LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Crawford County, AR

I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD; however, my primary areas of focus are working within the LGBTQIA+ community and with trauma.
I believe in treating everyone with respect, as an equal, and without any labels or judgement. I tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet each clients’ specific needs. Each individual is unique and there is no "one size fits all" in therapy. I am relatively informal in my approach, but flexible for the needs of each client.
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD; however, my primary areas of focus are working within the LGBTQIA+ community and with trauma.
I believe in treating everyone with respect, as an equal, and without any labels or judgement. I tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet each clients’ specific needs. Each individual is unique and there is no "one size fits all" in therapy. I am relatively informal in my approach, but flexible for the needs of each client.

I’m Tara and I work with ALL clients, transgender and non-binary clients as well as clients that are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about work, school, home or friends.
Step out into freedom and embrace the life you were born to live! Is fear running your life? Do you hide the “real you” from family & friends? Discover the courage to be who you truly are! Many people dealing with anxiety, depression and gender and sexuality issues feel they are missing out on life. Clients I work with often report feeling alone and afraid to reach out for help. They no longer want to hide who they are, yet also feel stuck moving forward due to lack of support or fear of judgement. My passion is to help you ditch the shame and find freedom to love the person in the mirror despite the opinions of others.
I’m Tara and I work with ALL clients, transgender and non-binary clients as well as clients that are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about work, school, home or friends.
Step out into freedom and embrace the life you were born to live! Is fear running your life? Do you hide the “real you” from family & friends? Discover the courage to be who you truly are! Many people dealing with anxiety, depression and gender and sexuality issues feel they are missing out on life. Clients I work with often report feeling alone and afraid to reach out for help. They no longer want to hide who they are, yet also feel stuck moving forward due to lack of support or fear of judgement. My passion is to help you ditch the shame and find freedom to love the person in the mirror despite the opinions of others.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, identity, LGBTQ+, relationship struggles, trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, my goal is to empower you to find clarity, healing, and lasting transformation.
I approach therapy from a client-centered, holistic perspective, tailoring my approach to meet each person's unique needs. I utilize evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and other trauma-informed care to help clients build coping skills, gain insight, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, identity, LGBTQ+, relationship struggles, trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, my goal is to empower you to find clarity, healing, and lasting transformation.
I approach therapy from a client-centered, holistic perspective, tailoring my approach to meet each person's unique needs. I utilize evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and other trauma-informed care to help clients build coping skills, gain insight, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.

I work with gender identity, transitioning, self-discovery, LGBTQIA+ relationships, polyamory, exploring kink, BDSM & power dynamics in a healthy way.
I have specialized training in sexual addictions (sex, porn, love addiction, sexual shame and trauma, and other intimacy struggles) and am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. I am currently working on my Ph.D in Clinical Sexology to become a Certified Sex Therapist. I continue to work on expanding my knowledge and skills to better serve these communities.
I work with gender identity, transitioning, self-discovery, LGBTQIA+ relationships, polyamory, exploring kink, BDSM & power dynamics in a healthy way.
I have specialized training in sexual addictions (sex, porn, love addiction, sexual shame and trauma, and other intimacy struggles) and am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. I am currently working on my Ph.D in Clinical Sexology to become a Certified Sex Therapist. I continue to work on expanding my knowledge and skills to better serve these communities.

Patricia (Patti) Lashley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I believe we are each on a journey in life and sometimes we need someone willing to walk with us to help us along our path. It is my goal for everyone to feel accepted and to know they are not alone. I believe everyone has the ability and capability to be their best selves. It is my mission to provide a safe and supportive space for my clients so they achieve the best in their lives. I work with adolescences, adults, and single parent, divorced, and blended families. I embrace working with diverse people of every race, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
I believe we are each on a journey in life and sometimes we need someone willing to walk with us to help us along our path. It is my goal for everyone to feel accepted and to know they are not alone. I believe everyone has the ability and capability to be their best selves. It is my mission to provide a safe and supportive space for my clients so they achieve the best in their lives. I work with adolescences, adults, and single parent, divorced, and blended families. I embrace working with diverse people of every race, ethnicity, sexual orientation,

Do you feel as if your life has a “before” and “after?” Do you feel stuck, like you can’t shake what happened to you or your relationships? I would love the opportunity to help you make sense of your story and build your path forward. - ¿Sientes como si tu vida tuviera un “antes” y un “después”? ¿Te sientes atascado, como si no pudieras deshacerte de lo que te ha pasado a ti o a tus relaciones? Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de ayudarte a dar sentido a tu historia y construir tu camino hacia adelante.
Do you feel as if your life has a “before” and “after?” Do you feel stuck, like you can’t shake what happened to you or your relationships? I would love the opportunity to help you make sense of your story and build your path forward. - ¿Sientes como si tu vida tuviera un “antes” y un “después”? ¿Te sientes atascado, como si no pudieras deshacerte de lo que te ha pasado a ti o a tus relaciones? Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de ayudarte a dar sentido a tu historia y construir tu camino hacia adelante.

At Stable Steps, we believe that mental wellness is crucial for living a fulfilling life. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized experiential therapy services to help individuals overcome their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. Our unique approach includes Counseling with Horses to promote healing and growth. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where every individual feels heard, valued, and supported.
At Stable Steps, we believe that mental wellness is crucial for living a fulfilling life. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized experiential therapy services to help individuals overcome their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. Our unique approach includes Counseling with Horses to promote healing and growth. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where every individual feels heard, valued, and supported.

I have worked with various ages and issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. My counseling style is warm, empathic, and genuine. My approach is primarily cognitive-behavioral and humanistic. I believe that in many instances, our thought patterns directly affect our emotions and, subsequently, our behavior. I come from a viewpoint that you are the expert of you. No one knows you better than you! I look at myself as a guide and allow my clients to dictate the course and direction of counseling.
I have worked with various ages and issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. My counseling style is warm, empathic, and genuine. My approach is primarily cognitive-behavioral and humanistic. I believe that in many instances, our thought patterns directly affect our emotions and, subsequently, our behavior. I come from a viewpoint that you are the expert of you. No one knows you better than you! I look at myself as a guide and allow my clients to dictate the course and direction of counseling.

Do you need a change in your life and are unable to find the motivation to get started on your own? I would like to help. My career experiences have provided me opportunities to work with clients struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, borderline intellectual functioning, maladaptive behavior patterns, marital discord, family dysfunction, and adjustment disorders including bereavement. I work to meet my clients where they are in their lives, manage symptoms, identify useful coping skills, and assist in working towards short-term and/or long-term goals.
Do you need a change in your life and are unable to find the motivation to get started on your own? I would like to help. My career experiences have provided me opportunities to work with clients struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, borderline intellectual functioning, maladaptive behavior patterns, marital discord, family dysfunction, and adjustment disorders including bereavement. I work to meet my clients where they are in their lives, manage symptoms, identify useful coping skills, and assist in working towards short-term and/or long-term goals.

Yolanda Nally, MSW, LCSW, EMDR II, IFS Level 1, is an integrative psychotherapist in private practice in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Along with the general population, she also specializes in working with physicians, therapists, teachers, and others who work in the health and helping fields. She is a fully licensed mental health professional since 2006. Yolanda received over ten years of post-graduate training by a local psychotherapy expert and author, Bill Symes, whose primary method is psychodynamics. She also trained in trauma via EMDR in 2009 and is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Trained by the IFS Institute.
Yolanda Nally, MSW, LCSW, EMDR II, IFS Level 1, is an integrative psychotherapist in private practice in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Along with the general population, she also specializes in working with physicians, therapists, teachers, and others who work in the health and helping fields. She is a fully licensed mental health professional since 2006. Yolanda received over ten years of post-graduate training by a local psychotherapy expert and author, Bill Symes, whose primary method is psychodynamics. She also trained in trauma via EMDR in 2009 and is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Trained by the IFS Institute.

I am open to helping any individual that needs help with a psychiatric diagnosis. I do not treat acute events that need detox but happy to help sustained sobriety. I am also happy to help with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and many more.
I am open to helping any individual that needs help with a psychiatric diagnosis. I do not treat acute events that need detox but happy to help sustained sobriety. I am also happy to help with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and many more.

Danielle Patterson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
So many of us have been through traumatic experiences that have left us feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, and falling into unhealthy patterns. We experience an inner critical voice that tells us we are not good enough, ugly, or worthless. I love to provide a safe and comforting space for clients to process their difficult life experiences, break through cycles of shame, and begin recovery from addictive behaviors, including with eating and embodiment issues. Together, we focus on healing, reclaiming health, practicing intuitive self-care, celebrating your authentic self and beauty, and cultivating self-love and self-compassion.
So many of us have been through traumatic experiences that have left us feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, and falling into unhealthy patterns. We experience an inner critical voice that tells us we are not good enough, ugly, or worthless. I love to provide a safe and comforting space for clients to process their difficult life experiences, break through cycles of shame, and begin recovery from addictive behaviors, including with eating and embodiment issues. Together, we focus on healing, reclaiming health, practicing intuitive self-care, celebrating your authentic self and beauty, and cultivating self-love and self-compassion.

There can be healing and growth after going through really hard things in life. Trauma doesn’t have to be the end of your story. You can write a new chapter. I am passionate about coming alongside those who are adjusting to life changes and seeking personal growth, as well as helping those who are working through the effects of abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief.
There can be healing and growth after going through really hard things in life. Trauma doesn’t have to be the end of your story. You can write a new chapter. I am passionate about coming alongside those who are adjusting to life changes and seeking personal growth, as well as helping those who are working through the effects of abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief.

I offer a safe space for women seeking to understand and address depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, and self-worth issues. I focus on fostering self-awareness and mindfulness to guide your exploration into the root causes of your experiences. Together, we’ll work towards healing and building a balanced, more confident you.
I offer a safe space for women seeking to understand and address depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, and self-worth issues. I focus on fostering self-awareness and mindfulness to guide your exploration into the root causes of your experiences. Together, we’ll work towards healing and building a balanced, more confident you.

Tired of feeling like you have to be a "super parent" and manage everything at once? Are there days you just don't want to get up and you can't figure out why? What about fears that control your life? All of these are life struggles and real problems. My job is to help individuals and couples with life stressors and take control of their lives.
Tired of feeling like you have to be a "super parent" and manage everything at once? Are there days you just don't want to get up and you can't figure out why? What about fears that control your life? All of these are life struggles and real problems. My job is to help individuals and couples with life stressors and take control of their lives.

Life can be a chaotic mess. Especially for adolescents and young adults trying to learn about themselves while navigating environmental pressures. Challenges such as first jobs, new relationships, evaluating potential career paths, and exploring new identities can lead to increases in anxiety, anger, and self- esteem issues.
Life can be a chaotic mess. Especially for adolescents and young adults trying to learn about themselves while navigating environmental pressures. Challenges such as first jobs, new relationships, evaluating potential career paths, and exploring new identities can lead to increases in anxiety, anger, and self- esteem issues.

Natasha M. Poindexter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, TA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I especially enjoy working with individuals, families, and relationships facing a variety of challenges. Life can be difficult and we face many obstacles along the way. As your therapist, I will walk along side you and honor the journey you are on, while providing insight into ways to improve your overall functioning and well-being.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I especially enjoy working with individuals, families, and relationships facing a variety of challenges. Life can be difficult and we face many obstacles along the way. As your therapist, I will walk along side you and honor the journey you are on, while providing insight into ways to improve your overall functioning and well-being.

Do you feel like you are ready for a change, but still running in place? Stuck in a rut and ready to get loose? Do you crave connection and healthy relationships, but find that you aren't sure what needs to change to get there? If you are reading this then most likely you have hit a breaking point and are looking for assistance in mending what has broken. It would be my honor to help guide you and provide care and support as you work to become your healthiest and truest self.
Do you feel like you are ready for a change, but still running in place? Stuck in a rut and ready to get loose? Do you crave connection and healthy relationships, but find that you aren't sure what needs to change to get there? If you are reading this then most likely you have hit a breaking point and are looking for assistance in mending what has broken. It would be my honor to help guide you and provide care and support as you work to become your healthiest and truest self.

Sheryl L Hollingshead
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re ready to find freedom from your past...freedom from the feelings of I’m not good enough. It’s that feeling of “not a good enough mom, friend, student, wife…Just never enough!" These feelings can sneak up on us and color our perception of the world. We can end up spending a lot of time in our heads, mentally beating ourselves up until we learn a new way of seeing the world. That’s where I can help!!
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re ready to find freedom from your past...freedom from the feelings of I’m not good enough. It’s that feeling of “not a good enough mom, friend, student, wife…Just never enough!" These feelings can sneak up on us and color our perception of the world. We can end up spending a lot of time in our heads, mentally beating ourselves up until we learn a new way of seeing the world. That’s where I can help!!

Dr. Vaughn DeCoster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, CQSW
Verified Verified
Van Buren, AR 72956
Not accepting new clients
We all lead busy, complex lives and often are critical of ourselves. In reality, we're just doing the best we can with what life throws at us. Anxiety, sadness, depression, burnout, feeling lost, overwhelmed, or loneliness can take a toll on us. We just want things to settle, make some sense, and feel better.
It takes courage to seek help and actively move towards a more satisfying, meaningful, and happier life. It’s wonderful that you're considering this first step!
We all lead busy, complex lives and often are critical of ourselves. In reality, we're just doing the best we can with what life throws at us. Anxiety, sadness, depression, burnout, feeling lost, overwhelmed, or loneliness can take a toll on us. We just want things to settle, make some sense, and feel better.
It takes courage to seek help and actively move towards a more satisfying, meaningful, and happier life. It’s wonderful that you're considering this first step!
See more therapy options for Crawford County
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.