Wendi Makus
Hello! I'm so glad you are here! If you are ready to make some changes in life that are likely to result in improved mental health, improved quality of life, and general well being; you came to the right place! My approach in counseling is in general to look at the person as a whole; not as their symptoms of problems. I use holistic, solution focused, and trauma informed models to engage client's in the counseling process and achieve their goals. I have been trained in trauma informed approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); which uses several tools to help client's negative past events have less emotional impact on their lives. I am also certified in a counseling approach called seed digging therapy (SD), which is developed off the therapy developed in the 90's called theophostic therapy. The premise of seed digging therapy (SD) is that each individual is generally mostly good, has a desire to be good to others, and wants to have a happy and productive life. The model states that a person's heart is a "garden" which in analogy has "weeds" and "flowers". Traumatic/Sad events tend to produce weeds and Happy events tend to produce flowers. Weeds in a persons heart can cause many negative reactions in life ranging from interpersonal relationships, self esteem, negative view of the world. Weeds occur when a lie is believed about that sad/bad event. Examples of weeds: not feeling adequate, feeling unloved, feeling a lack of importance. Flowers are developed when something happens that is positive/ good, and the individual believes something good about themselves. Examples of flowers: I do matter, I am important, I am loved, I belong in this group, family, friendship etc. The process of seed digging therapy is to find where the root of the negative thoughts started, and create an alternate belief opposite of the negative. Using narrative techniques, the person has the opportunity to recreate meaning if they want to. I am very excited to meet you, get to know you and help see you to the other side of where you want to be. If you would like to work more with me, we can talk more about your goals and what steps to take to get there.
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.
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.
Jeanette Weems
I am licensed in Arkansas with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with career difficulties. 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!
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!
Nicholle Dorn
As a licensed therapist in Arkansas, I bring over two decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and self-esteem. I specialize in addressing communication difficulties, social anxiety, isolation, and mood-related concerns. My therapeutic work focuses on guiding individuals through feelings of guilt, shame, and struggles with personal control. I have extensive experience supporting caregivers and those seeking deeper understanding of their life's purpose. My practice is rooted in compassionate, personalized care that honors each individual's unique journey. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotional experiences, develop meaningful insights, and cultivate personal growth. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, enhance self-understanding, and create positive change in your life.
Debra Pittman
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 18 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.
Dr. John Childers
I have a Doctorate Degree in Counseling and 36 years of professional experience as a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas. I was a graduate school professor of Counseling for 11years before beginning my private practice. After resigning my academic position, I provided individual, marital, and family counseling in a private practice setting for 36 years to clients (children through adults) with a wide variety of clinical issues. I believe people enter counseling seeking change, and that rapid change is possible as people already possess many of the resources needed for change. Client resources blossom quickly in a therapeutic relationship that is safe, warm, interactive, and facilitates hope. In counseling, I seek to facilitate a corrective emotional experience where a client relives a past, often painful emotional situational in the present, but with my providing a healthier, affirming response, effectively “correcting” the original traumatic experience and allowing for new, healing emotional patterns to form. 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 look forward to joining you on your therapeutic journey.
Justin Laffoon
As a licensed therapist in Arkansas, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, offering expertise in sexuality, identity exploration, and addressing unique relational experiences. My approach is particularly attuned to supporting those managing communication challenges, isolation, life transitions, and personal healing journeys. My therapeutic work encompasses diverse focus areas including self-love, grief support, caregiver stress, and navigating complex emotional landscapes. I'm committed to helping clients develop meaningful strategies for personal empowerment, authentic connection, and holistic well-being. With a person-centered approach, I honor each individual's unique story and provide supportive guidance tailored to their specific needs and goals. My practice is grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore, understand, and transform their experiences.
Erika Armstrong
I am licensed in Arkansas and Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience working in the inpatient, private practice, and outpatient settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & depression. I also have experience working with 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.
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.
Erika Aucoin
I am Licensed Professional Counselor whose professional and personal experiences have lead me down the path to helping clients of all ages with life's daily struggles. I provide individual and family counseling for children, teens, and adults for a wide range of mental health disorders such as, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD/Trauma, anger management, sexual abuse, self-harm, parenting Skills, grief, and ADHD. "It takes a village to raise a child... -African Proverb My goal is to give you the tools & support to guide your child through difficult struggles. As adults, we also need a village to cope with things life throws at us. My goal is to teach you the skills to overcome these obstacles. Throughout our lives, we may experience challenges that can make us feel overwhelmed and alone. I offer accommodating appointments, a supportive, non-judgmental, warm/comfortable environment. My personal philosophy We are all unique; therefore, each of us deserves an individualized approach to achieve your counseling goals.
Carnesha Ben
As a licensed therapist with nearly a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through challenges related to depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, with a deep commitment to addressing multicultural concerns, workplace issues, and the unique experiences of young adults. My work focuses on helping clients explore self-love, communication skills, personal purpose, and healing from experiences of isolation, guilt, and shame. Drawing from an intersectional perspective, I create a supportive space that honors diverse identities and experiences. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals working through prejudice, discrimination, relationship complexities, and personal growth challenges. My goal is to walk alongside you, offering guidance that respects your individual journey and empowers you to create meaningful change.
Tina Okenfuss
I'm a therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges. I work with clients navigating depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and self-esteem concerns, as well as major life transitions like divorce, grief, and identity shifts. My approach is grounded in compassion and genuine connection. I believe in meeting you where you are and working collaboratively toward the changes that matter most to you. I draw on evidence-based therapeutic practices to help you build resilience, improve communication, and develop a deeper sense of self-worth and purpose. I have particular experience supporting older adults, and I'm committed to creating an affirming, nonjudgmental space that honors your values and worldview. Whether you're working through relationship challenges, workplace stress, family dynamics, or personal growth, I'm here to listen and support your journey with authenticity and care. Starting therapy takes courage, and I'm honored to walk alongside you.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Pineville, Arkansas
Finding a therapist near you in Pineville, 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 Pineville.
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 Pineville, Arkansas
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Pineville and the surrounding AR area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.