Therapy for College Students in Arkansas
College Doesn't Have to Feel This Hard
Whether you're anxious, lonely, or just holding it together, therapy can give you actual tools that help.
Hi, I’m Kelsey (LAC)
At Kin & Grove, I work with college students throughout Arkansas who are doing "all the right things" but still feel anxious, stressed, or unsure of what's next. I'm a University of Arkansas grad who gets it: the Sunday scaries before Monday classes, the pressure to have it all figured out, and the exhaustion of trying to keep up when your mind won't shut off.
Working Together
Therapy is a space where you're actually heard, where we set goals that matter to you, and build skills that work in real life. Let's start with one conversation and see if it's a fit.
You're Not Alone. And You're Not Failing.
If you've caught yourself saying things like:
"My mind won't shut off at night"
"Everyone else seems fine and I'm barely holding it together."
"I can't even right now."
"I joke about a menty b but secretly, I'm not okay."
"I'm lonely on a crowded campus, surrounded by people but not actually connected."
"I'm supposed to be having the time of my life, but mostly I just feel overwhelmed."
You're not broken. You're human.
College is a major life transition, and it's normal to want extra support. Research shows 71% of college students experience mental health challenges, with anxiety and depression at historic highs. You're not the only one struggling, you're just taking the first step toward getting support and making change.
Why College Students Come to Therapy
Life on campus can be overwhelming in more ways than one. Here are common reasons University of Arkansas students and college students throughout Arkansas reach out for therapy:
Academic Pressure & Performance Anxiety
Test anxiety that makes your mind go blank or your hands shake
Perfectionism that turns every assignment into an overwhelming ordeal
Procrastination you can't seem to break (even though you know it makes things worse)
Imposter syndrome or feeling like everyone else belongs here except you
Social & Relationship Stress
Loneliness even when you're surrounded by people
Difficulty making friends beyond surface-level conversations
Roommate conflicts or friendship drama affecting everything else
Relationship challenges (romantic or platonic) you're not sure how to navigate
Mental Health Symptoms
Panic attacks or a constant feeling of anxiety
Depression that makes everything harder than it should be
Burnout and exhaustion from trying to keep up with everything
Sleep problems, racing thoughts, or feeling emotionally numb
Identity & Life Direction
Major-choice pressure: uncertainty about what to study, fear of "picking the wrong path," questioning whether you're even in the right field
Career anxiety: not knowing what you want to do, feeling behind because everyone else seems to have it figured out
Identity changes or questioning who you are beyond your hometown self
Loss of direction or purpose
The "Real World" Transition Especially for Juniors & Seniors
Transitioning from senior year to post-grad life: job search stress, fear of the unknown, wondering if you're actually prepared
Graduation anxiety mixed with excitement (or mostly just anxiety)
Financial stress about student loans, cost of living, or whether you'll ever afford independence
The pressure of "what's next?" when you genuinely don't know
Life Circumstances
Balancing school with work, social responsibilities, or financial stress
Processing difficult experiences or trauma
Managing ADHD, time management concerns, or other ongoing challenges
Coming home for breaks and feeling like you don't fit anymore
Why Students Choose Therapy with Kelsey
U of A Grad Who Actually Gets It
I've walked the same halls, stressed about the exams, and know what it's like to navigate Razorback life. As a University of Arkansas graduate, I understand the specific pressures of this campus and this region, from the Walmart corporate culture that permeates Northwest Arkansas to the unique mix of students (first-gen, out-of-state relocations, rural backgrounds). Context is important!
Real-World Experience Beyond Campus
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in corporate, tech, startups, and retail/fashion. I know what career anxiety feels like, what imposter syndrome sounds like in your head, and what it takes to build balance in high-pressure environments. If you're stressed about life after graduation, I've been there, and I can help you prepare for it.
Flexible Options That Actually Fit Student Life
Virtual sessions from your dorm, apartment, or wherever you feel comfortable (anywhere in Arkansas)
In-person appointments in Bentonville, about north of the University of Arkansas campus, perfect if you want a quiet cozy space away from campus
Hybrid scheduling switch between virtual and in-person as your life changes (midterms, breaks, busy weeks)
Judgment-Free, Research-Based Support
No lectures, full acceptance, and support. Grounded, practical tools backed by research, and a therapist who genuinely cares whether this actually helps you.
Tired of Carrying the Weight of Unrealistic Standards?
Perfectionism disguises itself as high standards, but it's actually a system designed to keep you feeling like you're never enough. It's the difference between striving for excellence and being paralyzed by the fear of not being flawless.
Your perfectionist brain probably tells you it's protecting you from failure, rejection, or criticism. But instead of keeping you safe, it's keeping you exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from the joy in your accomplishments. You end up working harder than everyone around you while feeling less satisfied with the results.
What Life Looks Like When Perfectionism Loosens Its Grip
Finishing projects without endless revisions and feeling good about them
Making decisions without agonizing over every possible outcome
Sleeping better because you're not mentally reviewing your "mistakes"
Having energy for the people and experiences you love instead of pouring everything into being "perfect"
Feeling proud of your work instead of immediately focusing on what could be better
Taking healthy risks and trying new things without the fear of not being immediately excellent
Treating yourself with the same kindness you show others
How We Work Together
Therapy for perfectionism isn't about lowering your standards or accepting mediocrity. It's about learning to channel your drive in a way that actually serves you instead of depleting you.
In our sessions, we'll:
Identify the specific thoughts and beliefs that fuel your perfectionist patterns
Practice self-compassion techniques to quiet that harsh inner critic
Develop realistic expectations and boundaries around your work and commitments
Learn to recognize "good enough" and celebrate it
Explore what you're really afraid will happen if you're not perfect
Build tolerance for making mistakes and being human
You can expect:
Understanding of the exhaustion that comes with trying to be everything to everyone
Practical strategies for breaking the perfectionism-procrastination cycle
A space to explore the deeper fears driving your need to be perfect
Tools for setting boundaries with yourself and others
Gentle challenges to help you experiment with imperfection
Ready to give yourself permission to be good enough exactly as you are?