Therapists serving clients in Widener, AR

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in private practice. I am down to earth and pretty much laid back, with a great sense of humor. My approach is holistic, mindful and eclectic using cognitive behavioral and other therapeutic methods as needed. I have worked with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, self esteem, sexual abuse, domestic violence, parenting, life transitions, blended families, and many other issues that concern my clients. I work well with most people, regardless of their spiritual, religious beliefs or political beliefs. I am non-judgmental and do not criticize. I will be supportive and encouraging as you navigate this journey to feel better. I will use my intuitive nature and empathetic feelings to help you work through difficult times. I want you to know that you do not have to do this alone. I am here to be with you in that place and be sensitive to your needs and concerns. I will provide you with a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings, and sort through whatever is on your mind. Together we will look at the obstacles you are facing, and work at breaking them down. We will maximize your strengths, and help you to put forth the best version of yourself. I look forward to meeting you! Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Arizona (15847) Licensed Clinical Social Worker, North Carolina Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Arkansas Certified Hypnotherapist Life Coach and Mentor in all other locations MSW in Social Work, Arizona State University

DR. MARY ANNE GUNTER, PhD, LPC, LMFT, CFTP, CATP THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!  I AM LICENSED TO TREAT CLIENTS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF, AND ARE INSIDE, ARKANSAS, ARIZONA, OR FLORIDA. ***** IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR INTENT, STOP NOW AND CALL 911 OR 988. THE BETTERHELP PLATFORM IS NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THIS LEVEL OF CARE. I DO NOT TREAT SUICIDALITY. IF NECESSARY, I WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP YOU FIND A RESOURCE IN YOUR AREA TO SEEK HELP. ****** Welcome, where a caring and client-focused approach awaits you.  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, as well as a Certified Family Trauma Professional, Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional, and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist.  THIS IS MY BETTERHELP.COM PROFILE. YOUR AGREEMENT TO ALL CONDITIONS IN THIS PROFILE ARE REQUIRED TO BE MY CLIENT. YOU ACCEPTING ME AS YOUR THERAPIST IS YOUR AGREEMENT.  -   Please coordinate directly with me, rather than the online scheduling system, to make an appointment. It often does not accurately reflect my current schedule. This way I can promise you the most accurate appointment available.   - Appointments are not held open and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. I provide trauma therapy for children and adults (EMDR, CPT, CPT-SA, and TF-CBT), and earned an Arkansas State Board specialization in trauma. I earned a designation as a Clinical Fellow by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. EMDR, CPT, AND CPT-SA are evidence-based trauma therapies for children, adolescents, and adults. TF-CBT is for children and their safe, supportive parent/caregiver. CPT-SA is a specialized version of CPT, for sexual assault trauma, including MST (military sexual assault). My EMDR training is EMDRIA-approved, and my TF-CBT and CPT trainings were by UAMS ARBEST (Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma). I was one of the first 50 clinicians in the entire state of AR to be trained in CPT. I have expertise in blended families and coparenting issues, and am a trained "Smart Stepfamilies" Recognized Therapy Provider, one of only a very small handful in the entire state of AR and fewer than about 30 in the entire US. I enjoy very much working with issues common to women, parenting counseling, and am a trained facilitator in the acclaimed "One Heart, Two Homes" coparenting course, which is accepted across the nation by many family court systems.   As a trained Grief Counseling Specialist, in working with grief and loss, I won't tell you you "should be over it by now", or that your grief or loss are silly.   I can help you as you transition through life changes, whether that is a major relationship shift, divorce, loss, grief, empty nest syndrome, career changes, to name only a few.  I can help you with goal-setting, and then work with you to create a realistic plan on how to actually reach those goals. I have a passion for helping parents parent. WHAT I DO NOT TREAT: I respectfully choose to not treat bipolar illness, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, addictions, autism, Asperger’s or other spectrum-related issue, eating disorders, OCD, sexual disorders, SMI (serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia), suicidal or homicidal ideation or current or previous attempts. I do not treat minors under the legal age of consent or anyone who cannot independently consent or decline consent for treatment. On the Betterhelp platform I prefer not to treat minors, and I prefer not to treat couples. I am a strong believer that the client usually knows themselves best - and that's why I won't patronize you or treat you like a child.  I listen to you, and ask about what you want different in your life.  What do you want more of?  Less of? I passionately believe that you have strengths and abilities that you might not even realize.  I practice unconditional regard, and I love my clients! I am a former psychiatric nurse and nurse case manager. I've been in a blended family for 33 years. I earned both a MS and a PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy, was inducted into two national college honor societies with a 4.0 GPA in my graduate and doctoral programs, and am the recipient of the national 2020 Feldman Outstanding Research Proposal for Research in Family Policy Award by the National Council on Family Relations. I especially value working with issues common to women.  I'm a trained professional Parent Coordinator, facilitating struggling coparents in a fair, neutral, and nonjudgmental manner.  Over the years I've adopted six rescue basset hounds.  I'm a bookworm and adore supreme pizza and hot tea.  I was a divorced single parent for several years so I understand the challenges and strengths of single parents, coparents, and blended families. I am a certified facilitator in the "Prepare/Enrich" premarital/marital program, and I especially love premarital counseling - very much so for blended couples. I am also trained in the Gottman method, Level 2, of counseling for couples, as well as Gottman Emotion Coaching. I am an EFIT, Level 1 therapist (Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy).  I offer Christian-based counseling, and consider it a privilege to pray for and with my clients if they choose this.   I do not reject any client based on how they live, love, believe, their background or walk of life, nor press my personal values or beliefs on to the client.  All are treated equally with respect, worth, and care.   I tailor my approach to YOU.  Some clients want someone to just be present, listen, and to care.  I do that beautifully.  Some clients want a direct and linear approach, to be held accountable, to be redirected and respectfully challenged.  I do that beautifully as well.  Tell me what you need in a therapist.  I'm listening.   ******************* SOME DETAILS TO KNOW BEFORE WE GET STARTED: -   I am dually-licensed as a LPC and LMFT in the state of Arkansas.  I have an Arkansas State Board specialization in providing telehealth counseling anywhere in the state of Arkansas.   - I am licensed in the state of Arizona as an LPC. - I am an approved Out-Of-State Telehealth Provider for the state of Florida. - Counseling can be by video, phone, or live chat. I do not text as this better protects your privacy. - I often find I have a bit more scheduling flexibility for live CHAT and PHONE sessions than video sessions (such as nights, some weekends). - Sessions are typically 45 minutes once weekly. If you prefer more than once a week, shorter or more frequent sessions, etc., let me know, and I'll do my best to respond within 24 hours M-F. - Early morning sessions as early as 6 or 7 AM are fine with me. - I am unable to provide crisis or emergency management, or inpatient care at anytime. This is typically beyond the level of care that BetterHelp can realistically be expected to provide virtually. If you have an emergency, please call 911, or 988, or go to the ER. - Again, I DO NOT TREAT SUICIDALITY. Please go to the ER, call 911 or 988 as Betterhelp is not designed to provide this level of care. - It is only fair to inform you of this right up front, so that you have plenty of opportunity to find a different therapist if anything in the following is likely or is your goal: I DO NOT: Write letters. Fill out forms. Write ESA letters. Fight the VA, Social Security, Workmen's Comp, Disability, your employer, your ex, attorneys, or any other organization or person for you. I do not get involved in custody or other legal issues, nor conduct custody evaluations. I do not go to court. So if this a possibility or is your goal, I respectfully ask you to please find another therapist now. - If I am subpoenae'd or expected in any manner to have ANY COMMUNICATION WHATSOEVER, including but not limited to a phone call, email, letter, etc. with an attorney, court, physician, other providers, etc...., my professional hourly and/or per diem (per day) fees are charged separately, and are allowed by law to be charged. - These separate fees may be required to be paid in advance. I charge for ALL WORK, ALL EXPENSES, ALL TRAVEL, ALL TIME, dedicated to the case. If I am required by a court to testify, produce documents, communicate, etc., this can mean that information about your therapy may be mandated to be given to a court of law, including what might be sensitive information you might not have expected to ever be divulged, which may then become public record and outside the therapist's control. You will still be legally liable for the separate professional fees whether or not you are still my client, and/or whether or not you are still enrolled with BetterHelp. - BetterHelp does not file insurance, so there is no DSM-V diagnosis code provided. I do not participate in any managed care program, provide updates to EAP, managed care, insurance, etc. Betterhelp is a strictly independent self-pay site.  -   For my license and ethical requirements, and for the protection of your privacy, I REQUIRE BEFORE WE BEGIN OUR FIRST SESSION: Your photo  ID, and your physical address location.  I must be able to know who I am working with.  Any physician's office or hospital requires the same so I am not asking for anything unreasonable or intrusive. Also, my telehealth training, and specialization, require that I be able to know where my client is in an emergency. Don't worry; your HIPAA privacy rights are still fully protected on the BetterHelp.com website.   If the client refuses this, it impedes my own professional licensure as I may not be fully able to adhere to the law in terms of mandated reporting, or duty to warn, or help you in an emergency. - Simply put, I will not agree to treat anyone if I don't know who, or where, they are. The client has the right to decline to accept me as their therapist, and the therapist has the right to decline to accept as a client anyone who will not provide this accurate information.   -    You to verify when we meet that you are in Arkansas as an Arkansas resident, or in Florida as a Florida resident, or in Arizona as an Arizona resident.   You must be a resident of AR, AZ, or FL and be in that respective state, for me to be allowed to treat you at that time. If you're not inside Arkansas, Arizona, or Florida (even for temporary travel, such as vacation), I am prohibited from treating you during that time. I realize that can be annoying, but it's the law.   -   Any recording at anytime is strictly prohibited. This includes but not limited to phone, Smart device, recorder, computer, camera, etc.  I do not give permission to be recorded in any manner, and to do so then violates our mutual trust and the quality of our therapy together and our therapy will be immediately terminated. Unauthorized recording, photography, etc. may violate federal intellectual property, copyright, or trademark law and be prosecuted. Any materials used in our therapy provided by me may not be used for any other purpose outside our therapy, and may be protected by federal copyright and intellectual property law. -  Your time, and my time, are valuable.   I customarily wait 5 minutes live online for the client to arrive ready to begin our telehealth session.  After 5 minutes, I have the discretion to continue the session when the client does appear, disconnect, or reschedule for another time.  If a session begins late, it will still end at the regular time.  If there are more than 1-2 no-shows, therapy may be terminated. - I take no-shows seriously. When a client no-shows or abruptly cancels, it means I don't earn a salary, even if I have already done work for your therapy. No-shows are a serious disruption of critical resources such as valuable and expensive time, the therapist's advance preparation, and space reserved that now cannot be used for any other client. The client can easily message me 24/7 on the BetterHelp platform if they find they can't keep an appointment. - The client has 24/7 access to their own appointment schedule on the BetterHelp platform, so I do not send reminders of upcoming appointments. - If a client isn't responding to my messages, making, or keeping appointments, then I will not pursue the client. When a client is assigned to me, I typically make two efforts to make contact with the client, introduce myself, schedule an appointment and begin therapy. If there is no response from the client after the second attempt, I will not pursue further and it is the client's responsibility to contact me if they want to begin/resume therapy. - Appointments cannot be held open if I don't hear from the client. Appointments are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, and tend to get filled quickly. - I get it. Life happens. If you need to reschedule, no problem. Just let me know with at least 24 hours advance notice so that another client can have that space. - I practice narrative therapy, and I frequently suggest reading and writing materials during and between sessions, such as articles, worksheets, books, or workbooks that can be helpful to you. - You will need high speed internet. Neither of us have control over internet issues. At times inclement weather; i.e. snow, storms, or slow internet, can freeze or disconnect sessions. This may affect the quality of our session together so we may need to schedule for another time. You will not be penalized for this. Let's reschedule and make sure you get to have your full session you have paid for. - Please be punctual and prepared for our important therapeutic time together. Sessions are not extended for the client to take phone calls, text, etc. Please - no texting, eating, or phone calls during sessions, just as I will show you respect by not doing the same. - I will not conduct sessions while the client is driving a vehicle, putting on makeup, is undressed, or in the bathroom or generally engaged in other activities that distract from our work together and lend an unprofessional climate to the work. - Please take this seriously and give it the respect it deserves. Enrolling in an online remote therapy subscription does not make therapy any less valid or serious. This is as important as when you are sitting in your physician's examination room. This is not a "dial-in" service or recreational visit, and not coaching, but licensed, clinical therapy. Please do any homework that is assigned, be punctual. - I've had people try to do telesessions while running on playgrounds, hurtling down the interstate, crunching chips, slurping drinks, glued to their video games and angrily grunting when I "disturb" them to ask a therapeutic question, incessantly moving the laptop around, focusing the camera at the ceiling or floor (I need to see your wonderful face), yelling, throwing things, using the bathroom, or sitting in a loud restaurant. I've also had people demand that, since they pay a monthly fee, this somehow entitles them to access to the therapist on-demand 7 days a week, nights, holidays, any hour on weekends (it does not) and they should have the right to abruptly cancel or flat out miss any appointment they want. Examples like these are disrespectful to, and will curtail, your therapeutic progress, and are disrespectful and disruptive to me as therapist, and I will end the session and possibly our therapeutic relationship itself if this type of environment occurs. The client is free to choose from a selection of therapists on BetterHelp, and the therapist is free to decline to treat if conditions are not met. - It is not the therapist's responsibility to verify with the client if anyone around you during your session is okay with you to be there and possibly overhear your session. This is the client's responsibility. The client allowing someone within hearing or seeing distance to their telesession is not a HIPAA violation on the therapist's part. It is the client's responsibility to maintain the level of privacy they desire for their telehealth sessions. CONFIDENTIALITY: Your therapy on the BetterHelp.com platform is HIPAA-compliant and private. However, there are limits to HIPAA protection, which may include if the therapist considers the client may be at risk of harm to self or to others, or, for example, suspected child abuse or neglect / abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult. As a licensed clinician, I am by law a mandated reporter, and to report such is not a violation of HIPAA. I take licensure, legal and ethical responsibilities of my profession very seriously. If I cannot verify the identity of who I'm communicating with, if I don't have the assurance the client is inside their resident state of AR, AZ, or FL, then I must decline to provide services.   Thank you!  I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you (and thanks so much for reading all this).  I can't wait to hear what you want in your life, and I honor your courage and dedication to be the best you can be.   Let's begin! Thank you very much for having me as your therapist. I consider it an honor to work with you. Fondly, Dr. Mary Anne Gunter

Hello, They say if you find a career you love, it doesn't ever feel like work. Well, I've been loving my career for the past 11 years! I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology and master's in Agency Counseling. I worked at an Out Patient Therapy center for 10 years and now currently work at an acute hospital that specializes in suicidal/homicidal ideation and psychosis. I use Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused as my main therapy approaches. Based on the client's needs, the approach will be individualized. Are you very anxious? Can't seem to stop the irrational thoughts from taking up most of your day? I provided guided mediation to help with reducing anxiety and PTSD related symptoms.

We all want to live better and feel better, in one way or another, and I firmly believe that we all have the ability to do so. I also know that there are times when we need help in getting started or with staying on track. My goal is to give you the knowledge and guidance to make that happen. My formal training and professional and personal life experiences have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to help you decide what changes you want to make and how best to make them. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches based on each person's needs, preferences, and personality. But the one aspect that is a constant is this - it's all about you! I will provide direction and support but every step of the way is done at your pace with every effort made to ensure a productive and positive experience. Note: If at any time you would like to schedule a session with me and do not see a convenient opening on my calendar, feel free to message me your preferred days/times and I will do my best to accommodate.

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.

My name is Dr. Erika Gergerich. I received my License in Clinical Social Work in 2008 and have practiced as a social worker primarily in the area of healthcare. To clarify, my PhD is in Public Policy so, I am not "that kind of doctor" (Psychiatrist or medical). I have worked with clients following difficult diagnoses, as caregivers, and in facilitation of support groups. In my practice, I strive to support my clients so they may live a life aligned with their values, manage difficult feelings and realities, take action for self-growth, and connect more fully with others.

I am licensed in Arkansas with 9 years of professional work experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I was a high school and college teacher for 18 years. I have worked in the field of Psychology for 37 years. I have experience in assisting clients with anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, substance abuse issues, personality disorders, depression, gender identity related issues, and abuse. I have additional specializations/certifications in Hypnosis and Dream Analysis. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am currently an OCD therapist using ERP. In the past I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient addictions treatment. I have also worked in crisis services to assist individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, loss and trauma. Additionally, I have worked for Air Force service members and their family in the primary care setting to assist with a wide variety of issues like panic, stress, developing coping strategies and managing relationship issues. I am a person centered therapist that believes in empowering you to reach your goals. I focus on progress, not perfection. I will meet you where you are in your journey and support you through your growth.

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!

Hello, My name is Vanessa Smith LPC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana. I have over 10 years of experience working with mental health. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds and concerns. I have worked with individuals addressing concerns of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, anger, substance abuse, life changes (loss of job, loss of family member, etc.…). Also, I have experience working with returning citizens. I would describe my style of therapy as warm and interactive. I believe in being person-centered and humanistic. I believe the client is the expert on his or her life. I prefer to assist the client by guiding and assisting through inner knowing, interpersonal changes, and healing. My overall goal is to assist people in working towards fulfillment of their maximum potential, healing, and gaining a new perspective on life.