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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Wendi Makus

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,SDP,AADC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

Hello! I'm so glad you are here! If you are ready to make some changes in life that are likely to result in improved mental health, improved quality of life, and general well being; you came to the right place! My approach in counseling is in general to look at the person as a whole; not as their symptoms of problems. I use holistic, solution focused, and trauma informed models to engage client's in the counseling process and achieve their goals. I have been trained in trauma informed approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); which uses several tools to help client's negative past events have less emotional impact on their lives. I am also certified in a counseling approach called seed digging therapy (SD), which is developed off the therapy developed in the 90's called theophostic therapy. The premise of seed digging therapy (SD) is that each individual is generally mostly good, has a desire to be good to others, and wants to have a happy and productive life. The model states that a person's heart is a "garden" which in analogy has "weeds" and "flowers". Traumatic/Sad events tend to produce weeds and Happy events tend to produce flowers. Weeds in a persons heart can cause many negative reactions in life ranging from interpersonal relationships, self esteem, negative view of the world. Weeds occur when a lie is believed about that sad/bad event. Examples of weeds: not feeling adequate, feeling unloved, feeling a lack of importance. Flowers are developed when something happens that is positive/ good, and the individual believes something good about themselves. Examples of flowers: I do matter, I am important, I am loved, I belong in this group, family, friendship etc. The process of seed digging therapy is to find where the root of the negative thoughts started, and create an alternate belief opposite of the negative. Using narrative techniques, the person has the opportunity to recreate meaning if they want to. I am very excited to meet you, get to know you and help see you to the other side of where you want to be. If you would like to work more with me, we can talk more about your goals and what steps to take to get there.

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Emily Wilson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,LMFT,CRC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
23 years of experience

I am licensed professional counselor in Arkansas & Louisiana, a License Marriage and Family Therapist in Louisiana, a nationally licensed Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Clinical Licensed Professional Counselor in Maine. Over the past 20 years I have worked in a variety of settings allowing experience in multiple areas. I have Bachelor's Degrees in Biology and Psychology, and a master Degree in Counseling and Guidance. I have experience in addictions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, military issues, abuse issues, relationship problems just to name a few. My therapy style is eclectic by nature, I don't believe in one size fit all therapy. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific immediate and long term needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Gwendolyn Drake

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

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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Sarah Van Hook

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Jennifer Nelson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas, Massachusetts, and Oregon with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, family conflicts, 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 issues that challenge you. I often use the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solutions Focused approaches to help my clients work their way out of what is distressing them. I also use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help my clients with history of trauma when they desire more focused work to overcome challenges. I find the CBT, Solutions Focused, and CPT approaches to be very effective, because you will begin to recognize what is going through your mind and how it affects your feelings and way that you react/respond to every day situations. I strongly believe “change your thoughts, change your life,” and using these approaches can help a person to recognize how self-defeating thought patterns can hinder their growth. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and you can be proud of yourself for taking that step! I am a supportive cheerleader to my clients and care about your success. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals!

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Leigh Maxwell

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 10 years of professional work experience and an additional 4 years doing therapeutic interventions in various settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, LGBTQIA+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My personal therapeutic style is eclectic with a focus on the client. I am experienced in a multitude of modalities and draw from these to meet a person where they are. I am honest and empathetic with all folks I work with. It is my goal to treat all persons with dignity, respect, and understanding while encouraging them to look introspectively and re-evaluate their perceptions and ideas about the world around 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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LaRanda Jason

Offering therapy in Arkansas
GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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Shaquila Glass

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in District of Columbia and Virginia, with 12 years of professional experience. I have experience helping clients with trauma, stress, life-transitions, anxiety, and overcoming challenges. I have received additional training for maternal mental health, women's issues, and female adolescents transitioning into womanhood. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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. I am dedicated to fostering healthy relationships and emotional well-being across diverse populations.

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Elaine Wilson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Trauma and abuseDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & depression. 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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Carrie Jones

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with over 30 years of experience working in mental health with an emphasis in forensics.. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect 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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Thaddeus Elder

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Ruthie Brooks

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
19 years of experience

Thank you for stopping by! My name is Ruthie Brooks. It takes courage to reach out to a complete stranger for help with your personal journey. We all have moments in life that we need guidance and support to get through life struggles. I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with clients seeking help with stress management, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, anger management, low self-esteem, OCD, and substance abuse. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health profession. My therapeutic approach is grounded in client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, reality therapy, motivational interviewing, exposure-response prevention, and solution-focused and techniques and strategies. I will offer needed guidance and support without judgment. I will assist in empowering you with the skills, strategies, and resources to reach your goals and achieve an optimal level of functioning. The greatest form of courage and strength is making the first step and seeking assistance. Our work together will involve the use of strategies and techniques to alleviate identified symptoms. I look forward to building a positive, collaborative, and effective therapeutic relationship!

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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