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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Trudy Crow

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,DAIS
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Welcome, my name is Trudy. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and I have been working in the field of mental health for over 18 years. I love what I do, and that is why I do it. Education: Walden University - Human Services Administration - Graduate Certificate - 2014 University of Arkansas-Little Rock - Social Work - MSW - 2007 University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Social Work - BSW - 2005 Experience: I have worked primarily in the outpatient treatment setting, with individuals with a variety of mental health and stress-related issues since 2005. My journey working in mental health began with a co-ed inpatient substance abuse treatment facility where I taught relaxation techniques, anger management, stress reduction, and coping strategies. From there, I evolved into the outpatient community mental health arena. I have served as an on-call therapist, group therapist, individual therapist, family therapist, and couples/marriage therapist. I have significant experience in dealing with self-harm and alternative coping strategies as well. While I have worked with all diagnoses, I have a passion for stress reduction, relaxation, depression, anxiety, and grief counseling. I lean toward Cognitive Behavior Therapy(CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping), but I also have experience with Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). I teach meditation techniques and mindfulness practices. I am also a certified Reiki Master, a Life Coach, and an active member of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. You have now entered a space that is safe and built for you to feel supported and improve your life! Welcome! Suggested reading: The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

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Brittany Livingston

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficulties
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Licensed Clinical Supervisor in the State of Arkansas, Minnestota, and Nebraska. I have been in practice for the past 18 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and i have treated a wide variety of clients with various mental health issues. I enjoy working with clients in a holistic way to help them regain hope, identify strengths, and develop a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Some of the areas of focus that I treat are stress and anxiety, work-place issues, discrimination issues, relationship issues, depression, jealousy, self-esteem and lack of motivation issues, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, hoarding behaviors, poor coping skills, and promoting a healthier relationship with food/exercise/ and body image. While i use a holistic approach to treatment and take into consideration the context and other factors that are going on within the life of the individual, there are a variety of treatment modalities that I apply in my sessions. Some of the treatment methodologies that I use are cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness skills, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, educational approaches, and Gestalt therapy. Beginning therapy can be a big step, and I am here to help you get started! I look forward to working with you and helping you to build the tools that you need to build and healthier and more productive life!

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Treva Ross-Sanders

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MRC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Professional Counselor licensed in Arkansas and have worked for over twenty five years in counseling and case management with adults and families. My license specialization is in Rehabilitation Counseling. I have worked with adults and families with a variety of clinical issues ranging from Dual-Diagnosis with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, career and job adjustment counseling, relationships issues, parenting, and other issues. My therapeutic approach is of warm acceptance, unconditional positive regard as I utilize my skills in Person Centered and Cognitive Behavior Therapy and most recently Cognitive Processing Therapy. I believe in facilitating growth and change through support then working with you to identify, explore, process, and implement new or refined skills to manage thoughts/feelings/emotions/behaviors. I believe that initiating the first step to change is through counseling and facilitating this change involves taking a journey. A journey of self introspection and exploration along with safety and support is what I believe I can do along with you.

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Deborah Bledsoe

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS,LPC,LADAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Hello . My name is Deborah Bledsoe and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialty in Drug and Alcohol and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas in 1999. I have gone on to further my education and knowledge with Rehabilitation Counseling at University of Arkansas Little Rock and I am also a certified tobacco interventionist. I work with individuals and families with a wide range of concerns, including mood disorders, depression, substance abuse, trauma-informed care, family relations problems, communication, anger management, life changes and compassion fatigue. I come from an eclectic approach to counseling, but by the client’s presenting concerns, motivation and goals, the therapies that could be used are client centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy psychodynamic therapy, solution focused therapy and trauma-informed care. I am a counselor of color, with over twenty years in counseling, substance abuse and mental health. I would be a good match for someone seeking an older and mature counselor. Life as we have once known has dramatically changed, which has brought struggles and overwhelming challenges to face daily. I would like to help you provide solutions to these challenges that you face. If you make the first step to seek help, I will walk with you. If you are willing to put the work in you will see a much healthier you. I look forward to being a part of your journey to a fulfilled life.

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Dr. Joey Gardner

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: DSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
12 years of experience

Hello, My name is Dr. Joey Gardner and it is a pleasure to serve you during this time of need. I am a LCSW with a doctorate in social work and masters in information technology health informatics. I believe that my education, clinical, and technology skills makes me the ultimate clinician to serve your needs. I have experience working with providers providing care coordination services to assist individuals with finding optimal care within their community. I believe that with the right resources we are able to provide effective care to increase production in society. I have experience working in school based, inpatient, and outpatient services. My counseling style is interactive with a cognitive-behavioral and solution focused approach. I truly believe that I have the skillset to be productive in order to meet your needs during this time. My goal is to empower you to be the best you. Thank you again for this opportunity and I hope to hear from you soon.

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Sarah Green

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas with a Masters degree in Community Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. I have over 10 years of experience working as a Licensed Professional Counselor with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings including clinics, therapeutic day treatments, residential facilities, acute psychiatric hospital, and residential and outpatient addiction services. Through my experience, I have worked with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, family/relational, attachment, addictions, and trauma. I make great efforts to help my clients feel safe and heard. My approach is first and foremost client-centered with application of cognitive behavioral and solution-focused techniques. I have training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy as well as EMDR. I tailor my treatment plan and therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs. Please note that my clients will need to be located physically in Arkansas at the time of live sessions and when counseling occurs. It takes courage to step forward and seek out therapy services. I will be here to support you and empower you every step of the way. I look forward to working with you as you take the next steps in your journey!

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Christopher Lankford

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

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Arkansas and Missouri with over 5 years of professional work experience. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of New England in December of 2018. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, and trauma. As a clinical social worker, I believe in the dignity and worth of each person and I provide a safe, compassionate, and empathetic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am passionate about working with people to help them learn skills they can use to manage their issues and live more satisfying lives. I use evidenced-based therapies to help my clients develop skills to accept their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and to learn more helpful ways to respond to 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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Leah Pavela-Mullins

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,C-ET
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

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Courtney Porter

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

I am licensed in Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and 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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Brandi DeLeon

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping 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 and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. 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:

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.
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