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.
Allen Busby
I am a licensed counselor in Arkansas with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. 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, client centered, psychodynamic, and Gestalt 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!
Jamie Daugherty
As a licensed therapist in Arkansas, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate, evidence-based care that honors each person's unique journey. I have extensive expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions, with a deep commitment to helping clients develop self-love and resilience. My practice focuses on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore challenging experiences, including family dynamics, attachment issues, and personal growth. I'm particularly passionate about working with young adults, women navigating significant life changes, and those experiencing mood disorders or relationship challenges. I bring a multicultural, trauma-informed perspective to my work, understanding that healing is a deeply personal process. My goal is to help clients build stronger communication skills, overcome isolation, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Together, we'll work to transform difficult experiences into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Martha Kuhn
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas and Louisiana with over 15 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, Borderline Personality Disorder, severe mental illness, family struggles, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am currently coauthoring a book that takes the more wholistic approach to the brain. With this, I’m working on a coaching certification. 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!
Johnnie Ezell
I'm a licensed therapist practicing in Arkansas and Missouri with extensive experience supporting adults through life's most challenging transitions. My work focuses on helping individuals navigate depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and self-esteem concerns, as well as addiction-related struggles and their underlying causes. I specialize in addressing social anxiety, phobias, guilt, shame, and forgiveness work. I'm particularly skilled in supporting clients with mood disorders, midlife transitions, seasonal affective patterns, and process addictions. I also have deep experience working with military veterans and older adults, as well as those navigating codependency and control issues. My approach is grounded in genuine respect for each person's values and worldview. I believe in meeting clients where they are—without judgment—and creating space for honest exploration of what's holding them back. I draw on evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're facing a specific life challenge or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm here to support your journey toward greater peace and authenticity. I'm honored to walk alongside you in this process.
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!
Krystal Kemp
As a licensed therapist in Kansas, I bring 17 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients to cultivate self-love, navigate interpersonal challenges, and develop resilient coping strategies. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, workplace stress, and multicultural experiences. My approach honors each person's unique journey, with particular sensitivity to women's issues, young adult challenges, and the nuanced experiences of marginalized communities. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a compassionate, affirming therapeutic space where clients can explore their deepest struggles and strengths. Whether you're managing social anxiety, processing grief, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine empathy and professional expertise. My background reflects a deep understanding of diverse human experiences, and I'm passionate about supporting individuals as they rediscover their inherent worth and potential for growth.
Jeremiah Dillehay
I am a fully licensed professional counselor and have dedicated my last 13 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. IMPORTANT: I am a spiritual person, but I am NOT a Christian Based Counselor. I need to put this in here clearly as I often get matched with people looking specifically for that, and they are often disappointed. 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. :-)
Jeanie Staub
I am licensed in Arkansas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, 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.
James Harris
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.
Allison Martin
I am licensed in Arkansas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. 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.
Asha Jones
Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based care. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and solution-focused approaches to provide individualized care that meets each client’s unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, or everyday stressors, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I work alongside my clients to build on their strengths while developing practical skills that promote healing, resilience, and lasting change. In our work together, we'll explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that fosters self-awareness and growth. Depending on your goals, we may focus on building healthy coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, processing traumatic experiences, strengthening relationships, increasing confidence and self-esteem, or learning to respond more effectively to life's challenges. My approach is structured yet flexible, balancing evidence-based interventions with genuine empathy so that your voice remains at the center of the therapeutic process. Whether you're a parent seeking support for your child, a teenager navigating life's complexities, or an adult working toward greater well-being, I am committed to providing a welcoming environment where you can feel supported, challenged, and encouraged as you move toward meaningful, lasting change.
Brian Cummings
I'm Brian Cummings, a licensed therapist serving clients in Arkansas. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to support individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. I specialize in addressing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. My therapeutic practice centers on creating a supportive environment where clients can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. I'm committed to understanding each person's unique journey, offering personalized guidance across a wide range of life experiences and mental health concerns. I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, bringing an open-minded and affirming perspective to our therapeutic work. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, seeking to improve communication, or working through deeper emotional challenges, I'm here to support you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise.
Christina Cook
As a mental health professional, I will apply evidence-based approaches to assist with recognizing symptoms, thought patterns, and emotional triggers that contribute to persistent anxiety, stress and depression, while providing psycho education to help you understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. My commitment to you is simple: I will listen carefully, communicate openly, and act with integrity in every interaction. I’ll take the time to understand your unique goals, challenges, and values, and I’ll tailor my approach to meet your needs rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions. You can expect transparency from me at every step. I’ll explain not only what I recommend, but why I recommend it, so you always feel informed and empowered to make decisions.
Linda Beldin-Korter
With over three decades of experience, I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions. My professional journey has been deeply rooted in helping people navigate complex emotional landscapes, including addiction recovery, trauma healing, grief processing, and career transformations. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I approach each client's experience with profound respect and empathy. My therapeutic approach honors individual spiritual and personal beliefs, offering a flexible and inclusive space for exploration and growth. Whether you're seeking faith-based guidance or a more secular approach, I'm committed to meeting you exactly where you are. My expertise centers on helping clients work through difficult emotions like guilt and shame, and supporting meaningful processes of personal forgiveness and transformation. I specialize in creating supportive environments where individuals can develop resilient coping strategies and rediscover their inner strength during life's most challenging moments. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I provide compassionate, tailored support that empowers clients to move forward with greater understanding, hope, and self-compassion.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Finding a therapist near you in Fort Smith, Arkansas starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Arkansas is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Arkansas, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Arkansas, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Arkansas
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Arkansas, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Arkansas
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Arkansas
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Arkansas through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Arkansas
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Arkansas, including residents in Fort Smith.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Arkansas do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Fort Smith and the surrounding AR area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.