Arkansas may be known for its natural beauty and southern charm, but did you know that the state is also home to three top-tier universities offering master’s programs in psychology? Yeah! That’s right. After getting Arkansas Doctorate in Psychology Programs, you can now pursue a career in Master with plenty of options. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in research, clinical practice, or counseling, there’s a program in Arkansas that’s perfect for you. At the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, you can enroll in their Master of Science in Psychology program, which emphasizes hands-on research experience and experimentation. If you’re interested in helping people overcome mental health challenges, then Arkansas State University’s Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program might be the ideal fit. This program provides students with extensive clinical training and prepares them for careers as licensed clinical psychologists.
Master’s in General Psychology
Arkansas Tech University Master of Science in Psychology
Arkansas Tech University’s Master of Science in Psychology program is meant to prepare students for a variety of careers in psychology or for further study at the doctoral level. The program offers two concentrations: general psychology and counseling psychology. The general psychology concentration focuses on research and theory in psychology, while the counseling psychology concentration emphasizes the practical application of psychology in counseling settings. The program is located in Russellville, Arkansas, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arkansas State University Master’s Degree in Psychological Science
Arkansas State University’s Master of Science in Psychological Science program is meant to give students a strong background in psychological theory and research methods. The program offers two tracks: a thesis track and a non-thesis track. The thesis track is designed for doctoral students, while the non-thesis track is designed for students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation. The program is located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students in the program can conduct research in various areas of psychology, such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
Click here for Masters in Clinical Psychology programs in the state of Arkansas.
Master’s in Counseling Psychology
University of Central Arkansas MS in Counseling Psychology
The University of Central Arkansas offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program that prepares students for careers in counseling, therapy, and related fields. The program offers two concentrations: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. The clinical mental health counseling concentration focuses on counseling individuals with mental health disorders. In contrast, the school counseling concentration prepares students to work with children and adolescents in educational settings. The program is located in Conway, Arkansas, and is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Arkansas Psychology and Mental Health-Focused Organizations
- The Arkansas Psychological Association (ArPA): A professional organization for psychologists and mental health professionals in Arkansas. The ArPA provides networking opportunities, continuing education programs, and advocacy for the state’s psychology field.
- The Arkansas Mental Health Counselors Association (ARMHCA): A professional organization for mental health counselors in Arkansas. The ARMHCA provides networking opportunities, continuing education programs, and advocacy for the field of mental health counseling in the state.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Arkansas: A grassroots organization that provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness in Arkansas. NAMI Arkansas offers support groups, educational programs, and a helpline for individuals seeking assistance.
- Ozark Guidance: A non-profit community mental health center that provides various mental health services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, and crisis intervention. Ozark Guidance serves individuals in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties in Arkansas.
- Arkansas Families First: A private counseling and therapy practice that provides mental health services for individuals, couples, and families in central Arkansas. Arkansas Families First offers a range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and family therapy.
- Youth Bridge, Inc.: A non-profit organization that provides mental health and substance abuse services for youth and families in northwest Arkansas. Youth Bridge offers residential treatment, outpatient counseling, and community-based services to support young people’s emotional and behavioral health.
- Counseling Associates, Inc.: A private counseling and therapy practice with multiple locations throughout Arkansas. Counseling Associates offers individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, and a range of specialty programs, including substance abuse treatment and anger management.
Arkansas Data and Mental Health Statistics
- Arkansas has a higher prevalence of mental health disorders than the national average, with approximately 20% of adults experiencing a mental health condition in a given year.
- Suicide is a significant concern in Arkansas, with the state consistently ranking among the highest in the nation for suicide rates. In 2020, the state had a suicide rate of 19.4 per 100,000 residents, which is well above the national average of 13.9 per 100,000.
- Access to mental health care is a challenge for many residents of Arkansas, particularly those in rural areas. In 2020, the state had only 199 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 228 per 100,000.
- Substance abuse is a significant problem in Arkansas, with rates of alcohol and drug use exceeding national averages. In 2021, Arkansas had the highest rate of opioid prescriptions per capita in the country.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health in Arkansas, with rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions increasing in response to the pandemic.
- Arkansas has made efforts to address mental health disparities in the state, including through the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME) initiative, which aims to improve access to health care services, including mental health care, for low-income residents.
- The Arkansas Department of Human Services provides various mental health services, including crisis intervention, community-based services, and residential treatment. The department also operates a 24/7 crisis hotline for individuals needing immediate mental health assistance.
