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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Frederick "Fritz" Heidenreich

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,Board Certified Sexual Therapist
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
3 years of experience

Hey! I am glad that you are considering starting your journey to a better, more fulfilled life experience. I personally believe that everyone is capable of positive change. I will work with you to achieve your goals. I received a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and am a Board Certified Sexual Therapist. I also have a degree in Secondary Education. I am currently enrolled in a Doctoral Program in Clinical Sexology at the International Institute of Clinical Sexology. I have experience working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, personality disorders, and trauma. I am also interested in working with individuals seeking assistance with intimacy issues. Whether you are experiencing a sexual dysfunction or simply desire a more satisfactory sexual experience, I am motivated to help you. I believe in a person-centered approach that focuses on what you want to accomplish. My approach involves active listening to help you identify your needs. I will strive to work you to help foster a more satisfying life experience. Please contact me and I assure you that I will do everything I can to help you improve your situation. The first step can be the hardest. I am here to help you take that first step in your journey. I look forward to working with you! Thank 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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Michelle McHugh

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,PIP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, PIP), licensed in Alabama and Arkansas. Over 20 years ago, I began my career after graduating from NYU School of Social Work with my MSW. Since then, I've worked in a variety of clinical settings - from inpatient addiction rehabs and inpatient psychiatric facilities to outpatient mental health clinics. I've developed specialities in the following areas: LGBTQIA concerns, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Codependency, and shame reduction. I currently have 11+ years of active service in the Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer and I have spent the past 8 years working with active Guard soldiers as well as military veterans from all branches. My counseling style is very collaborative, client-focused, and we will avoid stigmatizing language and labels. My approach can combine Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CBT), Mindfulness practices, 12-step recovery principles, with some Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) mixed in. I'm trained and certified in two evidence-based therapies for treating trauma/PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and EMDR. The above approaches will be tailored to fit each client's unique needs. Let's work together to create meaningful and lasting changes in your life. Take that first courageous step and reach out to me today. I'm here and ready to work with you!

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Sarah Van Hook

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

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.

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Pamela Gray

Offering therapy in Arkansas
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions, LGBT-related issues, trauma and abuse & 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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Erin Porter

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, Arkansas, Washington and South Carolina with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBT-related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Victoria McDaniel-Tracy

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

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!

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Summer Prado

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 3 years of experience working in mental health and over 20 years of addiction counseling. I have experience in helping clients reach their full potential in life by focusing on better ways to face difficult challenges. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion with an open mind. Your goals in treatment will be uniquely developed with your input. 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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Kimberly Brown

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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!

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Heather Simmons

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
DepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

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 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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