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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Dr. Michelle Dobson
Hello! My name is Michelle Dobson and I’m a licensed professional counselor in the State of Arkansas. I hold a master's degree in mental health counseling and a PhD in counselor education and supervision. In addition, I am a Registered Play Therapist. I believe in the power of play for all individuals. I have over ten years of experience helping individuals of all ages overcome depression, anxiety, trauma and other life stressors. I have helped couples and families resolve conflict and improve family dynamics. I focus on communication and relationship building as the keys to overcome most mental health issues. I view past experiences as important for understanding the present situation, however, the main focus of counseling will be on setting and achieving future goals. I understand family systems and the impact it can have on the mental health of all family members. I believe each individual has within them the strengths needed to achieve their goals, whether personal or family. Through the therapeutic relationship, we will locate and develop your strengths together to accomplish those goals.
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Briana Cunningham
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Arkansas with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with clients on a range of issues including anxiety, relationship issues and depression. I also have helped with Physical, Emotional, and Sexual trauma. I believe that it is important to provide a safe environment of respect, compassion, and empathy to facilitate change. I use a combination of general systems theory and Cognitive Behavioral approaches and other interventions to aid in meeting whatever needs you may have. It can be hard to take the first step, but I am here to help whenever you are ready to move towards healing. I look forward to working with you.
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Kateri Killman
I am a Trauma counselor licensed in Arkansas with over 10 years of experience. I am also a 20 year retired military veteran. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress, and military/veteran issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, cognitive processing theory and strength based counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take 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!
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Dr. Wallace "Dent" Gitchel
I am a therapist in Arkansas with over 25 years experience in mental health as a clinician and educator. I also have thirty years of meditation experience and am a certified teacher of mindfulness and compassion meditation, as well as the author of Pursuing Purpose: A Guide to Finding Meaning Through Meditation. I have worked with clients on a wide variety of issues, including stress management, depression anxiety, emotional and psychotic disorders, relationships, sexuality, shame, hopelessness and histories of trauma and abuse. My therapy approach is compassion-oriented, and I strive to help my clients find more purpose, self-compassion and meaning in their lives. I approach my clients with warmth and acceptance. The therapeutic bond is very sacred to me and I strive to show up with honesty, integrity and authenticity. I believe very much in autonomy and the capacity to heal and will do everything in my power to assist you with your goals, and to provide you with tools to integrate into your life. I applaud you in your courage to take this important step toward a more meaningful life and look very forward to assisting you on this important journey.
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Tiffany Diggs
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tiffany Murray. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the mental health field. Being mentally well is part a of daily self care that often is neglected in this fast paced world. I am here to help you cope and challenge any issues related to relationship issues, anxiety, depression, parenting struggles and more. Let me partner with you in your transformation to become an even better version of yourself. It can be so difficult to take on the world and multiple roles that society places upon us as parents, partners, employees, friends, etc. I am here to help process, and provide tools to you that will help you face all barriers! Forming a solid therapeutic relationship is key. It is important to me that all of my clients see me as reliable and supportive through this process. I use a variety of therapy methods including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and CBT therapy. I tend to adjust my therapy approach based on feedback from clients, and through trial and error. I am trauma informed, and see the strength and courage in everyone who has continued to live, despite how challenging life gets. Meaningful Quotes: "Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."- Joshua Marine " The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow."- unknown “Let nothing dim the light that shines from within” – Maya Angelou
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Leslie Salmon
I am licensed in Arkansas and Illinois with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, grief, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!
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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.

Braeghtyn McAleese
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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Julie Kline
Welcome to my profile! You're taking a step toward improving your life and getting the help that you desire. I'm honored that you took the time to read a little about me and my professional background and experience. I am licensed in Arkansas and Oklahoma with 24 years of professional work experience in the human service field, with 14 of those in private therapy practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Andrea Goodwin
I am licensed in Arkansas with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
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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