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.

Shannon Caraway
After spending 18 years in education, I began my career in mental health as a case manager and admissions coordinator. After 3 years, I obtained my masters in social work and began working as a therapist. I have experience in geriatric and adult in-patient psych, as well as outpatient, day treatment, and school-based services. My youngest client has been 3 years of age while my oldest has been 99. I love working with people and feel as though I've always connected well with all ages.

Dr. Jina Lewallen
Welcome to Better Help, Now that you have decided to seek support for the challenges you are experiencing, I am happy to be a supportive part of your journey. I am an LCSW, licensed in Arkansas and Texas and have over 15 years of clinical practice and 10 years of teaching Social Work. My specialty area is working with older adults whether individually, couples or families in areas of life transitions, depression, anxiety, dementia, capacity, life planning, and end of life planning. I also have experience working with diverse challenges in all age groups including depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders as well as dual diagnosis comorbidities. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities including, CBT, DBT Motivational Interviewing, Narrative and Mindfulness as well as Problem and Solution Focus work and Client-Centered environment. My approach to therapies are collaborative as I believe working together results in best outcomes for you. Therapy can be difficult but well worth the time and effort. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Ginah Pettyjohn
I have experience working with different populations from many different backgrounds and seasons of life. I facilitate client's healing and growth by creating a safe environment as well as by being authentic, supportive, compassionate, and empathic within a comfortable atmosphere. I primarily practice Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques. I focus on implementing new skills and tools to ease distressing emotions from the past, for the present, and to build resilience for the future. I would love to help you to work through this current season of life and prepare you for the future. So feel free to reach out by phone or email for more information. I look forward from hearing from you.

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.

Dr. Vaughn DeCoster
We all lead busy, complex lives and often are very hard on ourselves… actually, we're doing “the best we can do” with what life throws at us. Takes courage to seek help, to actively move towards a more satisfying, meaningful, and happier life... wonderful that you’re considering this first step. I am a licensed doctoral-level social worker with 30+ years of clinical experience, helping people grow from life’s challenges like stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, & intimacy related issues. I’m here to support you in your journey, recognizing your unique situation, needs, and abilities. Over the years as a therapist and university professor, I’ve acquired a lot of helpful tools that target feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, some even involving photography. I believe, though, you’re the “expert” on your life, therapy is a creative, collaborative endeavor, experimenting with different strategies until we find what works. Knowing that time is precious, I’m more engaged than some therapists, truly dedicated to providing you compassionate support to foster healing, build strength, and enhance resiliency. I will adapt our sessions and plans to meet your needs using evidence-based approaches. Let’s chat and see what we can accomplish together.

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.

Kenneth Jones
I have been a mental health counselor since 1999. Since that time, the experience I have gained has helped to prepare me for work with individuals from multiple walks of life. I have learned to speak less and listen more intently. I would love to be of service to you and to jointly pursue your goals for change.

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.”

Mary Egger
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas with 12+ years of professional work experience. A large portion of my experience has been working with children and adults on the Autism Spectrum. With this experience I have worked directly with clients, as well as their families. I am also a Registered Play Therapist, and love to incorporate play into my sessions. Play is not just for kids anymore. Working on an online platform I can incorporate directive play therapy techniques to help clients of any age process anxiety, fears and other struggles you may be facing. 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!

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!
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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