Our Team

Bernadette Stanford

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

Bernadette went into private practice to help individuals effectively address personal life challenges by empowering clients to uncover their true potential, achieve goals, and lead a life of growth and well-being by providing support, healing, and refocus. Bernadette is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. Her therapeutic approach is to provide compassionate care and understanding, integrating value sensitive principles, and research based therapy techniques to build on strengths and attain understanding and direction in complex situations.

I love being a therapist and am passionate about the change that is possible in the lives of my clients. I seek out specialized trainings that benefit my client’s complex situations. To assist with trauma, I have been trained in EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, Somatic Experiencing, and Brainspotting. Additionally, I have advanced training in the relationship modalities of Emotionally Focused Therapy & The Gottman Method.

Lynda Powell grew up in Heber Springs and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience in individual, family, marriage, and group therapy. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in Memphis in 1993 with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Lynda uses a comprehensive systems theory approach, which is to “start where the client is.” She is trained in EMDR, SAFE certified, PRIDE trainer, and has experience with foster care, adoption, DHS cases, crisis intervention, day treatment, and the seriously mentally ill population with children and adults. Lynda also has experience with people with trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and disabilities. Being able to participate in the process as an individual grows and increases enjoyable moments in their daily life is a fulfilling experience. Working alongside clients as they discover and rediscover their strengths, value, and positive aspects of their uniqueness is meaningful and rewarding.

Lynda Powell

Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Rebekah Patchin

Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Rebekah believes children are not problems to be fixed, and yet, so many kids (and parents) feel defined by the obstacles they face. Rebekah is passionate about unlocking a child’s belief that their behavior is something they can control, instead of their missteps being a life sentence that defines them. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ODD, ADHD, attachment issues, or just having difficulty adjusting to the next stage of life, she strives to create a safe environment that allows children AND parents to practice new behaviors and strategies. In addition to an undergraduate degree in Family Psychology and Master’s in Social Work, Rebekah is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and as a specialist working 0-5-year-olds. As a foster parent myself, I have a heart for working with children who are in the foster care system or are adjusting to an adoptive home. I have a passion for helping others especially children and teenagers. I have experience working in school based therapy and working with therapeutic foster care over the past 5 years. My desire is to see all children discover their own potential and self-worth.

Lisa Richardson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience working with individuals, couples and families in inpatient, outpatient and school-based settings. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 1992 with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Lisa has experience with foster care, attachment issues, crisis intervention, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, chronic pain, disabilities, and relationships/family challenges. She is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Lisa utilizes an integrative approach that is person- centered drawing from an array of evidence-based practices that are tailored to best support clients in their journey toward growth and healing.

I care about people. I love to see them heal from hurts, recognize/build on existing strengths, and reach their potential. It is a privilege to me to be part of that process. In joining with you, my goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where we can work together in creating lasting change in your life through services that promote personal and spiritual growth, emotional healing, improved relationships and purposeful living.

Lisa Richardson

Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Freddy Rusty Nail

Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Freddy lives in Greers Ferry, where he likes spending time with his family and friends on the lake. He also enjoys hobbies, such as fishing, hunting, wooden model shipbuilding, and sculpture figure painting. Freddy received his master’s degree from Arizona State University where he graduated with honors. Freddy believes in meeting clients where they are and recognize they are the experts in their own lives. Through the lens of a systems theory perspective, he adopts a holistic strength-based approach. Freddy has therapeutic experience in school-based, technology assisted therapy, and clinical settings. He has a clinical background supporting clients with trauma, depression, anxiety, crisis intervention, domestic violence, and emergency medical/law enforcement services.

As a disabled veteran, I have a passion for helping those who have served in the armed forces and first responders who put their lives on the line on a daily basis. It would be an honor to serve you as you navigate life and its many obstacles. Through an empathetic holistic approach in helping individuals and families, I believe lives can be changed for the better. Together, we can make a difference in your life.

Gretchan received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lyon College in 2005. She received her Master’s in Social Work degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2009. Gretchan has therapeutic experience in a variety of settings including outpatient counseling, school-based counseling, inpatient psychiatric services and hospice care. She has worked with individuals of all ages who have suffered from anxiety, depression, trauma, as well as grief and loss. Treatment modalities that she utilizes in practice include Brainspotting, mindfulness, solution focused, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.

I truly believe that people are made to be resilient, and with the right support can overcome even the darkest of realities. As a therapist, I strive to help people find and ignite their inner strengths through the use of listening, validation and positive affirmations. Everyone deserves a chance to shine bright during their personal journey. My goal is to help you find that inner flame.

Gretchan West

Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Whitney Smith

Master Social Worker, LMSW

Whitney graduated from Arkansas State University with her Bachelor’s in Social Work. She received her Master’s in Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky. Whitney has experience with survivors of human trafficking, the juvenile justice system, trauma, and crisis intervention. She utilizes CBT, ACT, and other modalities to include Brainspotting to uncover and process traumatic memories. Whitney offers in-person, as well as online counseling services for teens (13+) and adults. She has experience working with individuals and families in outpatient and school-based settings.

I am from small town, Cave City and have recently moved to Heber Springs with my husband and our dog, Fynn. I enjoy doing anything outdoors (as long as it’s above 70°), and I enjoy all things artsy and crafty! I am so excited to serve this community and serve my clients. As a therapist, my goal is to give clients a supportive, authentic, non-judgmental environment to explore, gain knowledge, and heal. I have a client-centered approach while utilizing a strengths-based perspective to empower my clients to accomplish their goals. I have a passion for assisting my clients in finding their voice. I can’t wait to help you in finding yours!

April received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Harding University. She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. April has therapeutic experience in a variety of settings including outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric services, hospice, and school-based therapy. She has experience working with teens, adults, and the LGBTQIA+ community. April specializes in women’s issues, teens, adults, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss. April’s approach to treatment is multifaceted and she strives to empower her clients to lead their healing journey. She utilizes an integrative approach that is person centered, drawing from an array of evidence-based practices that support clients in their journey toward healing. April offers in-person and online therapy services for teens (13+) and adults. She offers evening appointments online only.

Searcy has been my home for 44 years, but Heber Springs has been my second home. My family and I spent summers and weekends camping, hiking, boating and swimming at Heber Springs. I am excited about the opportunity to serve this amazing community and my clients. As a therapist, I believe that everyone that walks into my office matters, and I am honored for the opportunity to walk alongside you and hear your story. I desire to create a space where you feel safe to process past and present struggles. My hope is to create a place where you feel heard.