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.

Lisa Kennedy
I’ve been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for the past 18 years and have worked in many different types of community services such as Geropsych, Hospice, Inpatient Psych and now working with Domestic Violence survivors and their alleged offenders - adults and children through the military. I’m also trained as a Forensic Child Interviewer. I’m well versed in personality disorders and mood disorders, along with aging and marital/couple issues. I consider myself a Behavioral Therapist and use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) as the main mode of therapy, but also use Mindfulness, Solutions Focused Therapy and Strength Base Therapy. I work full time in private practice and am consistent in responding to each and every person that messages me 5 days a week. I absolutely love what I do and I look forward to meeting you, working with you and supporting you through the process of positive changes in your life!

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. Fatimaah Carmichael
Hello, my name is Dr. Fatimaah Carmichael, I received my Masters in Social Work from Howard University and completed advanced training focused on relational interventions for underserved adults. Upon completion of graduate training I worked in diverse settings gaining experience with families, individuals, and couples. I completed my Doctorate in Social Work and received specialized training in Couple-based interventions and collaborative coping strategies to advance healthy decision making. I am passionate about personal growth and interpersonal development. I strive to ensure that collaborative partnerships are developed with clients by encouraging a judgement-free and empowering clinical setting. I work with individuals and couples to confront personal problems such as dating, blended-families, infidelity, divorce, career-transition, addictions, stress-management, depression and other life challenges. My clients are empowered to work to enhance their lives and create supportive internal and external networks that provide greater overall balance. I utilize techniques that are culturally-centered and focused on cognitive-behavioral theory and emotion-focused therapeutic strategies. Integrating these techniques creates an opportunity to gain clarity and achieve wholistic life goals.

Tanya Cannon
I am an LCSW licensed in Arkansas with over 10 years of experience working in mental health. In the past, I have worked with a wide range of clients. including ages 4-10 years old and their parents in school therapy, veterans who have PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, borderline, antisocial diagnosis, and trauma. My style is warm, caring, and client-centered. It is important for you, the client, to be involved in the treatment planning process as we are working toward YOUR goals. My approach combines cognitive behavior, client-centered, family therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused interventions. Sometimes we need a little extra support when life is not working out the way we wish it was, and I am happy to assist you if you think this is something you could benefit from now. I look forward to hearing from you and empowering you to be on the path you desire.

Dr. Deandriea Bass-Carrigan
Are you ready? Ready to take back control of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. If your answer is yes, you have come to the right place. I am a licensed professional counselor. I have over 10 years of experience providing career counseling and over 5 years of experience working with clients experiencing various concerns related to anxiety, burnout, stress, depression, and other disorders. Our thoughts, feelings, and emotions are like fluids. Our levels can be high or dangerously low. One of my favorite quotes is "you can't pour from an empty cup!" My goal is to help you identify ways to refill your cup so you may continue building yourself and others! I believe in allowing my clients to play an active role in the therapy process from the beginning. My therapy methods are driven by concepts; concepts that are tailored to you, the client. So, you have made it this far, don't turn back. Call me today! Come find your new happy place!

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.

Deborah Boye
I am licensed in Arkansas and Nebraska with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

Crystal Brooks
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in both Arkansas and Texas. I have over 13 years of experience as a social worker dedicated to helping others learn tools that they can put in their emotional toolbox to use when needed. I work with both adults and couples who want to not only process what they are going through but also learn about themselves in order to discover what tools they need to grow. I am a little different than what you probably think of when you consider going to a therapist, but this is a good thing. I will tailor your therapy experience to your unique personality and way of dealing with emotions or struggles that you may encounter in life. This will allow you to discover your strengths and how you can use them to overcome your current circumstance. My current appointment schedule is limited to Monday through Thursday during lunch hours and early evening.

Stacie Armstrong
I am licensed in Arkansas and Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Ashley Budovec
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in Arkansas and Oklahoma with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I have certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I also have over 11 years experience in working with Veterans and their families. 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.
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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