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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Linda McNellis
Hello: My name is Linda McNellis. I am a mental health professional driven to help others overcome personal obstacles with twenty-seven years’ experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) I value each person's unique personality and individual situations that prompt them to seek professional services. I am committed to assist individuals reach their full potential. I have a significant amount of experience working with person coping with loss/grief, depression, anxiety and traumatic stress. Other areas of expertise include: family/relationship issues and self-esteem problems. My counseling style is to communicate with empathy and compassion respecting the integrity of each individual using empowerment to encourage change. The therapeutic techniques used in my practice include cognitive behavioral/dialectical therapy, person centered and stage of development theory. When appropriate I also include aspects of Carl Jung's work integrating spirituality which helps in understanding the deeper aspects of one self. If you are ready for change I am here to help without judgment and with unconditional positive regard. I look forward to working with you.
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Dr. Antimoore Jackson
Hi, I hope you are well or soon will be. My name is Mr. Antimoore Jackson. I would like to share with you a little about my background. I am a doctorate (PhD) educated psychotherapist, dual credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) with over 38 years in the counseling field. The big benefit of these years is that I know a lot about helping people, period! Because of my many years of experience, I’ve had a unique opportunity to work directly with a broad range of individuals and a diverse population of people in various clinical settings. For example, I’ve worked extensively with child and adolescent clients, including the affluent and also those in foster care or with histories of delinquency; I’ve worked with young adults in prison and/or caught up in the criminal justice system; I’ve worked with professionals such as lawyers, teachers, and actually other therapists in denial about their alcohol and drug problem. This vast experience means that I am usually able to quickly assess root causes of problems and provide thorough and effective solutions. I am an excellent fit for any racial or ethnic group, any faith group, the LGBTQ community, youth and teens, couples struggling with marriage or relationship conflicts, and executives dealing with career or life issues. I’ve worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, work related conflict, teens and youth adjustment issues, and alcohol and drug abuse, including DWIs. I also help people who have experienced physical and sexual trauma or emotional abuse and neglect. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. However, I am direct and totally honest in my interaction with persons I help in counseling. I am very knowledgeable about a multitude of counseling models such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling, and the Afrocentric perspective. I will tailor an approach and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. You know, it takes courage to seek help 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 help empower you. I have proven experience. I look forward to working with you! Dr. Antimoore Hugh Jackson
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Aarin Mitchell
My name is Aarin Mitchel. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Arkansas and Louisiana with over 20 years of experience working with children, teenagers, adults and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting problems, self esteem issues, impulsive behaviors, anger and aggression, self harm behaviors and suicidal ideations. I also helped many people who have experienced domestic violence and other abuse including physical, emotional and sexual. My therapy style is caring, open minded and interactive. I strive at being a good listener and creative thinker. I have always believed it is important to treat everyone as an individual and fairly. I aspire to do this using respect, sensitivity, and compassion, in addition to refraining from labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, including trauma focused and person center therapy. I look forward to working with you.
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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.
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Kristie Williams
I am licensed in Arkansas and Arizona. I have 7 years of professional work experience. I am experienced in assisting clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Toni Bailey
Hi, My name is Toni Bailey. I strive to help individuals with authentic emotional awareness and healing with personalized treatment. I am a licensed professional counselor and therapist who has been providing mental health services directly to people for over 9 years. Counting my work in the the mental health field 3 years prior to earning my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have directly helped people in this profession for more than 12 years. I have worked successfully with clients of all ages, who presented with a wide range of challenges, including the emotions related to stress, family and relational issues, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, caregiver stressors, grief and coping with life changes. As a person-centered therapist, I meet you wherever you are in your personal journey with compassion and unconditional support (no judgment) to assist in addressing the effects of stressors, to improve communication, and strengthen effective strategies to better cope with obstacles to mindfulness and joyful living. I approach therapy with warmth and flexible support and an eclectic style that blends evidence-based strategies, including cognitive behavioral, emotionally-focused, solution-focused, strength-based therapies with Existential, Jungian-influenced theories for a more holistic approach to therapy. Dream analysis for problem-solving is a particular passion. Since the therapeutic alliance between counselor and client is the strongest factor in success, I collaborate with you to tailor sessions to your specific needs and to create treatment goals to address your unique circumstances. I will consider adding or adapting my schedule to accommodate special needs where possible. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards effective coping and positive change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.
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Jeanie Staub
I am licensed in Arkansas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, 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.
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Leah Pavela-Mullins
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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Erica Walter
I am a wife and a mother of 4 who knows how tough life can be. I also worked in the corporate world for almost 20 years, and I understand the challenges that come with trying to have it all. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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.
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Ruthie Brooks
Thank you for stopping by! My name is Ruthie Brooks. It takes courage to reach out to a complete stranger for help with your personal journey. We all have moments in life that we need guidance and support to get through life struggles. I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with clients seeking help with stress management, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, anger management, low self-esteem, OCD, and substance abuse. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health profession. My therapeutic approach is grounded in client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, reality therapy, motivational interviewing, exposure-response prevention, and solution-focused and techniques and strategies. I will offer needed guidance and support without judgment. I will assist in empowering you with the skills, strategies, and resources to reach your goals and achieve an optimal level of functioning. The greatest form of courage and strength is making the first step and seeking assistance. Our work together will involve the use of strategies and techniques to alleviate identified symptoms. I look forward to building a positive, collaborative, and effective therapeutic relationship!
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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