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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Martha Hamm

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

Hi, I'm Martha. I have a Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I have 23 years of clinical experience and am well versed in : Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and others. My approach is one of compassion and validation. It is my goal to collaborate with you to achieve your goals and move you in the direction that you seek. I will help you feel better about yourself and your situation while empowering you to remove blockages to your happiness and success. I am non-judgmental and provide a supportive positive venue for the affirmation and transformation of problems into problems solved. I enjoy all people and seeing them blossom and grow. You will find validation and support with me. Life can be challenging at times and confusing. Relationships can be difficult to navigate. I will guide you to your own conclusions. Specialties Include: Anxiety Relationships Depression Bi-polar PTSD Self-esteem Careers

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Barbara Ackeret-Smith

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Certified Social Worker for 35 years. I have a broad range of experience with all ages of clients. I enjoy working with a variety of ages, problems and situations. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client centered therapy primarily but often adjust my technique to meet the unique needs of my client. I have an easy-going, warm approach to therapy as well as life in general. I love to connect with others using empathy, listening and humor. I have vast experience with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic disorder, aging and caregiving issues. I also have experience with more severe mental health issues and personality disorders. My experiences also include assisting clients with adjustment to physical disability, pain and resulting mental health issues, family and marital issues. I have also worked with Hospice patients and their families helping them to managing death and dying issues. It is with much admiration and respect that I engage with clients in the journey to wellness and good mental health. I look forward to hearing your story and concerns and working to find solutions.

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Dr. Warren Roby

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MS,PhD,LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am an educator who firmly believes that counseling is a learning experience. It involves processing information and making decisions based upon it. My goal is to get clients into a frame of mind that promotes positive change. I assist them in writing the next chapter of their life story. I draw on my training in linguistics and languages to help people find the right words to describe their issues, express their dreams, and formulate realistic plans. My international work and travel experiences have enriched my life and they equip me to deal with clients from diverse backgrounds and to prepare those who are embarking on an overseas posting. I have a passion for career issues: burnout, co-worker conflict, anxiety about downsizing, involuntary termination, etc. My 35 years in higher education (six universities) make me familiar with options for those who wish to retool for another line of work.

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Diane Williams

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Arkansas with over 5 years of experience working in the following settings: outpatient, residential, Christian base, and private practice. I have worked with various populations with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting problems. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe that everyone has a voice no matter how big or small without fear of being stifled. Thus, I will respect and provide compassion throughout the therapeutic process. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focus, dialectical, and client center therapy. It takes courage to make the first step toward change and I will be there to empower and support you I look forward to working with you!

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Stephanie Hebert

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
LGBTGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

My name is Stephanie Hebert and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arkansas. I have been working in the mental health field for 13 years and practicing therapy for almost 10. During the course of my career, I have worked with all populations from young to old in a variety of settings, including school-based, outpatient, and long-term inpatient. The majority of presenting problems have included mood disorders, psychosis, adjustment disorders, trauma, and grief. I best serve people who are willing to solve their problems/issues which are causing them distress on a daily basis. My therapeutic style is very solution-focused to gain an understanding of the problem from a nurturing client-centered point of view. I believe that only you know what’s best for your life. I can’t give you answers. But with the right direction, it is my goal to empower you to recognize and seek the changes you wish to make in life.

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Casheena Ware

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients, in particular, young adults, with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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William Rusnak

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I believe life is a process filled with opportunities to learn and grow. I see myself as a guide to help you travel down difficult paths when you feel stuck, lost, or helpless. I will not give you answers but I will help you search for them. The counseling process is just that – a process. While there are no guarantees for the outcome of the counseling, I will work with you to determine counseling goals and treatment plans to help you in your situation. I utilize an Attachment based focus as part of therapy incorporating CBT and DBT techniques. Should the need arise, I can offer a Christian and Biblical perspective. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked in the defense and telecom industries. I was married for 25 years until my wife succumbed to a rare form of dementia. I took care of her the last six years of her life while I was also learning to become a counselor. I understand the effects of dementia, life as a caregiver, depression, grief and loss as well as the experience of starting over. Life can be difficult. Do not travel these difficult paths alone. Counseling has become a third career for me but talking to and helping people has been a lifelong experience and joy. I am licensed in Texas and Arkansas.

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Stacie Armstrong

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

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.

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Leah Pavela-Mullins

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,C-ET
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

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Ashley Crafton

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
3 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/family issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I have worked briefly in an outpatient agency setting, and I am currently working in an academic setting in which I work with kids K-12th grade. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I primarily take a person-centered approach with heavy use of cognitive behavior techniques in my practice. I am also trained in Brainspotting feel comfortable using this technique via telehealth. 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! I look forward to meeting with you.

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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