In a mental health crisis? Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential). More crisis resources
All services

Every program
we offer,
in one place.

Clinical therapy, specialty evaluations, and court-approved programming. Every service is delivered by licensed, supervised clinicians.

How do I choose the right service?

Choosing between counseling services can feel overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with a court order or a tight timeline. The right service depends on three things: what you are trying to address, whether you have a court or employer requirement, and how you prefer to work.

If you have a court order or employer mandate, the type of program is usually specified for you. Court orders for anger management, domestic violence, theft, or substance abuse will name the specific program. DOT regulated employees who have failed a drug or alcohol test need a SAP evaluation, not general substance abuse counseling. Bring any paperwork from your court or employer to your intake call so we can match you to the right program.

If you are seeking help on your own, the choice is simpler. Individual therapy works for most concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and processing past experiences. Couples and family therapy works when the issue is in the relationship dynamic itself rather than in one person. EMDR and trauma therapy are for clients whose primary concern is processing traumatic events. Telehealth works when you need flexibility or live in a rural area without easy access to one of our offices.

What should I expect at my first session?

Your first session at Arkansas Counseling and Wellness is an intake. The clinician asks about what brought you in, your history, and your goals. There is paperwork to complete before the session including consent forms and insurance information. The intake usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes, longer than regular sessions.

For court ordered programs, the first appointment confirms your eligibility for the specific class or group, reviews the schedule, and processes payment. You leave with your start date and any pre work assigned.

For voluntary therapy, the intake establishes your treatment plan. By the end of the session you and your clinician have agreed on what you are working on and the general approach. Subsequent sessions are 50 minutes and focus on the work itself.

How do you handle payment and insurance?

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid. Medicare acceptance is pending. We also have providers and student interns with low cost options for clients who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover counseling.

Court approved programs typically require advance payment and are not covered by insurance because they are not clinically indicated treatment. Programs include anger management, DVIP, theft prevention, substance abuse education, and substance abuse group.

Payment methods accepted: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, Visa, Zelle, and money order. Call 501-464-2926 with billing or insurance questions.

Common questions about our services

Do I need a referral to schedule?
No. You can self refer for any of our services. Court ordered clients should bring their paperwork to the intake.
How quickly can I get scheduled?
Individual therapy intakes are typically scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks. SAP evaluations within 1 to 2 business days. Court approved classes have published schedules on our calendar.
Can I do my service via telehealth?
Individual therapy, couples and family therapy, EMDR, and clinical supervision can be done by telehealth. Court approved group programs require in person attendance with the exception of the 3 hour substance abuse education class which is fully online.
Will information be shared with my court or employer?
Only with your written consent. Information is not released without a signed release of information form, which you may revoke at any time. Court orders sometimes require attendance verification, which is the minimum disclosure permitted by law.
What languages do you offer services in?
English and Spanish. Our website and key forms are bilingual. Spanish speaking clinician availability varies by location and service. Call 501-464-2926 to confirm availability.
Take the next step

You don't have
to figure this out
alone.

Request an appointment through our secure portal, or reach out to our scheduling team.

Scheduling
Admin hours
Mon through Thursday, 9 AM to 2 PM
Patient portal

Scope of practice

Arkansas Counseling and Wellness Services provides outpatient mental health counseling, court approved programming, and DOT SAP evaluations to clients across Arkansas. Our clinicians work with adolescents (when appropriate), adults, couples, and families.

We provide

  • Outpatient individual, couples, and family therapy
  • Trauma therapy including EMDR and Brainspotting
  • Substance use counseling (group and individual)
  • DOT SAP evaluations under 49 CFR Part 40
  • Court approved Anger Management and Domestic Violence Intervention
  • Clinical supervision for LPCs and LADACs
  • Telehealth across Arkansas and Missouri

We do not provide

  • Psychiatric medication management (we refer)
  • Inpatient or residential treatment
  • Forensic or custody evaluations
  • Court ordered evaluations beyond DOT SAP
  • Crisis intervention as a primary service (call 988)
  • Services for clients under age 13 without prior arrangement

If you need a service we do not offer, our intake team can usually point you to a trusted provider in your area.

If you or someone you know is in crisis

  • 988 — Suicide and Crisis Lifeline · call or text · 24/7 free
  • Text HOME to 741741 — Crisis Text Line · 24/7 free
  • 988 then press 1 — Veterans Crisis Line
  • 877-565-8860 — Trans Lifeline
  • 1-800-662-4357 — SAMHSA National Helpline · substance use · 24/7 free
  • 877-727-1002 — Arkansas Crisis Center
  • 1-888-628-9454 — Línea de Vida Suicida en Español
  • 911 — for medical emergencies

More resources at our crisis page. International readers: findahelpline.com.

Free 15-minute consultation.

No obligation. Talk through what you need and whether we are the right fit.

Published: 2025-09-15 · Last updated: 2026-04-29 · Last clinically reviewed: 2026-04-29 by Dr. Kristy Burton, PhD, LPC-S, LADAC, AADC, MAC, CS, SAP, NCC