Fort Smith has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based treatment.
Therapists in Fort Smith, AR
In search of a licensed therapist? Fort Smith, AR is home to plenty—and with BetterHelp, you can look beyond Sebastian County and find the therapist that’s right for you.
With BetterHelp, you’re not limited to the mental health professionals in the river valley—we network with therapists across Arkansas, meaning you can connect with a clinician who specializes in your area of need and offers the counseling style you prefer.
No matter what you’re dealing with—whether it’s a mental illness like depression or anxiety, a behavioral health issue like an addiction or eating disorder, or the aftermath of a traumatic experience—BetterHelp can match you with a therapist who is equipped to offer the evidence-based mental health care you need.
Our network includes licensed professional counselors (LPC) and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) trained in a number of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and more.
Through BetterHelp, you can access these counseling services from the comfort of home, or anywhere with an internet connection. In weekly sessions with your therapist, you can uncover the root of your struggles and develop actionable strategies for working through them. You’ll also benefit from group therapy, in-platform journaling and therapy homework, and educational webinars, helping you get the most out of your mental health investment.
Life isn’t easy—but with the skills and insight learned in therapy, you can gain the ability to deal with whatever’s around the corner. Get started today to match with a therapist and discover why thousands of Arkansans trust BetterHelp to deliver the mental health care needed to thrive.
Barbara Ackeret-Smith
Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years offering treatment
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.
Robert "Scotty" Smittle
Clinician
License Type(s): MS,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years offering treatment
Thank you so much for giving me your consideration when it comes to your mental health. I know it can be a lot to think about trusting someone with all of the thoughts and feelings! Let me take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Scotty, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arkansas. I've been doing this for 15 years and have experience with adults and children, individuals, couples, and families. I also have experience with adults and children with special needs. I take a cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approach, and can implement a faith-based perspective as well, if that's what you're looking for. My primary focus throughout the therapy process is person-to-person connection. If we don't have that, we won't make progress, and progress is why we're here! I look forward to meeting you. Talk to you soon.
Dr. Danielle Langford
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
8 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Tennessee & Arkansas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.
Rochelle Johnson
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Arkansas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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.
Angela Stevenson-Carr
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Arkansas with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!
LaRanda Jason
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.
Shelby Koshy
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment
I am a dedicated and compassionate social worker with extensive experience in inpatient psychiatric care, community based mental health services, intensive outpatient behavioral health, and community service organizations. Over the years, I've worked closely with individuals facing mental health challenges, supporting them through patient-centered care, safety planning, and skill development. I specialize in helping clients navigate complex emotional and behavioral issues, offering a non-judgmental space where they feel heard and supported. My approach to therapy is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on empowering my clients to overcome obstacles, develop resilience, and create positive change in their lives. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I’m here to guide you with empathy and professionalism.
William Rusnak
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years offering treatment
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.
Dominique White
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Arkansas with 9 years of professional work experience, specifically working with traditional and non-traditional college students with disabilities ranging from ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health struggles. I have experience helping clients navigate stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story. I simply serve as a partner and guide to help you see through the shattered glass that we all sometimes look at our experiences through. I believe that you have many strengths that will assist you in navigating things that challenge you, but perhaps you don’t recognize that power within yourself. Taking the first step to seeking guidance that will help you live to your fullest potential is scary, but you’re brave enough to take that leap anyway…to do it afraid. I am here to support you in that journey.
Joanne Thomas
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Arkansas and in Illinois with extensive experience working with caregivers of all ages and backgrounds, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, depression, motivation, self esteem, confidence and coping with life changes. 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 to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Finding the best therapist close by in Fort Smith can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Fort Smith region and in the state of Arkansas. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Fort Smith or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Fort Smith area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Fort Smith, elsewhere in Sebastian, or in the greater state of Arkansas. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Fort Smith area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Fort Smith due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Fort Smith may not take health insurance, some in the state of Arkansas may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Arkansas you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Fort Smith online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Arkansas working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Fort Smith psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Fort Smith above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day.
Fort Smith therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy in Fort Smith is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in AR, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 72918 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Fort Smith therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Fort Smith therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Fort Smith licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in Fort Smith, Arkansas can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Counseling with an online Fort Smith provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Arkansas
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - 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.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Jump back to FAQs:
Popular cities near Fort Smith, AR
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist