Therapy in Arkansas: Costs, Licensing & How to Find Help
A guide to therapy in Arkansas — costs, licensing, telehealth rules, and how to find a therapist.
$122
Avg. session cost
#44
MH ranking (of 51)
160
Providers per 100K
9.6%
Uninsured rate
Therapist Licensing Requirements
Overseen by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling.
| Credential | Title | Supervised Hours | Required Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor | 3,000 | NCE, NCMHCE |
| LCSW | Licensed Certified Social Worker | 3,000 | ASWB Clinical |
| LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | 3,000 | MFT National Exam |
| Licensed Psychologist | Licensed Psychologist | 4,000 | EPPP |
Therapy Costs in Arkansas
The average therapy session in Arkansas costs $122 — $53 below the national average of $175. Online therapy is typically 15% less.
| Metro Area | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $128 | $95–$165 |
| Fayetteville | $118 | $90–$155 |
Telehealth Rules in Arkansas
PSYPACT Member (since 2021)
PSYPACT member state. Non-PSYPACT providers must be licensed in Arkansas. The state requires therapists to follow informed consent requirements specific to telehealth.
Audio-only therapy: Allowed
Medicaid telemental health: Covered
Consent: Informed consent required; parental or guardian consent required for therapy services involving minors.
Insurance & Parity in Arkansas
Parity enforcement: moderate
Medicaid expanded: Yes (26 session annual cap)
Typical in-network copay: $20–$45
Major insurers: Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ambetter, QualChoice, UnitedHealthcare
Crisis Resources in Arkansas
Arkansas Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services
Crisis Lines
Notable Programs
- Arkansas Community Mental Health Centers provide outpatient, crisis, and residential services in every region.
- The Arkansas CARES program offers community-based mental health support for children and families.
- Arkansas PAX Good Behavior Game is a statewide school-based prevention program for youth mental health.
Therapy Landscape in Arkansas
Arkansas faces significant mental health workforce challenges. The state consistently ranks among those with the fewest psychologists and psychiatrists per capita, and many rural counties are designated mental health professional shortage areas. Despite this, the state has made strides in expanding access through telehealth and community health centers. Average therapy session costs in Arkansas range from $100 to $175 without insurance — lower than the national average, reflecting the state's lower cost of living. Arkansas Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services, and the state's Marketplace plans generally include behavioral health benefits. Organizations like the Arkansas Counseling Association help connect residents with licensed providers across the state.
Finding a Therapist in Arkansas
Arkansas licenses several categories of mental health providers, including licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed psychologists, and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). The Arkansas Psychology Board and the Board of Examiners in Counseling oversee credentialing. Telehealth has become a critical access point, especially for residents in rural areas of the Delta region and the Ozarks where in-person providers are scarce.
For common concerns like anxiety and depression, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely available across the state and is a strong starting point for most people new to therapy.
Out-of-pocket therapy sessions in Arkansas typically cost $100 to $175. With insurance, copays usually range from $15 to $40. Community mental health centers may offer sliding-scale fees.
Yes. Arkansas Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services including individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric medication management.
Many rural Arkansas counties have a shortage of mental health providers. Telehealth has helped bridge this gap, and federally qualified health centers in underserved areas often include behavioral health services.
Look for LPC, LCSW, licensed psychologist, or LMFT. All are regulated by state licensing boards and require supervised clinical hours and ongoing education.
Yes. Arkansas permits telehealth for mental health services and has maintained expanded telehealth policies. Both private insurers and Medicaid cover telehealth therapy sessions.
Access to therapy in Arkansas is improving, particularly through telehealth and community-based programs. Whether you are in Little Rock or a small town in the Delta, help is available — the key is taking that first step and reaching out.