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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Daryl Mitchell

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
26 years of experience

Hello and welcome. Thank you for reading my profile. I begin counseling by listening. Every person is unique and your experiences are different from others. I do not tell people what to do. Instead I will help you explore the possibilities that your problems reveal and guide you to choose the best path for yourself. Experience teaches me that people get stuck when the story of themselves doesn't match their current reality. The stuckness usually comes from believing that change is too hard or not possible based on past choices. The truth is we choose our way going forward. There may be obstacles, but giving up on the life we want is deeply dissatisfying. I enjoy joining people to encourage them to be true to themselves. There is only one you. No one can else can be you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arkansas and Oklahoma. I have 26 years of experience in helping people choose their life instead of feeling like passengers. I have worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics, elementary and high schools, and am now in private practice for my 16th year. My work is primarily with people experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, traumatic events, family problems, work problems, and relationship problems. I use problem solving, supportive techniques, and cognitive / behavioral techniques. But mostly I ask my clients to make changes and assess the results with me, then choose what works best. You are a courageous person to even consider taking this step. It shows you want to take back the wheel of your life. I would be honored to be chosen to see where you can go!

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Allen Busby

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS, Ed.S, LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor in Arkansas with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. 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, client centered, psychodynamic, and Gestalt 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. 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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Kathleen Hove

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Therapy provides the powerful opportunity to connect with another person who knows what it's like to experience suffering but who also knows the way through it. It’s easy to feel alone during the painful parts of life such as when others hurt us, we let ourselves down, or plans don’t play out the way we hoped, but the reality is that all of us can relate to these moments because they are part of the human experience. As a fellow human, I can empathize with your suffering. As a therapist, I can help alleviate it with evidence-based treatments tailored to you. I am honored to have been working in mental health for almost ten years now. I have gained a wide variety of experience during that time working with different emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges among adults, children, and families. I have a special place in my heart for working with fear-based symptoms like anxiety and trauma, which is why I specialize in treating those conditions. We all need and deserve to feel safe within ourselves and our surroundings, and I am passionate about building that sense of safety for others who are missing it. If you choose to work with me, you will be met with non-judgment, empathy, compassion, and a playful sense of humor when appropriate. I value a collaborative approach to therapy where I trust in you as the expert on yourself to help me guide our therapeutic process in the right direction. I am hopeful that together we can begin to bridge the gap between where you are and where you would like to be.

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Natasch Lindsey-Acker

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

My name is Natasch Lindsey Acker. I am a licensed therapist. You can call me Talyah. I've been fascinated with psychology my whole life. I've worked in the fields of education with young people, and then in counseling for a total of 20 years. I've attended Spelman College, Columbia College, and the University of Arkansas. I've chosen to specialize in helping people have better relationships. Much of what we struggle with today is a direct result of the things we learned and experienced in our past. Things that we had no control over. My favorite two sayings are "Knowledge is Power" and "Team work makes the dream work." They can be corny, I know; but cliches become cliches for a reason. Because they start with well worn truth. Gaining knowledge of how our mind works can empower us in so many ways. It's like turning on the light switch in a cluttered attic. You can see the fullness of your environment and can easily navigate your way through once you see the full space clearly. Our lives are like that. Because we are social creatures, we live, and grow, and develop our sense of self by what we see reflected in the eyes of others. It is vital that we have a support network. And sometimes that support can start with just one person who will take the time to listen and be on your side. I am here to be that person for you. I am passionate about helping people learn how to have a healthy connection with themselves and with others; because those connections are our greatest sources of happiness and satisfaction. You can have better relationships, more outward success, and greater peace. You can rewrite your old scripts and choose how you want your life to unfold, rather than continuing to follow the old patterns that worked in the past, but are no longer working in your best interest now. Thank you for taking this first step with me.

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Kateri Killman

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

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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Robert "Scotty" Smittle

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS,LPC
LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Thank you so much for giving me your consideration when it comes to your mental health. I know it can be a lot to think about trusting someone with all of the thoughts and feelings! Let me take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Scotty, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arkansas. I've been doing this for 15 years and have experience with adults and children, individuals, couples, and families. I also have experience with adults and children with special needs. I take a cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approach, and can implement a faith-based perspective as well, if that's what you're looking for. My primary focus throughout the therapy process is person-to-person connection. If we don't have that, we won't make progress, and progress is why we're here! I look forward to meeting you. Talk to you soon.

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Carrie Reed

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression as well as other various mental health aspects. 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. 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.

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Shaquila Glass

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in District of Columbia and Virginia, with 12 years of professional experience. I have experience helping clients with trauma, stress, life-transitions, anxiety, and overcoming challenges. I have received additional training for maternal mental health, women's issues, and female adolescents transitioning into womanhood. 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. I am dedicated to fostering healthy relationships and emotional well-being across diverse populations.

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Sarah Saragusa

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!

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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