Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Inc (The Guidance Center)

Fort Smith, Arkansas

3111 S 70th St
Fort Smith, AR 72903

About Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Inc (The Guidance Center)

Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center is a CARF accredited outpatient behavioral healthcare provider in Fort Smith, Arkansas. CARF accreditation indicates a commitment to quality care. They provide mental health counseling and treatment for substance use disorders. They may even tackle dual diagnosis conditions. This is when you’re experiencing both mental health and substance use issues. Specialized services are also available for youth aged 13 to 17.

Their staff are highly skilled and experienced in mental health and addiction therapy. I like that they prioritize individualized care because this tailors treatment to your unique needs. I also appreciate that they offer very affordable services with flexible funding options. This includes Medicaid, Medicare and various private insurance plans.

You can consider their outpatient services if you need flexible treatment for a mild to moderate substance use disorder. You’ll receive 72 hours of residential treatment in their crisis stabilization unit if you are experiencing serious mental health and substance use disorders.

Their outpatient program starts with substance use treatment and continues with individual and group therapy. Group therapy creates a supportive network that promotes learning with individuals who have experiences similar to yours. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively, manage your mood and build healthy relationships. This strengthens your coping and relapse prevention skills and allows you to better control negative behavioral patterns that fuel substance abuse.

They may offer medication assisted treatment (MAT) if relevant to your recovery. This technique uses FDA approved medicines and counseling to support recovery from opioid or alcohol addiction.

Their program integrates medication management to help those with dual diagnosis conditions. They also provide a court ordered education program for DUI and DWI offenders. Another cool thing about this facility is that their services include telehealth support. This means you can potentially receive therapeutic support from the comfort of your home. They also offer family counseling and case management services.

Once you complete treatment you may receive aftercare. This provides ongoing support for long term success. These services may include continued counseling, support groups and referrals to community resources.

Payment Options

Private Insurance
Self-pay options
Financial aid
Sliding scale payment assistance
Medicare
Military insurance
Medicaid
Medicare

Levels of Care

Outpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Inpatient

Intensive Outpatient

Clients enrolled in intensive outpatient programs (IOP) may receive up to 20 hours of outpatient treatment per week, but a minimum of nine hours is standard. The intensity and frequency of treatment declines gradually as clients become more stable and prepare to transition to standard outpatient programs. Intensive outpatient treatments generally encompass a variety of modalities, including individual, group, and family therapy, recovery-focused life skills training, and medication assisted treatment (MAT).

12-Step

12 step programs are designed to foster participants' recovery through spiritual development, promoting healing in mind, body, and spirit. Participants engage in 12 step meetings, which are free, anonymous, and accessible daily, including evening, night, and weekend group sessions. Participants also self-select a sponsor to support them throughout their recovery journey. Though rooted in spiritual principles, participants do not have to be religiously-affiliated. Specialized formats, including gender and age-specific ones, are available.

Sober Living Homes

A sober living home in Arkansas provides a safe, sober-living scenario for those in recovery. If you have concerns about returning to daily life after treatment, this might be a good option for you to make a slower transition. You'll live with others in recovery, abide by strict halfway house rules, and maintain responsibilities through work and household chores. Your length of stay is flexible based on personal needs.

Intervention Services

A drug intervention in Arkansas is an organized effort made by the loved ones of a person who's struggling with substance abuse. The goal is to show the person how their addiction has negatively affected the lives of family and friends. While some loved ones plan an intervention on their own, it's best to rely on professional intervention services that are available. Involving an expert for insight and guidance can often increase the chances of success for the intervention.

Partial Hospitalization Program

As a short-term outpatient treatment option, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is often beneficial for those who don't need 24-hour care. PHPs can be used as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or as a step down from a residential program. For a minimum of 20 hours a week, you'll make a commute to the center and return home in the evening. During PHP treatment, you can receive medication management, relapse prevention strategies, and behavioral therapy interventions.

24-Hour Clinical Care

During many phases of addiction treatment, you'll need to receive 24-hour clinical care in Arkansas. This supervision ensures your safety during the detox process. Licensed medical professionals and experienced addiction specialists provide medication management, non-addictive medication to curb withdrawal symptoms, and frequent monitoring of vital signs.

Medically Assisted Detox

The process of a medically assisted detox is when all addictive substances are removed from your body. Usually performed in an inpatient setting, you are under the 24/7 care of licensed medical medical professionals who keep you safe and comfortable during the detoxification. Medications are often administered to help alleviate potential withdrawal symptoms.The process can vary in length, but it typically takes 5-7 days.

Programs

Adolescence program

Adult program

Program for men

Program for women

Young adult program

Children program

Elderly program

Hearing impaired program

Military program

Settings & Amenities

Residential setting
Private rooms

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

One of the most common types of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy in Arkansas is an effective tool for the treatment of substance use disorder. It is a common therapeutic method that is used to treat a variety of mental and behavioral health challenges.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Developed in the 1970s, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy based in cognitive behavior therapy. DBT is designed specifically to help people who experience emotions intensely. It is used to treat substance use disorder, anxiety, and depression, among other mental health disorders.

Group Therapy

Group therapy offers men and women the opportunity to learn essential coping skills from their peers who have practiced these skills in the community. You learn new communication techniques and relapse prevention strategies that promote sobriety and sustainable recovery.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy gives men and women in Arkansas the chance to engage in one on one therapy sessions that focus on identifying personal triggers and high risk situations for drug and alcohol addiction. Your therapist works together with you to develop coping strategies and build resilience that promotes sustainable recovery.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a conversational approach to treatment. It helps you express your desire for change, reflect on any ambivalence you're feeling about change, and plan for the next steps to make the changes you desire.

Trauma Therapy

The goal of trauma therapy is to address the lingering mental, emotional, and physical lingering effects of a traumatic event. Your therapist helps you process this trauma and build resilience to face future challenges.

Couples Therapy

If you participate in couples therapy, your therapist may use one or more methods to help you improve communication and resolve conflict. These techniques can include emotionally focused therapy, psychodynamic couple's therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Family Therapy

Families in Arkansas use family therapy to enhance communication and understand the effect that addiction has on family members. The goal is to help members identify and modify negative behaviors and create a more cohesive and supportive environment that is conducive to recovery.

Life Skills

Developing life skills while undergoing rehab treatment in Arkansas is a crucial part of your recovery. During treatment, you may focus on learning communication skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving, self awareness, assertiveness, and coping skills.

Accreditations

CARF

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.

CARF Accreditation: Yes

State License

State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.

State License: Arkansas

Contact

(479) 452-6650

Website

3111 S 70th St
Fort Smith, AR 72903

Call Now - Help is Available

Get Help Now - 501-575-0717

Reviews

2.5 (88 reviews)

Google Rating

Enki Elohim

2 months ago

I hate that I live in a world where their are people who do not like there jobs. Met some awesome people too but for an establishment like this you would expect better.

Response from the owner2 months ago

Hello Enki, We do appreciate your review even though it s not something we like to hear. All clients are important to us, as are their experiences at The Guidance Center. Please call us at 479-452-6650 and ask for Shea. We cannot find your name in our system and genuinely want to know what happened that was less than top-notch.

Wildboy5699

3 months ago

I went up here a few times a couple of weeks ago. Most of the staff are extremely rude and act like they don t want to be there. I drove 30 minutes up there to finally see someone, which I had to talk to them over the webcam because they were too lazy to come up to the center that day, which she was also l extremely rude. When I finally got an appointment to finally see a therapist, it was either over the phone or drive another 30 minutes up there to talk to them on a webcam again. When I ask if there was a way I could see someone face to face and have a one on one session with a person who was standing right there in front of me. They told me that doesn t cover my insurance and if it did, it would take six to eight months to get one. So I told them to forget it and left. I will go find someone else.

Wildboy5699, We take our clients experiences very seriously so I am grateful you have made us aware of your experience, even though it was less than satisfactory. We would like to speak with you and gather more information. Please call Shea at 479-452-6650. I am making her aware that you will hopefully be calling. We apologize for your inconvenience to make a 30 minute drive if you were not able to see someone in person.

Charlotte

Some of these therapist are good. One "therapist" that is at the place needs to be fired and that would be donnie b. The therapist here are supposed work with parents to help their children but one of them doesn't he tells parents that the child's behavior is their fault and then gets the child taken away. So if you have any children that have behavioral issues or trouble with the law stay clear of this "therapist" he doesn't care about the children or their families.

Allysia Alexander

Talked to someone at 10:04 and they told me to come on over. That they take walk ins until 11. I got there at 10:24 and the lady told me they stop taking people at 10. Left the building crying. It's too hard to get help.

Allysia, Unfortunately you were given the incorrect information over the phone about the time we stop taking walk-in appointments. We are truly sorry for this. We have gone back and made absolutely sure everyone is aware of this so it doesn't happen to someone else. We do suggest that all walk-ins show up as early as possible, because it is on a first-come first-served basis. If it is after walk-in hours, we will do an intake and schedule you. We sincerely apologize that you were misinformed.

Serena

4 months ago

Never really liked this place but had to come due to extenuating circumstances. They didn't have my referral, my appointment, or my chart info, and I waited two hours before being having to leave to go to another appointment. Shameful

Serena, We have researched what happened and we are sorry you were not able to see someone when you came in. Unfortunately, with no scheduled appointment, we must treat an encounter as a walk-in. All walk-ins are on a first-come first-served basis as the schedule allows. We are happy to talk more with you about your experience. You can contact us at 479-452-6650 and ask for Shea. Our clients are our top priority and we welcome the opportunity to speak with you more.

Crystal Reed

Response from the owner4 months ago

Crystal, our client s mental well being is the most important thing to us. We appreciate your 5 star review.

micah brooks

5 months ago

My aunt got sent here from the hospital and they told her there was no beds and she got taken to the homeless shelter and my grandmother the guardian of my aunt was never notified as she should have been and she was on the street for days before we found out what happened to her and someone forced her to do drugs and it was just horrible to see a person with a mental illness like that or be treated. She was never supposed to be in that place in the first place. Then they won't give my grandma any info on my aunt at all even though she is her legal guardian because she can't care for herself. It's so sad how people that need help can't get it without something always happening to them. If I could put 0 stars on the review I would.

Response from the owner5 months ago

Dear Micah, Please contact Jamie Ridgley, Director of the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), at 479-784-9480. We are sorry to hear what happened with your family member. We take mental health and well-being very seriously, and we are not aware of the situation you have described. It is unfortunate that our community is in great demand of mental health treatment, and we do not always have availability of open beds at the CSU. We would appreciate your cooperation in helping us determine if we failed your family in any way. Thank you.

Brittany

If I could leave a third of a star I would. This is absolutely ridiculous!! Friday isn't Saturday yet, but here we are and you can't call or get through to save your life! It just says "line busy" it's been saying "line busy" for 4 hours now..I find that a little hard to believe. Not only that but if you have any DHS referrals just know that these people already have preconceived notions. They have already decided what they're going to do before they assess you. Total sham! If you can avoid this place I would. If you have any referrals I would deeply suggest that you have them send the referrals ANYWHERE but the fort Smith Arkansas Western guidance center. Even if you got to drive all the way to a far out city. I feel like it's well worth it!! Deal with honest people and you'll have honest results.

Brittany, As we discussed on Friday, we should have made our phone outage known through our social media. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused you and our clients. Thank you for visiting with me about the other things you noted in your review of The Guidance Center. We appreciate the opportunity to listen, discuss, and correct anything we can to provide the best possible outcomes for all clients. Your information and well-being are valued.

Meet the Robinsons

I made the mistake of letting my 6yr son s school get involved with helping him. Never again! I was so excited to hear about the in school therapy provided. There is a therapist present at the school a few days a week that works for The Guidance Center. Our first appt with her, she mentioned her association with the center & how this place,at some point, would be in contact & an appt with a Dr there would be made. She also mentioned there would be family sessions, which I thought was amazing . Months went by & we never heard anything other than the updates I would get from my son about his visits with her. After speaking with the schools principal one day,she asked if I had heard from the therapist, which I had not. The therapist then reached out & we were able to make our first family session. The guidance center was not mentioned during this session. Several weeks went by again with no word from therapist or The guidance center (we had completely forgotten about this supposed Drs appt w/this specific center that eventually was to happen). Then out of the blue the therapist texted me asking me to come in for a session which had not happened before. Right when I walk in she hands me a pamphlet for the guidance center & says she forgot to email my sons info to the center from our first session, which is why we have not been contacted by them. Then she looks at her laptop & says oh nevermind looks like you guys have an appt Monday (in 4 days), which In hindsight I now know is why she initially reached out to ask to see me was to tell me about this appt. Because she absolutely knew we did not make it or knew about it. I told her my husband & I had not been contacted by the center nor made any appt & had to ask questions about what time it was, who was he seeing , where is he supposed to be etc. She says that someone made the appt . We contact the center trying to figure out who they spoke to, who made this appt & the Drs assistance says the appt absolutely could NOT have been made without a parent. My husband tells her to call him back with info on who they spoke to then. She calls him back & tells my husband that they called & talked to ME & I made this appt on Feb 9th! Feb 9th was our first family session with the therapist at the school & again not one single word about the center or this drs appt was mentioned. I call them to tell them that s absolutely not true & they tell me my husband made the appt! Now we re receiving multiple texts asking us to do a survey for an appt we never even attended. To me, seems like maybe this therapist did infact forget to send my sons info & this appt was made without our knowledge & against policy & then they tried to cover it up by blaming my husband & I like we just somehow forgot about a major appt we made that we ve been trying to get for the last year from a Dr. It is absolutely understandable to make a mistake but to turn around & blame the parents that have came to you for help with their child is unacceptable. I will say the therapist at the school is personally wonderful & my son adores seeing her but after the absolute lack of organization, miscommunication & out right lying this place has done,we will never again let the school or a business the school is associated with get involved with our children like this.

Meet the Robinsons, our client care and their families are extremely important to The Guidance Center. I am sorry we failed your family. Please help us identify internally where we went wrong and give us the opportunity to investigate your experience so that we do not repeat our mistakes again. I would very much appreciate it if you'd follow up with me. You can contact me personally at sylviahickey.wacgc or call my personal phone at 479-883-6005. We are sorry.

Michael Jackson

6 months ago

Response from the owner6 months ago

Michael, Thank you for the review. Knowing our client s experience, when interacting with The Guidance Center, is very valuable information for us. Your well-being and mental health is our number one priority.

Myranda Williams

7 months ago

When I made the appointment, they gave me a list of things I needed to bring with me to the appointment When I arrived to my personal appointment, they were asking for documents that we re not on the list.. They refuse to see me because I didn t have everything..

Response from the owner7 months ago

Myranda, I am very sorry we put you through this inconvenience. I will investigate where our internal process went wrong and follow-up with you by amending this response. Our clients are our top priority and we don't want this to happen to anyone in the future. Myranda, We aren't able to locate you in our records. This could be because you weren't seen? Please call our office at 479-452-6650 and ask for Shea. She will be expecting your call. We would appreciate your help so we can learn where we went wrong. Unfortunately, your experience was not according to our policies. Thank you.

Laszlo Moon

9 months ago

Impossible to get an appointment with. booked for weeks out. I call, get directed to the correct place, then it goes to voicemail nearly every time. Then no one calls me back, ever. it has been MONTHS since i ve been able to get an appointment. The person who manages my medication and the nurse and receptionists are always helpful, but that s where the help seems to end.The very few times people have answered i ve been told call back at a later date we re currently full (i have been told this more than once) this is an important appointment i NEED to happen asap and i am not receiving the care i need. If i could switch to a different place for mental health care, i would. Please don t go here unless you have no other choice.EDIT: Shea was incredibly helpful. thank you.

Response from the owner9 months ago

Laszlo, I am so sorry this is happening when you try to make an appointment. Please call and ask for Shea at 479-452-6650. We would like to gather more information, so this can be addressed and corrected. Your mental health is important and we want to help you. Laszlo, thank you for the edit. We appreciate it very much!

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