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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Trudy Crow

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,DAIS
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Welcome, my name is Trudy. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and I have been working in the field of mental health for over 18 years. I love what I do, and that is why I do it. Education: Walden University - Human Services Administration - Graduate Certificate - 2014 University of Arkansas-Little Rock - Social Work - MSW - 2007 University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Social Work - BSW - 2005 Experience: I have worked primarily in the outpatient treatment setting, with individuals with a variety of mental health and stress-related issues since 2005. My journey working in mental health began with a co-ed inpatient substance abuse treatment facility where I taught relaxation techniques, anger management, stress reduction, and coping strategies. From there, I evolved into the outpatient community mental health arena. I have served as an on-call therapist, group therapist, individual therapist, family therapist, and couples/marriage therapist. I have significant experience in dealing with self-harm and alternative coping strategies as well. While I have worked with all diagnoses, I have a passion for stress reduction, relaxation, depression, anxiety, and grief counseling. I lean toward Cognitive Behavior Therapy(CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping), but I also have experience with Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). I teach meditation techniques and mindfulness practices. I am also a certified Reiki Master, a Life Coach, and an active member of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. You have now entered a space that is safe and built for you to feel supported and improve your life! Welcome! Suggested reading: The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

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Daryl Mitchell

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
26 years of experience

Hello and welcome. Thank you for reading my profile. I begin counseling by listening. Every person is unique and your experiences are different from others. I do not tell people what to do. Instead I will help you explore the possibilities that your problems reveal and guide you to choose the best path for yourself. Experience teaches me that people get stuck when the story of themselves doesn't match their current reality. The stuckness usually comes from believing that change is too hard or not possible based on past choices. The truth is we choose our way going forward. There may be obstacles, but giving up on the life we want is deeply dissatisfying. I enjoy joining people to encourage them to be true to themselves. There is only one you. No one can else can be you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arkansas and Oklahoma. I have 26 years of experience in helping people choose their life instead of feeling like passengers. I have worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics, elementary and high schools, and am now in private practice for my 16th year. My work is primarily with people experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, traumatic events, family problems, work problems, and relationship problems. I use problem solving, supportive techniques, and cognitive / behavioral techniques. But mostly I ask my clients to make changes and assess the results with me, then choose what works best. You are a courageous person to even consider taking this step. It shows you want to take back the wheel of your life. I would be honored to be chosen to see where you can go!

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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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Dr. 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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Michelle McHugh

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,PIP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, PIP), licensed in Alabama and Arkansas. Over 20 years ago, I began my career after graduating from NYU School of Social Work with my MSW. Since then, I've worked in a variety of clinical settings - from inpatient addiction rehabs and inpatient psychiatric facilities to outpatient mental health clinics. I've developed specialities in the following areas: LGBTQIA concerns, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Codependency, and shame reduction. I currently have 11+ years of active service in the Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer and I have spent the past 8 years working with active Guard soldiers as well as military veterans from all branches. My counseling style is very collaborative, client-focused, and we will avoid stigmatizing language and labels. My approach can combine Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CBT), Mindfulness practices, 12-step recovery principles, with some Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) mixed in. I'm trained and certified in two evidence-based therapies for treating trauma/PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and EMDR. The above approaches will be tailored to fit each client's unique needs. Let's work together to create meaningful and lasting changes in your life. Take that first courageous step and reach out to me today. I'm here and ready to work with you!

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Sarah Green

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas with a Masters degree in Community Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. I have over 10 years of experience working as a Licensed Professional Counselor with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings including clinics, therapeutic day treatments, residential facilities, acute psychiatric hospital, and residential and outpatient addiction services. Through my experience, I have worked with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, family/relational, attachment, addictions, and trauma. I make great efforts to help my clients feel safe and heard. My approach is first and foremost client-centered with application of cognitive behavioral and solution-focused techniques. I have training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy as well as EMDR. I tailor my treatment plan and therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs. Please note that my clients will need to be located physically in Arkansas at the time of live sessions and when counseling occurs. It takes courage to step forward and seek out therapy services. I will be here to support you and empower you every step of the way. I look forward to working with you as you take the next steps in your journey!

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Dr. Helen Miller

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
50 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 47 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, 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. 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 you.

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Summer Prado

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 3 years of experience working in mental health and over 20 years of addiction counseling. I have experience in helping clients reach their full potential in life by focusing on better ways to face difficult challenges. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion with an open mind. Your goals in treatment will be uniquely developed with your input. 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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Richard Tragasz

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,MS,M Div
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

While my first career was in the business world, my subsequent careers were being a Lutheran pastor, working as a social worker in child protective services, and being a mental health therapist. I have 24 years of experience in social work and mental health. As a pastor, I have served 5 theologically conservative Lutheran churches in 3 states. My experience as a therapist has mostly been with community mental health clinics that provided services under the auspices of the state department of mental health. At community mental health clinics I provided therapy to clients of all ages, many having the full range of serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma from sexual abuse and post -traumatic stress disorder. My experience in community mental health was invaluable in honing my skills as a therapist. At one clinic I was part of the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy team that provided DBT therapy to clients suffering from borderline personality disorder. I believe that psychotherapy is a marvelous thing. It brings healing to people only through words. It is work, and to be successful in therapy one must work harder than the therapist. My therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral, which means that I help the client to change beliefs that are false (example: "I believe I am worthless due to my history of sexual abuse as a child."), and change behaviors that are unhealthy and which stand in the way of a life that has joy and peace. That means that the key factor in my approach is CHANGE. My successes have been with clients who are willing to do that. I look forward to working with you!

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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