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.

This is Ashley Wilson's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Wilson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

Ashley Wilson, is a Chicago native who graduated from Arkansas State University with a Education Specialist Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, who has a passion for helping others reach total wellness. Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with families, couples, and individuals, through support and counseling, effectively address personal life challenges. She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma. Under a person-centered approach, her modalities used in treatment may include, CBT, REBT, family therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. Ashley’s goal is to help adults reach their highest potential and to help families live more harmonious and happier lives together.

This is Emily Wilson's avatar and link to their profile

Emily Wilson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,LMFT,CRC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
23 years of experience

I am licensed professional counselor in Arkansas & Louisiana, a License Marriage and Family Therapist in Louisiana, a nationally licensed Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Clinical Licensed Professional Counselor in Maine. Over the past 20 years I have worked in a variety of settings allowing experience in multiple areas. I have Bachelor's Degrees in Biology and Psychology, and a master Degree in Counseling and Guidance. I have experience in addictions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, military issues, abuse issues, relationship problems just to name a few. My therapy style is eclectic by nature, I don't believe in one size fit all therapy. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific immediate and long term needs. I look forward to working with you!

This is Kristie Williams's avatar and link to their profile

Kristie Williams

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

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!

This is Ginger Blacksmith's avatar and link to their profile

Ginger Blacksmith

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe there is hope and positive change possible for each individual and family. Through faith-based counseling, I strive to empower clients to find the Peace of Mind, knowing that many individual and family burdens can be relieved through the collaborative relationship with a trained coach or counselor.

This is Dr. James Guinee's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. James Guinee

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Relationship issuesGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

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.”

This is Bennisha McKinney's avatar and link to their profile

Bennisha McKinney

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Arkansas and Oklahoma with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is VaKendall Long 's avatar and link to their profile

VaKendall Long

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 19 years of experience in the social work field. I have over 12 years of experience providing counseling and mental health services. I have extensive knowledge working with individuals who have experienced some type of trauma or mental health crisis; specifically, individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and anger issues. I enjoy working with a diverse clientele; I enjoy helping people in general navigate through life challenges. My theoretical orientation in therapy is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. My counseling style is very laid back; I launch from a strength perspective; always exploring the strengths of the individual. I believe in work life balance. Some of my self-care activities include tennis, exercise, travel, prayer, music, and spending time with family & friends.

This is Pedro  Ricardo Gonzalez's avatar and link to their profile

Pedro Ricardo Gonzalez

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC-S,RPT-S,TBRI_Practitioner
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
22 years of experience

Hello, I am Pedro Ricardo Gonzalez, Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas and Colorado. I am bilingual (Spanish) and have a passion for working with people. I believe that every human is capable of self-discovery, change and growth. I collaborate with clients to create reasonable, attainable goals for positive life change. My academic credentials are supported by 20+ years of clinical and youth advocacy experiences in higher education, non-profit community-based programs, inpatient residential care settings and private practice. I work with all ages, from very young children through older adults. My extensive experience allows me to work successfully with a diverse array of clients. I am comfortable with people from a wide variety of racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. I recognize that each person’s situation is unique. In order to meet your needs, I use holistic, traditional, and integrative approaches. Let's work together and help you reach your fullest potential!

This is Braeghtyn McAleese's avatar and link to their profile

Braeghtyn McAleese

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Melinda Taylor's avatar and link to their profile

Melinda Taylor

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas and Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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!

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.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist