuals facing mental health challenges, supporting them through patient-centered care, safety planning, and skill development. I specialize in helping clients navigate complex emotional and behavioral issues, offering a non-judgmental space where they feel heard and supported. My approach to therapy is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on empowering my clients to overcome obstacles, develop resilience, and create positive change in their lives. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I’m here to guide you with empathy and professionalism.

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Bradley (Brad) Hays

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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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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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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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Victoria McDaniel-Tracy

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,LISW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help! You've taken a huge step, and I'm sure you're wondering how this works and whether it's the right fit for you. My name is Vickie McDaniel, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oklahoma. I am also a Licensed Independent Social Worker for the state of South Carolina. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2011. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, eating disorders, relationships/parenting and the grief and loss of people or of their pet. As a clinician, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness, self-esteem, positive thinking, and problem solving techniques. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that gives us movement on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to be that person for you. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when someone shares their personal story or experiences with me. Our relationship with our self and others has worth and is useful to explore in counseling. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. The frequency with which you can have access to a counselor to work through day to day emotions and problem solving is extremely beneficial for most and a nice change from traditional outpatient counseling. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings and weekends. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!

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Erica Walter

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a wife and a mother of 4 who knows how tough life can be. I also worked in the corporate world for almost 20 years, and I understand the challenges that come with trying to have it all. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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.

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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