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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Francis Jones III

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MA,LPC,NBCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in private practice in Conway, AR. I grew up in Conway in the 70s and 80s, and graduated from Hendrix College in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 1998, I earned my master’s degree in psychology Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, MO. I earned my Missouri license to be a professional counselor in 2002 while working at Boys’ and Girls’ Town of Missouri in St. James, MO. I opened a private practice, Empowerment Counseling, LLC, with a partner. For the next few years, I provide my services a psychotherapist to private clients as well as children, adults, families referred to me by the Missouri Division of Family and Youth Services. I moved back to Conway in 2017 to be near family and opened my private practice, Jones Counseling Services, LLC where I have work since then. I have 20 plus years of experience providing my counseling services to people of all ages (five years of age and older) to help them deal with and/or overcome their mental issues in all kinds of settings--in person and online. Sincerely, F. Dunn Jones, MA, LPC, NBCC, ABDD, dunnjonesiii@gmail.com If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone NOW, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or call 866-903-3787 (the National Mental Health Hotline-MHH).

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Allen Busby

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS, Ed.S, LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor in Arkansas with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD 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 anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client centered, psychodynamic, and Gestalt counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Aarin Mitchell

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

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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Robert "Scotty" Smittle

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS,LPC
LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Thank you so much for giving me your consideration when it comes to your mental health. I know it can be a lot to think about trusting someone with all of the thoughts and feelings! Let me take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Scotty, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arkansas. I've been doing this for 15 years and have experience with adults and children, individuals, couples, and families. I also have experience with adults and children with special needs. I take a cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approach, and can implement a faith-based perspective as well, if that's what you're looking for. My primary focus throughout the therapy process is person-to-person connection. If we don't have that, we won't make progress, and progress is why we're here! I look forward to meeting you. Talk to you soon.

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Derrick Woodbury

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

My name is Derrick “Woody” Woodbury and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Oklahoma. I have been offering private practice services for the last 4 years and I have also offered independent contractor services for the last 8. I see mild to moderate mood disorder clients, anger management, grief, marriage issues, men issues, LBGQT+, adjustment disorders through cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), faith based practices with addition areas of competence in solution focus therapy and choice/reality therapy. I look forward to working with you and assist in working towards presenting the best version of you!

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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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Dr. Sha-Rhonda Green

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: PhD,LCSW, LICSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Welcome, I'm Dr. Green. This is a sacred space for women to empower, heal, and rise within individual therapy. As a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2004, I've devoted my career to supporting women's wellness. My research expertise lies in the intricate lives of Black women, exploring the intersections of multiple roles and well-being. I am deeply committed to empowering Black women, recognizing the profound impact of intersecting systems of oppression, including racism, sexism, and other forms of marginalization, on their lives and well-being. I draw upon a trauma-informed care approach, integrating elements of: - Strengths-Based: Empowering your resilience and capabilities - Solution-Focused: Collaborating to achieve your goals - Rational-Emotive: Challenging negative thought patterns - Client-Centered: Honoring your autonomy and self-direction - Cognitive Behavioral: Reframing thoughts, feelings, and actions Together, we'll navigate life's complexities, fostering growth, resilience, and radiant well-being. This is a safe haven for women to share, discover, and thrive – mind, heart, and spirit.

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Sarah Saragusa

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf 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, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Klaire Howard

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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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Melissa Hewitt

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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:

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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