Jonesboro, Arkansas Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Jonesboro, Arkansas

Jonesboro, Arkansas is located one hour west of Memphis, Tennessee. It is a friendly and safe community of 75,866. Public schools and safety are considered to be above average and the cost of living is below average, making this town a great place to raise families. There are also ample job opportunities across the manufacturing, healthcare, service, retail, and education industries. It’s home to Arkansas State University and known as being a regional healthcare destination. Against a backdrop of rolling hills and farmland, this community enjoys a relatively peaceful way of life.

Anyone can face mental health challenges no matter where they live and no matter their socioeconomic status. Although Jonesboro is known for being idyllic, residents still face some unique difficulties.

• Poor Health: A community health needs assessment (CHNA) covering Jonesboro reported that more residents were in poor health as compared to the national average. Poor physical health can also weigh on mental health.
• Poverty: Many in Jonesboro struggle to make ends meet with a poverty rate of 4%. There can be complex physical and mental health effects from living in these conditions.
• Obesity: The CHNA listed obesity as a top concern in the area. Physical challenges such as being significantly overweight can be related to mental health difficulties.
• Suicide: The Arkansas Department of Health has stated that the leading cause of violent death in the state is suicide. Resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are always available at 1-800-273-8255, but earlier mental health intervention can help prevent the situation from reaching a crisis level.
• Smoking: Despite a nationwide decrease in smoking, there continue to be high levels of smoking in northeast Arkansas. Smoking can often result in chronic or even terminal illnesses.
• Teen Birth Rate: This area has a higher rate of teen births which can lead to difficulties for the mothers and the children.
• Sexually Transmitted Illnesses: The CHNA also noted STIs as a top health concern. There can be a psychological component to treating and managing these types of illnesses.

The Challenge of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Jonesboro

Nationwide, Arkansas tends to rank in the middle of US states in terms of access to mental health care. When ranked on mental health workforce availability, for example, Arkansas ranks 26 out of 50 states. For Jonesboro residents, the barriers to accessing care are likely to be financial or stigma-related. Residents without health insurance – which is currently about 12.2% of the population – and those living in poverty may find mental health services too cost-prohibitive.

Community centers, non-profits, and new forms of online therapy may be able to help individuals access care if money is an issue. Often these groups offer free services such as support groups and helplines as well as low-cost or sliding scale services that are adjusted based on income.

Despite an evolving national dialogue around mental health, many still struggle with shame when it comes to seeking help. Some initiatives such as Arkansas’s “Let’s Talk About It” campaign may help reduce stigma over time. This program is designed to give residents more access to mental health services and prevent suicide.

Mental Health Resources in Jonesboro

Even with these statewide and national challenges, Jonesboro is known for being something of a medical hub. It has major medical hospitals, women’s centers, behavioral health centers, cancer treatment centers, and more. If you’re seeking mental health support, you can choose from multiple licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors.

These counselors have worked with individuals of all ages, including couples and families. They can provide compassionate and confidential support for anyone dealing with anxiety, grief, family issues, trauma, anger issues, relationship challenges, depression, ADHD, bipolar, identity formation, major life transitions, and more. They have experience working in outpatient, inpatient, community organizations, schools, hospitals, and therapeutic day treatment environments.

Therapists and counselors often draw on a range of therapy modalities to build a care plan that fits your needs. They have been trained in dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, Gestalt, and mindfulness methods.