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.
Deborah Bledsoe
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.
Susan Jamieson
We all want to live better and feel better, in one way or another, and I firmly believe that we all have the ability to do so. I also know that there are times when we need help in getting started or with staying on track. My goal is to give you the knowledge and guidance to make that happen. My formal training and professional and personal life experiences have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to help you decide what changes you want to make and how best to make them. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches based on each person's needs, preferences, and personality. But the one aspect that is a constant is this - it's all about you! I will provide direction and support but every step of the way is done at your pace with every effort made to ensure a productive and positive experience. Note: If at any time you would like to schedule a session with me and do not see a convenient opening on my calendar, feel free to message me your preferred days/times and I will do my best to accommodate.
Andrea Foerster
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri and have been helping individuals seek life solutions for over 10 years. I enjoy helping clients work on a variety of issues but am especially passionate about helping women overcome issues related to anxiety and life changes (relationship, motherhood, menopause, etc). Methods that I have found particularly effective for clients in therapy include but are not limited to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention. For couples and relationship therapy I draw from the Gottman Method to guide the progression. Each client is unique and therapy is planned around the client’s needs and goals. I feel that trust in the therapeutic relationship is the basis for our work together and we will start out investing time to build that relationship. I am hopeful that through a strong therapeutic alliance and evidence-based methods we can make excellent progress toward your goals. Let’s work together to find joy and value in your life that you never thought possible!
Bradley Charbonneau
I provide a non-judgmental approach in therapy, while utilizing evidenced-based practices, for people to overcome their social anxiety and panic while in public places. I encourage clients to work through negative thoughts about themselves and the world in order to build self-esteem, increase confidence and create a sense of well-being.
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.
Sarah Van Hook
I am licensed in Arkansas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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.
Dr. James Guinee
I am licensed in Arkansas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have spent most of my career in university counseling centers, but for the last few years have added providing consultation and therapy to nursing staff at a local hospital, providing therapy to hospital staff through their EAP, and most recently through Better Help. I especially help clients with depression and anxiety (from irrational beliefs and over-thinking), relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, religious conflict, nightmares and dream interpretation, anger management, & low self-esteem. For the past 25 years or so I have provided couples therapy as well as premarital counseling. I specialize in relationship issues, and can work with people individually or as a couple. I will work very hard to help you improve your relationship, but I will also be very direct with you so that we can reduce the size of your blind spot. I have limited success with couples who are dealing with infidelity, and do not have the training or experience to help couples with physical intimacy issues. I believe that the best therapy comes from collaborating together, where I listen and give feedback, and where I provide a place where people can feel safe and be absolutely honest. I am personable, very chill, and do not push people. I have a high rate of success and I love what I do. I check messages throughout the day, so I am particularly good at getting back to people in a very short amount of time. Reach out to me and I we’ll take a first step and see how it goes. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Amber White
Hello, welcome! My counseling style focus is lifestyle management, anxiety and depression. I have been counseling for 8 years with a focus on Individual, family, military and stress recovery. I am not a trauma therapist and will often refer to a specialist. I enjoy sharing knowledge, resources, and skill building content. As well as this app features offer developmental options and prompts for process for a better counseling experience. I request that you share your first and last name, email address, previous counseling history, diagnosis, and have a complete profile. I will refer for topics that I do not specialize in. I enjoy working with clients of all cultures and backgrounds. I have a deep appreciation for culture and take pride in considerations of cultural influences and take pride in remaining non-judgmental. I am able to recognize a large variety of spiritual practices and world views.
Rachel Stephens
I am licensed in Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Currently, I am available to see clients weekend’s only (preferably mornings).
Victoria McDaniel-Tracy
Welcome to Better Help! You've taken a huge step, and I'm sure you're wondering how this works and whether it's the right fit for you. My name is Vickie McDaniel, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oklahoma. I am also a Licensed Independent Social Worker for the state of South Carolina. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2011. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, eating disorders, relationships/parenting and the grief and loss of people or of their pet. As a clinician, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness, self-esteem, positive thinking, and problem solving techniques. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that gives us movement on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to be that person for you. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when someone shares their personal story or experiences with me. Our relationship with our self and others has worth and is useful to explore in counseling. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. The frequency with which you can have access to a counselor to work through day to day emotions and problem solving is extremely beneficial for most and a nice change from traditional outpatient counseling. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings and weekends. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!
Oksana Shiell
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.
Vanessa Smith
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.
Justin Laffoon
I am licensed in Arkansas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship 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. 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.
Tamika Johnson
I want to thank you for taking that first courageous step in the journey of healing, acknowledging that you want support. There are many challenges that we face throughout life and there are times when it can seem overwhelming. As a Helping Hands Professional, I would be honored to walk with you through navigation of your life experiences. Patience and being kind with yourself as you work toward your healing is key to this process. Celebration of every step forward and learning from every step you may take back are significant in reclaiming your strength. Growing pains, although uncomfortable, are necessary to break through to your next level. Guidance along the way is not weakness. My name is Tamika M. Johnson, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked in the field of mental health for many years and have worked with people who presented with many life challenges. I believe in the mind, spirt, and body connection and that everyone deserves to experience enriched and fulfilled lives. Although many may feel underserving of a life of enrichment, they can reach out like you have and get a better footing on what’s necessary to enjoy life again. We will work together to get there. I believe that each person is unique and will work with you to explore meaningful goals through self-awareness, with the understanding that it can be a difficult journey. My goal is to remain patient with you, respect your uniqueness, and invest in your emotional wellness. I provide person centered support that consists of exploring your strengths, attributes and desires for a better life. My areas of specialties include, but are not limited to: Acute, Chronic and Complex traumas, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, Suicidality, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, Body Image, Anxiety, Depression, Borderline Personality, Histrionic and Dependency Disorders. I use many counseling approaches that are specific to individual needs and preferences, such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Person Centered approaches, Christian Counseling, and Trauma Informed Approaches. The counseling experience begins with developing a safe and consistent rapport that allows the counselor and client the space to grow into a healthy therapeutic alliance. Therapy can be challenging. However, having a safe environment to talk about and process life's difficulties is so very important. I am excited in working with you to help you experience the great things that life has to offer you. Let us Work Together to make it happen!
Heather Simmons
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Louisiana with over 5 years of experience working as a LPC. I worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, behavior issues and ADHD. I would have to describe my counseling style as being warm and passionate. I love to provide great counseling skills which includes being patience, a good listener, being knowledgeable, and having/showing empathy . I believe in treating anyone with respect, providing unconditional positive regards and demonstrating high fidelity services. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, interpersonal, group and cognitive therapy, I feel as a counselor my duty is to ensure and use counseling methods to help people manage and overcome mental and emotional issues.
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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