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. Michelle Dobson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: PhD,LPC,RPT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Michelle Dobson and I’m a licensed professional counselor in the State of Arkansas. I hold a master's degree in mental health counseling and a PhD in counselor education and supervision. In addition, I am a Registered Play Therapist. I believe in the power of play for all individuals. I have over ten years of experience helping individuals of all ages overcome depression, anxiety, trauma and other life stressors. I have helped couples and families resolve conflict and improve family dynamics. I focus on communication and relationship building as the keys to overcome most mental health issues. I view past experiences as important for understanding the present situation, however, the main focus of counseling will be on setting and achieving future goals. I understand family systems and the impact it can have on the mental health of all family members. I believe each individual has within them the strengths needed to achieve their goals, whether personal or family. Through the therapeutic relationship, we will locate and develop your strengths together to accomplish those goals.

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Treva Ross-Sanders

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: MRC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Professional Counselor licensed in Arkansas and have worked for over twenty five years in counseling and case management with adults and families. My license specialization is in Rehabilitation Counseling. I have worked with adults and families with a variety of clinical issues ranging from Dual-Diagnosis with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, career and job adjustment counseling, relationships issues, parenting, and other issues. My therapeutic approach is of warm acceptance, unconditional positive regard as I utilize my skills in Person Centered and Cognitive Behavior Therapy and most recently Cognitive Processing Therapy. I believe in facilitating growth and change through support then working with you to identify, explore, process, and implement new or refined skills to manage thoughts/feelings/emotions/behaviors. I believe that initiating the first step to change is through counseling and facilitating this change involves taking a journey. A journey of self introspection and exploration along with safety and support is what I believe I can do along with you.

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Dr. Jina Lewallen

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: PhD,MA,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help, Now that you have decided to seek support for the challenges you are experiencing, I am happy to be a supportive part of your journey. I am an LCSW, licensed in Arkansas and Texas and have over 15 years of clinical practice and 10 years of teaching Social Work. My specialty area is working with older adults whether individually, couples or families in areas of life transitions, depression, anxiety, dementia, capacity, life planning, and end of life planning. I also have experience working with diverse challenges in all age groups including depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders as well as dual diagnosis comorbidities. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities including, CBT, DBT Motivational Interviewing, Narrative and Mindfulness as well as Problem and Solution Focus work and Client-Centered environment. My approach to therapies are collaborative as I believe working together results in best outcomes for you. Therapy can be difficult but well worth the time and effort. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

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Marlo Floyd

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC,CCM,LADC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

Hello, my name is Marlo. I have been in the field for over 15 years and have been blessed with the opportunity to work with numerous populations. In today’s tumultuous times, poverty, increase stress, family & relationship problems, and personal self-adjustment/esteem issues cause many to have a demanding and unhappy life. I use a holistic combination of talk therapy, spiritual/energy work, mindfulness techniques, humor, and a commonsense approach. With an emphasis on spiritual and physical healing. Allow me to help you in your time of need. I come from a compassionate, non-judgmental, strengths-based perspective in my clinical practice and life. I can help you learn life skills, change undesired habits, and identify alternate healthy thinking patterns so that you can decrease your anxiety & depression while increasing your self-esteem and quality of life. Through the work we do together you can expect to achieve self-confidence, forgiveness, peace, inner harmony, and healthier relationships. I specialize in working with individuals that have been affected with mood disorders, anger problems, trauma, low self-esteem, and substance abuse. I counsel from a Spiritual/Christian perspective, as well as respectfully work with a client's source of inspiration. Allow me to join you on your journey of enlightenment and healing.

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Jeremiah Dillehay

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: Ed.S ,LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoachingADHD
12 years of experience

I am a fully licensed professional counselor and have dedicated my last 12 years to helping others overcome so many struggles in their lives. I believe in using solution focused techniques as well as a considerable emphasis on CBT/REBT to help clients with excessive anxiety. I am also a nationally certified adult ADHD counselor, ADHD-CCSP. I am a big believer in helping my people learn and grow, so THEY can overcome their obstacles. Most of my clients see substantial gains in the first month or two. I am also a firm believer in teaching core mental health principles and then helping my people utilize that knowledge to tackle their underlying problems, I'm not a “just sit and question” kind of counselor. A little about me: I started my helping journey in 2003, at 28 years old, when I went to Arkansas State University. I received a degree in psychology and went out to work in the mental health community. I loved my work and decided to go back. I graduated with my Ed.S. in mental health counseling in 2011 and have been helping as a licensed counselor since 2012, and love my work. Thanks for reading and if you think we are a fit, I look forward to talking to you very soon. :-)

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Dr. Wallace "Dent" Gitchel

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: PhD, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a therapist in Arkansas with over 25 years experience in mental health as a clinician and educator. I also have thirty years of meditation experience and am a certified teacher of mindfulness and compassion meditation, as well as the author of Pursuing Purpose: A Guide to Finding Meaning Through Meditation. I have worked with clients on a wide variety of issues, including stress management, depression anxiety, emotional and psychotic disorders, relationships, sexuality, shame, hopelessness and histories of trauma and abuse. My therapy approach is compassion-oriented, and I strive to help my clients find more purpose, self-compassion and meaning in their lives. I approach my clients with warmth and acceptance. The therapeutic bond is very sacred to me and I strive to show up with honesty, integrity and authenticity. I believe very much in autonomy and the capacity to heal and will do everything in my power to assist you with your goals, and to provide you with tools to integrate into your life. I applaud you in your courage to take this important step toward a more meaningful life and look very forward to assisting you on this important journey.

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Kennethya Smith-Johnson

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 3 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 work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Dominique White

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

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.

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Pedro Ricardo Gonzalez

Offering therapy in Arkansas
License: LPC-S,RPT-S,TBRI_Practitioner
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
22 years of experience

Hello, I am Pedro Ricardo Gonzalez, Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas and Colorado. I am bilingual (Spanish) and have a passion for working with people. I believe that every human is capable of self-discovery, change and growth. I collaborate with clients to create reasonable, attainable goals for positive life change. My academic credentials are supported by 20+ years of clinical and youth advocacy experiences in higher education, non-profit community-based programs, inpatient residential care settings and private practice. I work with all ages, from very young children through older adults. My extensive experience allows me to work successfully with a diverse array of clients. I am comfortable with people from a wide variety of racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. I recognize that each person’s situation is unique. In order to meet your needs, I use holistic, traditional, and integrative approaches. Let's work together and help you reach your fullest potential!

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Summer Prado

Offering therapy in Arkansas
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas with 3 years of experience working in mental health and over 20 years of addiction counseling. I have experience in helping clients reach their full potential in life by focusing on better ways to face difficult challenges. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion with an open mind. Your goals in treatment will be uniquely developed with your input. 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.

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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