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.

Brittany Livingston
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Licensed Clinical Supervisor in the State of Arkansas, Minnestota, and Nebraska. I have been in practice for the past 18 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and i have treated a wide variety of clients with various mental health issues. I enjoy working with clients in a holistic way to help them regain hope, identify strengths, and develop a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Some of the areas of focus that I treat are stress and anxiety, work-place issues, discrimination issues, relationship issues, depression, jealousy, self-esteem and lack of motivation issues, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, hoarding behaviors, poor coping skills, and promoting a healthier relationship with food/exercise/ and body image. While i use a holistic approach to treatment and take into consideration the context and other factors that are going on within the life of the individual, there are a variety of treatment modalities that I apply in my sessions. Some of the treatment methodologies that I use are cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness skills, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, educational approaches, and Gestalt therapy. Beginning therapy can be a big step, and I am here to help you get started! I look forward to working with you and helping you to build the tools that you need to build and healthier and more productive life!

Francis Jones III
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in private practice in Conway, AR. I grew up in Conway in the 70s and 80s, and graduated from Hendrix College in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 1998, I earned my master’s degree in psychology Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, MO. I earned my Missouri license to be a professional counselor in 2002 while working at Boys’ and Girls’ Town of Missouri in St. James, MO. I opened a private practice, Empowerment Counseling, LLC, with a partner. For the next few years, I provide my services a psychotherapist to private clients as well as children, adults, families referred to me by the Missouri Division of Family and Youth Services. I moved back to Conway in 2017 to be near family and opened my private practice, Jones Counseling Services, LLC where I have work since then. I have 20 plus years of experience providing my counseling services to people of all ages (five years of age and older) to help them deal with and/or overcome their mental issues in all kinds of settings--in person and online. Sincerely, F. Dunn Jones, MA, LPC, NBCC, ABDD, dunnjonesiii@gmail.com If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone NOW, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or call 866-903-3787 (the National Mental Health Hotline-MHH).

Kenneth Roy
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas with over 10 years of experience providing therapy for children and adolescents in outpatient and inpatient settings. I have experience working with clients with a variety of treatment issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, trauma based disorders, and ADHD. My counseling approach is supportive, engaging, and interactive. My theoretical orientation includes cognitive-behavioral approaches, however I will modify the treatment modality to meet your clinical needs. I look forward to working with you!

Sarah Van Hook
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.

Meredith Watkins
I am licensed in Arkansas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. 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!

Ginger Blacksmith
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.

Leslie Salmon
I am licensed in Arkansas and Illinois with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, grief, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

Vanessa Smith
Hello, My name is Vanessa Smith LPC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana. I have over 10 years of experience working with mental health. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds and concerns. I have worked with individuals addressing concerns of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, anger, substance abuse, life changes (loss of job, loss of family member, etc.…). Also, I have experience working with returning citizens. I would describe my style of therapy as warm and interactive. I believe in being person-centered and humanistic. I believe the client is the expert on his or her life. I prefer to assist the client by guiding and assisting through inner knowing, interpersonal changes, and healing. My overall goal is to assist people in working towards fulfillment of their maximum potential, healing, and gaining a new perspective on life.

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.

Heather Simmons
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:
- 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
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming