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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Pamela Goucher

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
37 years of experience

Hello! My name is Pam Goucher. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in both Arkansas and Tennessee with over 30 years of experience working as a clinical therapist. I have experience in behavioral health and medical social work, so I have an understanding of the impact medical issues can have on someone's life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, parenting and relationship issues. I have also worked with individuals who have experienced alcoholism/addictions. I am familiar with the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am most comfortable with a Christian approach, but I am accepting of and have worked with various religious beliefs and lifestyles including LGBTQ. I come from a military background as my father was a Vietnam vet and my son has completed 5 tours of duty in Iraq/Afghanistan. I am also a grandparent raising a grandchild. So as you can see, I am a fairly experienced, well- rounded person. I understand that sometimes life just happens and we need help making sense of it all! My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am open minded and accepting of others. I will not judge you or present as biased. My therapy style is eclectic, as I use whatever your unique and specific needs call for. I do tend to lean more towards cognitive-behavioral therapy though as I believe every situation provokes a thought--a thought a feeling-- which in turn produces an attitude or behavior. I also like to explore your family of origin issues as those early family dynamics do tend to influence who we are today. I always start by reassuring my clients that they aren't crazy or weird...what you're feeling is normal for what you are experiencing right now. Anyone in your shoes would most likely be feeling the same way. It's okay and you're okay! We can figure it out together:) I look forward to working with you!

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Carol Williams

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. I have been a therapist for 20 years , working with individual , couples and family. My main focus at this time is working with individuals. My therapy approach is based on Client Centered Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also enjoy including Mindfulness activities to reduce stress and anxiety. During my years as a Counselor I have had the opportunity to learn and grow both on a professional level and personal level. I have grown as much from my interactions with clients as I have from educational experiences. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing life transitions which often can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. I enjoy helping individuals find their life path that leads to passion and purpose. I can relate, as I have experienced many life transitions, and although difficult, finding the right path feels wonderful! Too often we are interested in making changes, but just don't know how to begin. The desire for change is healthy, but can be overwhelming, sometimes leading to feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. My job is to listen to your feelings, concerns and stressors. Not only will I listen, but I will actively collaborate with you to help you determine the changes that will lead to you feeling more fulfilled and happy. Whether you are having difficulties dealing with grief issues, feeling unfulfilled in your work or family life, or find that you just aren't coping well you are not alone. I would love to help you recover you passions and joy.

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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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Ashley Wilson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

Ashley Wilson, is a Chicago native who graduated from Arkansas State University with a Education Specialist Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, who has a passion for helping others reach total wellness. Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with families, couples, and individuals, through support and counseling, effectively address personal life challenges. She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma. Under a person-centered approach, her modalities used in treatment may include, CBT, REBT, family therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. Ashley’s goal is to help adults reach their highest potential and to help families live more harmonious and happier lives together.

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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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Jeanie Shade

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,CECP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker/therapist licensed in the states of Idaho, Montana, and Arkansas. I have 7 years of licensed experience and many years prior of serving people in different capacities. The majority of my licensed experience has been within a hospital setting for adults and adolescents with severe mental health issues. I have seen firsthand the incredible change that often occurs with a person given the opportunity to tell his/her/their story, be genuinely listened to, and be guided to the innate wisdom to wellness that already resides within. For the last two years, I have also been leading a group at my local library to teach mental health wellness skills to community members and providing a setting for the members to practice these new wellness skills. I really enjoy teaching skills that can be applied to all sorts of situations in life, no matter what your story or circumstances. My counseling style is based on being present with a client, not just hearing, but truly listening and being a witness to another. I will want to know what exactly a client wants to learn or resolve and I will provide guidance and insight and teach skills accordingly. I will also introduce ideas I consider foundational to wellness, including mindfulness, really leaning in and feeling our emotions, centeredness and grounding, self-love, the difference between surviving skills and thriving skills, and exploring beliefs and how they create our life stories. My approach combines client-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness therapy as we weave together practical behavioral approaches with deep insights into why we are the way we are and how this can transform. I am also a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner (CECP). The Emotion Code is a form of energy healing. Its premise is that we can trapped unprocessed emotions in as a "stuck" frequency in our energy bodies. As a practitioner, I can assist you in identifying trapped emotions, discovering when they were trapped and in response to what event, and then releasing the stuck energy with intention. You can learn more at Discover Healing (discoverhealing.com). You can view my certification at https://discoverhealing.com/certified-practitioners/. The BetterHelp platform offers you a great opportunity to try out an energy healing modality. I have the flexibility to combine Emotion Code work with a more traditional talk therapy session, or focus solely on Emotion Code one day and talk therapy another day. Give it a try! It takes courage to choose an opportunity for growth and change. I am here to join you on such a journey.

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Angela Stevenson-Carr

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

I am licensed in Arkansas with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Bennisha McKinney

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Arkansas and Oklahoma with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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!

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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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DaLisha Smith

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

I am licensed in Arkansas professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Vanessa Smith

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Hello, My name is Vanessa Smith LPC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana. I have over 10 years of experience working with mental health. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds and concerns. I have worked with individuals addressing concerns of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, anger, substance abuse, life changes (loss of job, loss of family member, etc.…). Also, I have experience working with returning citizens. I would describe my style of therapy as warm and interactive. I believe in being person-centered and humanistic. I believe the client is the expert on his or her life. I prefer to assist the client by guiding and assisting through inner knowing, interpersonal changes, and healing. My overall goal is to assist people in working towards fulfillment of their maximum potential, healing, and gaining a new perspective on life.

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Braeghtyn McAleese

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Amanda Mossing

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a trained, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of Florida , Colorado, Arizona, Arkansas and Utah, and I have been practicing since 2015. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). I specialize in treating PTSD and complex PTSD, complex grief and loss, relational trauma, recovery from addiction behaviors, anxiety, depression, stress issues, self esteem issues, balance during life transitions and conscious relationship work. My approach to therapy is individualized, trauma informed, process oriented and holistic in nature, with a strong mind-body-spirit connection. I aim to provide a safe, compassionate space for individuals to slow down and get curious about what's going on in the inside of them.

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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!

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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!

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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