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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Dr. Scott Butler
Hi, thanks for taking some time to get to know me. I am Dr. Scott Butler. I am licensed in Louisiana and Arkansas as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from LSU and a Master’s and Ph.D. in mental health counseling from the University of New Orleans. I've been offering counseling for over 30 years. I was married for 30 years and have three daughters; one is an attorney, one is a licensed professional counselor, working on her Ph.D. and my youngest is a junior in college. I have worked in many different mental health settings including hospitals, crisis intervention hotlines, non-profit organizations, as a preferred provider for local and state agencies and over 20 years in adoption and foster care work. I have been deemed an expert witness in criminal and civil cases and have authored one novel, king cake baby. I use a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach to counseling which is a goal-oriented treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. I generally do 45 minute sessions. If interested in working with me, please provide your full name and an emergency contact name and number as this is required to facilitate professional counseling. Life can be difficult, right? Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we simply need someone to help guide us to a better place. I am a trained listener. I take in the information you provide and turn it back to you in a step by step approach to help you move beyond what brought you to me. Beginning this process with the right counselor helps you get better, faster. I hope to be that counselor.
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Pamela Goucher
Hello! My name is Pam Goucher. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in both Arkansas and Tennessee with over 30 years of experience working as a clinical therapist. I have experience in behavioral health and medical social work, so I have an understanding of the impact medical issues can have on someone's life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, parenting and relationship issues. I have also worked with individuals who have experienced alcoholism/addictions. I am familiar with the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am most comfortable with a Christian approach, but I am accepting of and have worked with various religious beliefs and lifestyles including LGBTQ. I come from a military background as my father was a Vietnam vet and my son has completed 5 tours of duty in Iraq/Afghanistan. I am also a grandparent raising a grandchild. So as you can see, I am a fairly experienced, well- rounded person. I understand that sometimes life just happens and we need help making sense of it all! My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am open minded and accepting of others. I will not judge you or present as biased. My therapy style is eclectic, as I use whatever your unique and specific needs call for. I do tend to lean more towards cognitive-behavioral therapy though as I believe every situation provokes a thought--a thought a feeling-- which in turn produces an attitude or behavior. I also like to explore your family of origin issues as those early family dynamics do tend to influence who we are today. I always start by reassuring my clients that they aren't crazy or weird...what you're feeling is normal for what you are experiencing right now. Anyone in your shoes would most likely be feeling the same way. It's okay and you're okay! We can figure it out together:) I look forward to working with you!
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Derrick Singleton
I am a licensed professional counselor with over 13 years of experience working as a mental health counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse, although I am not certified in any specific trauma. My counseling style is open, interactive, and directive specifically as it relates to homework assignments that can keep the client actively working on themselves before their next session. I treat everyone with respect, concern, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have worked with young adults and geriatrics in dealing with depression, anxiety, and grief issues. I have worked well with teens for over thirteen years and help them to build their self work, mock interviews, teens assigned to a probation officer. I am excited about the client/counselor experience and assisting the client in fulfilling goals while taking 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 by phone, video, and texting/messages.
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Ashley Wilson
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.
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Michelle McHugh
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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Michele Rowe
I am licensed in Arkansas with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes as well as grief and loss. I believe in empowering individuals to make the changes they want to make and offering them the tools they need to support those changes. I am here to listen to your unique story and work with you on your goals.
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LaJoya McDonald
I am licensed in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Christopher Lankford
I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Arkansas and Missouri with over 5 years of professional work experience. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of New England in December of 2018. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, and trauma. As a clinical social worker, I believe in the dignity and worth of each person and I provide a safe, compassionate, and empathetic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am passionate about working with people to help them learn skills they can use to manage their issues and live more satisfying lives. I use evidenced-based therapies to help my clients develop skills to accept their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and to learn more helpful ways to respond to them. 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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Randal Voss
I am licensed in Arkansas and Texas with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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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Dr. Sha-Rhonda Green
Welcome, I'm Dr. Green. This is a sacred space for women to empower, heal, and rise within individual therapy. As a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2004, I've devoted my career to supporting women's wellness. My research expertise lies in the intricate lives of Black women, exploring the intersections of multiple roles and well-being. I am deeply committed to empowering Black women, recognizing the profound impact of intersecting systems of oppression, including racism, sexism, and other forms of marginalization, on their lives and well-being. I draw upon a trauma-informed care approach, integrating elements of: - Strengths-Based: Empowering your resilience and capabilities - Solution-Focused: Collaborating to achieve your goals - Rational-Emotive: Challenging negative thought patterns - Client-Centered: Honoring your autonomy and self-direction - Cognitive Behavioral: Reframing thoughts, feelings, and actions Together, we'll navigate life's complexities, fostering growth, resilience, and radiant well-being. This is a safe haven for women to share, discover, and thrive – mind, heart, and spirit.
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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