
Barbara Ackeret-Smith
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.

Dr. Gwendolyn Drake
I believe that a sense of compassion is essential in dealing with life's challenges, and I take my work and my clients seriously. Seeking help is difficult enough, and it's my job to make the process easier by offering my clients a warm, empathic, and safe place to address their challenges and concerns. If you are struggling with a particular issue, or simply looking for a safe place to express yourself, I'm excited to begin the process with you. I am a clinical psychologist with 17 years of experience, and am currently licensed in Virginia, Tennessee and Arkansas. I was excited to join the BetterHelp team because I have always believed that mental health services are more effective in a range of formats, and in a manner that makes them accessible anytime and anywhere. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, stress and adjusting to many of the challenges life throws our way. I utilize a client-centered approach (meaning that YOU are the expert on you) that will allow you to identify your own strengths and resources, as well as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based and dialectical behavior therapeutic approaches. I look forward to speaking with you!

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!

Dr. Andrew Mendonsa
Your Authentic Self, Your Strongest Self: Therapy Tailored in a Safe, Supportive Space Hello! I'm Dr. Andrew Mendonsa, a clinical psychologist and therapist with 20+ years of experience helping folks like you navigate life's complexities and embrace their true potential and authentic self. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, those struggling with problematic sexual behavior, kink/alt lifestyle/polyamory-focused issues, and anyone seeking a male therapist's perspective. My journey through the worlds of mental health and addiction – from community mental health and marginalized groups, to the criminal justice system, to high wealth clients and corporate boardrooms – has equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges clients, especially men and those from specialized populations, face today. I've helped countless individuals overcome shame, guilt, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and the unique pressures of modern life. As an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist, I offer a safe and judgment-free space to explore your identity, gender, relationships, sexual expression, and sexuality. Whether you're questioning, coming out, or navigating the unique stressors of the LGBTQIA+, kink, alt-pop, or straight communities, I'm here to support you on your journey! For those grappling with problematic sexual behavior that is causing issues with your work, relationships, finance, or other areas, I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to recovery. I will not tell you to stop what you are doing or else, instead we will identify what is motivating your behavior and desire to change. Knowing these, we can then develop a tailored treatment plan and achievable goals. Together, we'll address the underlying issues, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuild a fulfilling life free from shame, guilt, and compulsive behaviors. My extensive background working with high-achieving individuals in business and academia makes me uniquely equipped to understand the pressures of professional life. If you're struggling with work-related stress, burnout, or career transitions, I can offer practical strategies for success and well-being. I have owned, sold, and managed companies and worked in high levels within the public sector. My approach to therapy is collaborative, goal-oriented, and results-driven. I believe therapy should be a catalyst for change, not a lifelong commitment. Think of it like a tune-up for your mind – we'll get you back on track and running smoothly. You wouldn't leave your car in the shop forever, would you? So why force yourself into a lifetime of therapy? I invite you to visit my website, www.AndrewMendonsa.com, to learn more about me and my approach. Let's work together to build a life that is authentic, fulfilling, and true to you.

Rachel Stephens
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).

Leah Pavela-Mullins
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!

Rickey Etheridge
I am licensed in Arkansas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTG + related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience in treating individuals with personality disorders, in particular, Borderline Personality 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.

Oksana Shiell
California Experienced Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed since 2011. Clinical supervisor since 2017. Many years (pre-licensed and post-licensed) of working with teens. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & 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.

Carrie Jones
I am licensed in Arkansas with over 30 years of experience working in mental health with an emphasis in forensics.. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect 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.

Dawn Mumaw
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin, Arkansas, Arizona, and Nevada, and a licensed Substance Abuse Counselor in Wisconsin, with over a decade of professional experience. My career has been dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, including coping with addictions, healing from past trauma, building motivation and confidence, managing career difficulties, and embracing life changes. My therapeutic approach is grounded in creating a safe, open environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. I’m known for my patient, understanding, and insightful demeanor, and I believe that growth happens best when we approach it with a balance of care and a touch of humor. Clients often tell me that this laid-back yet professional style makes our sessions both productive and approachable. Taking the first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life is an act of courage. I’m here to support you on this journey, offering tools and guidance tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll work towards building the life you deserve, one step at a time.
Find a therapist serving clients in Arkansas
Types of therapists available to clients in Salem
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Salem that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Salem available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Salem therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Salem therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Salem region and in the state of Arkansas.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Salem can help 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 therapist in Salem may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.