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.
Lisa Kennedy
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!
Pamela Goucher
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!
Barbara Ackeret-Smith
I have been a Licensed Certified Social Worker for 35 years. I have a broad range of experience with all ages of clients. I enjoy working with a variety of ages, problems and situations. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client centered therapy primarily but often adjust my technique to meet the unique needs of my client. I have an easy-going, warm approach to therapy as well as life in general. I love to connect with others using empathy, listening and humor. I have vast experience with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic disorder, aging and caregiving issues. I also have experience with more severe mental health issues and personality disorders. My experiences also include assisting clients with adjustment to physical disability, pain and resulting mental health issues, family and marital issues. I have also worked with Hospice patients and their families helping them to managing death and dying issues. It is with much admiration and respect that I engage with clients in the journey to wellness and good mental health. I look forward to hearing your story and concerns and working to find solutions.
Laura Hall
Hello! My name is Laura and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arkansas. I have been working in the field of mental health for more than 10 years. I have experience working with individuals experiencing a variety of issues, such as addiction, depression and anxiety, stress-related issues, communication challenges, family conflict, bipolar, first episode psychosis and many more. I have worked in the school, community mental health, hospital, and private practice settings. My choice to work in this field comes from the belief that we all benefit from having someone listen, understand, and accept exactly where we are and offer the support necessary to improve the quality of life. With the outbreak of COVID-19 I became more concerned for people that were shut-in and not able to seek help in traditional settings. That is when I pursued my specialization for technology-assisted counseling. I believe in making goals that are realistic and personal to your values and lifestyle. I was able to pursue my passion to help people along their journey at Henderson State University where I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I would describe myself as open-minded and down-to-earth. I often times use a lot of examples to make my ideas into more practical and relatable. I have a great deal of respect for every walk of life and respect everyone’s journey. I appreciate the variety of cultures and have a great respect for a person’s right to hold their own values. I am known for creating a safe and welcomed space. This is your time to confront your goals. I am here to assist you in your mental health goals. I provide CBT, solution-focused, reality therapy, and person-centered strategies as my methodology. I am mostly available for live chat, but have some availability for live phone/video sessions on alternating weekends. You will have to get with me to see when those weekends are available. I am very responsive to messaging as I check my messages a MINIMUM of twice daily and respond when I can. I look forward to working with you!
Derrick Singleton
I am a licensed professional counselor with over 13 years of experience working as a mental health counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse, although I am not certified in any specific trauma. My counseling style is open, interactive, and directive specifically as it relates to homework assignments that can keep the client actively working on themselves before their next session. I treat everyone with respect, concern, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have worked with young adults and geriatrics in dealing with depression, anxiety, and grief issues. I have worked well with teens for over thirteen years and help them to build their self work, mock interviews, teens assigned to a probation officer. I am excited about the client/counselor experience and assisting the client in fulfilling goals while taking 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 by phone, video, and texting/messages.
Debra Pittman
Hi, I'm Debra "Debbie" Pittman. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in Arkansas. I have been compassionately and non-judgmentally working to assist others with making positive changes to their lives for 15 years. I have worked with people challenged by depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and other life changing circumstances. My counseling style is warm, holistic and supportive. I strive to help educate, strengthen and empower others, so they are more confident in living their life to the fullest. I meet you where you are, listen to learn where you want to go and work with you to assist you to work out a road map to get there. I then also walk with you to help you along your journey. As no two people are alike, we tailor your plan to your unique and specific need. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Taking the first steps towards change can be scary. If you are ready to take that step, it would be my honor to assist, support and empower you along your path.
Casheena Ware
I am licensed in Arkansas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients, in particular, young adults, with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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.
Leigh Maxwell
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!
Cheryl Comfort
I obtained my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018 from John Brown University. I am licensed in the State of Arkansas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, anger management, 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 things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support and empower you in that process.
Janice Suskey
I am licensed in Arkansas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dominique White
I am licensed in Arkansas with 9 years of professional work experience, specifically working with traditional and non-traditional college students with disabilities ranging from ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health struggles. I have experience helping clients navigate stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story. I simply serve as a partner and guide to help you see through the shattered glass that we all sometimes look at our experiences through. I believe that you have many strengths that will assist you in navigating things that challenge you, but perhaps you don’t recognize that power within yourself. Taking the first step to seeking guidance that will help you live to your fullest potential is scary, but you’re brave enough to take that leap anyway…to do it afraid. I am here to support you in that journey.
Angela Stuart
I am licensed in Arkansas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert on 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. I specifically help people with the journey of loss and transition with death losses and non-death loss. The power of change from the pain of grief lies in not letting go or saying goodbye but finding a different way to hold on to the loved one. We will talk about hope amid the pain and how we can develop new relationships with the deceased or around the struggles of non-death loss.
Melinda Taylor
I am licensed in Arkansas and Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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!
Gretchen Graham
I am licensed in Arkansas with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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!
Lyndsey Curry
I am licensed in Arkansas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with a wide range of mental health issues and disorders. I am certified to provide trauma-focused therapy for those who are struggling with processing trauma that they have experienced. 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 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in Arkansas
- Little Rock, AR
- Fort Smith, AR
- Fayetteville, AR
- Springdale, AR
- Jonesboro, AR
- North Little Rock, AR
- Conway, AR
- Rogers, AR
- Bentonville, AR
- Pine Bluff, AR
- Hot Springs, AR
- Benton, AR
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