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.

This is Lisa Kennedy's avatar and link to their profile

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!

This is Dr. Scott Butler's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Scott Butler

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: Ph.D, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Hi, thanks for taking some time to get to know me. I am Dr. Scott Butler. I am licensed in Louisiana and Arkansas as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from LSU and a Master’s and Ph.D. in mental health counseling from the University of New Orleans. I've been offering counseling for over 30 years. I was married for 30 years and have three daughters; one is an attorney, one is a licensed professional counselor, working on her Ph.D. and my youngest is a junior in college. I have worked in many different mental health settings including hospitals, crisis intervention hotlines, non-profit organizations, as a preferred provider for local and state agencies and over 20 years in adoption and foster care work. I have been deemed an expert witness in criminal and civil cases and have authored one novel, king cake baby. I use a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach to counseling which is a goal-oriented treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. I generally do 45 minute sessions. If interested in working with me, please provide your full name and an emergency contact name and number as this is required to facilitate professional counseling. Life can be difficult, right? Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we simply need someone to help guide us to a better place. I am a trained listener. I take in the information you provide and turn it back to you in a step by step approach to help you move beyond what brought you to me. Beginning this process with the right counselor helps you get better, faster. I hope to be that counselor.

This is Trina Middleton's avatar and link to their profile

Trina Middleton

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas in Arlington and I have worked as a therapist for 30 years. I have experience working with people from all backgrounds, ages, and different challenges . I have worked with clients with a variety of problems including anxiety, stress, relationship issues, trauma, grief and loss, depression, and isolation and loneliness. I believe that feeling comfortable and connected with a therapist is one of the most important aspects of making progress in therapy. I use a client centered approach in therapy as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. I encourage my clients to take action to make changes in their lives that will help them improve, but I also realize that there are some people who just need to talk to someone. I believe your thoughts, feelings, and problems are important and being able to talk to someone about them can be very healing. I am here to listen and to help you get through your difficult times and reach your desired therapy goals.

This is Wendi Makus's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is Sabrina Lewis's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is Michelle Kveum's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Kveum

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, 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.

This is Jeanie Staub's avatar and link to their profile

Jeanie Staub

Offering therapy in Arkansas
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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.

This is Kennethya Smith-Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Kennethya Smith-Johnson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Oksana Shiell's avatar and link to their profile

Oksana Shiell

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

California Experienced Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed since 2011. Clinical supervisor since 2017. Many years (pre-licensed and post-licensed) of working with teens. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & 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.

This is Alyssa Hoelscher's avatar and link to their profile

Alyssa Hoelscher

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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. 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.

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.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist