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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Veronica Kasprzak Bratcher

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,CMHC
Trauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am a professional counselor licensed in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Utah with over 9 years of experience working as a therapist and an additional 10 years as a social worker and family advocate. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, adoption and foster care, blended families, trauma and grief. I am trained in EMDR which is a highly effective treatment for trauma. I specialize in helping clients working through abuse and/or trauma including complex grief and loss of a child. I approach counseling as an interactive conversation where you are the expert of your experience and I am your coach to help address areas that aren't working the way you need them to and strengthen the tools that have helped you come this far. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, in a non-judgmental space. We are all doing the best we can and sometimes we need some help or another approach to make the progress we are wanting to see. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, attachment, and trauma informed counseling. Our work together will be specific to where you are in your progress and your specific goals. Making changes is brave and can feel uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. Yet staying the same is often already uncomfortable and often why we reach out to change. Let's do this together! I look forward to working with you!

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Kateri Killman

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Trauma counselor licensed in Arkansas with over 10 years of experience. I am also a 20 year retired military veteran. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress, and military/veteran issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, cognitive processing theory and strength based counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take 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!

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Debra Pittman

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW
Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder
15 years of experience

Hi, I'm Debra "Debbie" Pittman. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in Arkansas. I have been compassionately and non-judgmentally working to assist others with making positive changes to their lives for 15 years. I have worked with people challenged by depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and other life changing circumstances. My counseling style is warm, holistic and supportive. I strive to help educate, strengthen and empower others, so they are more confident in living their life to the fullest. I meet you where you are, listen to learn where you want to go and work with you to assist you to work out a road map to get there. I then also walk with you to help you along your journey. As no two people are alike, we tailor your plan to your unique and specific need. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Taking the first steps towards change can be scary. If you are ready to take that step, it would be my honor to assist, support and empower you along your path.

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Sarah Green

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas with a Masters degree in Community Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. I have over 10 years of experience working as a Licensed Professional Counselor with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings including clinics, therapeutic day treatments, residential facilities, acute psychiatric hospital, and residential and outpatient addiction services. Through my experience, I have worked with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, family/relational, attachment, addictions, and trauma. I make great efforts to help my clients feel safe and heard. My approach is first and foremost client-centered with application of cognitive behavioral and solution-focused techniques. I have training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy as well as EMDR. I tailor my treatment plan and therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs. Please note that my clients will need to be located physically in Arkansas at the time of live sessions and when counseling occurs. It takes courage to step forward and seek out therapy services. I will be here to support you and empower you every step of the way. I look forward to working with you as you take the next steps in your journey!

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Jeanie Shade

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LCSW,CECP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker/therapist licensed in the states of Idaho, Montana, and Arkansas. I have 7 years of licensed experience and many years prior of serving people in different capacities. The majority of my licensed experience has been within a hospital setting for adults and adolescents with severe mental health issues. I have seen firsthand the incredible change that often occurs with a person given the opportunity to tell his/her/their story, be genuinely listened to, and be guided to the innate wisdom to wellness that already resides within. For the last two years, I have also been leading a group at my local library to teach mental health wellness skills to community members and providing a setting for the members to practice these new wellness skills. I really enjoy teaching skills that can be applied to all sorts of situations in life, no matter what your story or circumstances. My counseling style is based on being present with a client, not just hearing, but truly listening and being a witness to another. I will want to know what exactly a client wants to learn or resolve and I will provide guidance and insight and teach skills accordingly. I will also introduce ideas I consider foundational to wellness, including mindfulness, really leaning in and feeling our emotions, centeredness and grounding, self-love, the difference between surviving skills and thriving skills, and exploring beliefs and how they create our life stories. My approach combines client-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness therapy as we weave together practical behavioral approaches with deep insights into why we are the way we are and how this can transform. I am also a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner (CECP). The Emotion Code is a form of energy healing. Its premise is that we can trapped unprocessed emotions in as a "stuck" frequency in our energy bodies. As a practitioner, I can assist you in identifying trapped emotions, discovering when they were trapped and in response to what event, and then releasing the stuck energy with intention. You can learn more at Discover Healing (discoverhealing.com). You can view my certification at https://discoverhealing.com/certified-practitioners/. The BetterHelp platform offers you a great opportunity to try out an energy healing modality. I have the flexibility to combine Emotion Code work with a more traditional talk therapy session, or focus solely on Emotion Code one day and talk therapy another day. Give it a try! It takes courage to choose an opportunity for growth and change. I am here to join you on such a journey.

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James Harris

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, and 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 and empower you in that journey.

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Christopher Lankford

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

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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Rachel Stephens

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Currently, I am available to see clients weekend’s only (preferably mornings).

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Sarah Saragusa

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!

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Jessica Helms

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 4 years of professional work experience, and active in a PhD program in counseling paychology. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, behavioral health & confidence. I also have experience working with depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and post traumatic stress 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.

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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