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

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.

Latest Reviews

J O

2 months ago on Google

Very grateful that our community has access to such a wonderful facility and caring staff. Well done!!

Response from the owner1 month ago

Thank you, J O, for your kind words. For 54 years, we have loved being a part of the River Valley community.

Brooklyn Sims

3 months ago on Google

Horrible ass people, the therapist here are absolutely terrible, like what's that point in offering a family therapist if when I do go back their you don't talk or do shit while the parents are back there your definitely not a therapist by all means, rude people here don't bring your child here

Response from the owner2 months ago

Brooklyn, please contact me at Sylvia.hickey@wacgc.org. I very much want to visit with you and get more information. I m very sorry, and this is something we need to address. Our clients mental health and experience is our number one priority. Please follow up with me so we can self-check and avoid this experience for someone else in the future. Thank you for letting us know.

D S

3 months ago on Google

They just hang up when you call ? Why have a job answering phones?

Response from the owner2 months ago

D S, We fervently apologize! Hanging up on you is unacceptable! Can you please let me know what day and approximate time you called? I welcome you to contact me at Sylvia.hickey@wacgc.org

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology

6.8 / 10

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Addiction Treatments

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

Clients undergoing treatment at an inpatient rehab receive extensive therapeutic support through daily addiction counseling and recovery-focused services. These often include addiction education and life skills training. Many inpatient facilities also offer evidence-based holistic therapies, such as massage, yoga, acupuncture, creative arts therapy, and experiential therapy. Inpatient care is typically best suited for clients who recently completed detox, are in early recovery, or at a heightened risk of relapse.

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

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Military Program

Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Clinical Services

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amenities

Residential Setting
Private Rooms

Accreditations

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 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 Information

(479) 452-6650

Website

3111 S 70th St
Fort Smith, AR 72903

Get Help Now - 479-326-4898

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

2.5/5 (100 reviews)

Google Reviews

2.5 (100 reviews)

becca clark

1 week ago

As someone living with both mental health conditions and a rare disease (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), I’ve had a wide range of experiences in the mental health care system. My journey has included moments of hope, healing, and heartbreak—all of which came to a head during a recent experience with Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center (WACGC). I want to begin by acknowledging the dedication of so many providers within the system. The therapists, nurses, and caseworkers I encountered at WACGC were doing their best under enormous pressure. Mental health professionals are often overworked and undercompensated, and it shows—not in a lack of care, but in a lack of capacity. This is not just a WACGC issue—it’s a systemic issue, and one we must collectively address. That said, my experience at WACGC also revealed some deeply painful gaps. I went from being perceived as a “least difficult” patient to suddenly being viewed as the “most difficult”—a shift that happened during a time of crisis when I needed the most compassion. I was discharged while tapering off psychiatric medications, despite expressing concerns about complex medical side effects from my rare disease. Unfortunately, those concerns were minimized, and my emotional distress was treated as a barrier to care rather than a signal for deeper support. I wasn’t just a patient—I was a person in pain, trying to communicate through trauma and neurodivergence. But in a system not equipped to receive that vulnerability, my voice felt silenced. What I needed—and what many others need—is a safe environment where it’s okay not to have the perfect words, tone, or composure in a moment of breakdown. When patients are struggling to survive, we shouldn't be required to also perform politeness or perfection in order to receive care. This experience left me not just grieving the care I lost, but grieving for all those who may not speak up. People like me—living with comorbid conditions, trauma histories, and rare diseases—deserve to be seen and heard. We deserve a care model that accounts for our complexities, not one that punishes us for them. Despite these challenges, I still believe in the mission of WACGC. I believe in the heart of many of the providers there. But I also believe it’s time to evolve—to integrate trauma-informed practices, neurodivergent-affirming approaches, and to create more supportive transitions, especially around medication changes and discharge planning. I’m not writing this review to place blame. I’m writing it to advocate for change. As Miss Petite USA 2025 Arkansas Titleholder, I’m committed to speaking out for those who feel invisible in systems that were meant to help them. My hope is that WACGC and similar organizations can lead the way in improving the quality of care—not just for the easy moments, but for the hardest ones too. Let this be an invitation: to listen, to grow, and to make every patient feel like they matter. Because we do. With compassion and hope, Becca Clark

charles braden

1 month ago

I have went to this place for 10 years I was told I had to see counselor Van Buren every 2 months or my insurance wouldn't pay for it that was a lie when they didn't have enough counselors in Van Buren it was just fine for me to start going to fort Smith only I had to go to fort Smith anyway to get my medicine they wouldn't do them at the same offices they wanted to double bill me for both office when when Kelly Berry quit in fort Smith they gave me to Alice Walsh which wanted to prescribe my medicine as just policy for the opposite self not considering my unique situation and that I'm a patient not a policy when I left her office because she was fixing to get told off by me and I thought he'd be better just to leave I was cut off the program I was left on high potent medicine and just left to withdraw it was dangerous it was unfair and these people are responsible for making God only know how many people worse than they was when they came they should be completely ashamed of themselves I'm talking the whole office not just one person half of them will lie to you half of them don't know what they're talking about and the other half just really don't care if you go to these people please know if you have to leave for any reason whether it's your reason or their reason they will not be there for you to withdraw the medicine they have prescribed they have no remorse no follow up no care please I would give a zero rating watch your health they won't

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:

Dear Charles, At The Guidance Center, our client's mental health is our number one priority. We have taken your complaint very seriously. Upon further investigation, it was found that you have not had contact with us anytime recently. Please contact Shea at 479-452-6650 so that we may discuss this in more depth. We want to work with you and help you if we can.

Stephanie Davidson

This place is amazing and really cares

Thank you, Stephanie, for your kind review. Our clients mental health is always our number one priority.

Anne Creed

Great people understanding and patient

Anne, We appreciate your review of The Guidance Center. Our clients mental health is our number one priority. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Cyril Kelly

I have attended two WACAGC, one in Van Buren and one in Fort Smith. In Van Buren, my first ever therapist brought her religion into our therapy, and would bible bash me when I expressed my feelings of experimenting with gender identity. This made family therapy sessions AWFUL. Ever since then, I would get placed with new therapists, making me hate therapy because I would have to get used to a new person to spill all my life to. I recently have transferred over here to this clinic. I just went impatient recently at the crisis stabilization unit. They asked me if I wanted a nicotine patch ( I said yes because I will go through withdrawals without one) l Got one the first day from a loving group of staff members. One lovely woman helped me apply for SNAP and helped me get resources, and the one terrific man who was kind to me. I woke up the next morning after a new round of meds at 3 am with a horrible migraine, in which I threw up everything they gave me. The next day I woke up ready to go because unfortunately I have to work every chance I get to pay bills. I was angry. They told me I couldn’t have a nicotine patch because I was underage (why would you make them ask me in the first place if I can’t get one?) and then I told them I was ready to go. They told me because I was suicidal I wasn’t ready to leave. I had no intent and no plan. You get turned down from valley for that exact reason 98% of them time. And then to top it all off, I looked on my diagnosis sheet and they took off two of my diagnosis, one of those of which I have dealt with for YEARS. And they replaced it with “Cannabis related disorder” whenever this issue has been prominent since I was 9. I tested 98th percentile for the possibility at the age of nine. This was a problem WAY before I started smoking. I have always dealt with this. To disregard my mental illness and chalk it up to an addiction problem is dumb as hell. I will be contacting y’all VIA phone tomorrow, and will be addressing this at my next appointment.

Cyril, To begin, we are so sorry for your negative experience with your therapist and while seeing help at the Crisis Stabilization Unit. When you contact us today, please call 479-785-9480 and ask for the Director of the CSU, Jamie Ridgley. All clients of The Guidance Center should be treated with dignity and respect. Your mental health is our top priority, so we want to follow up with you. To discuss your experience with your therapist, please call us at 479-452-6650 and ask for Rachel or Marla. Thank you for making us aware.

3 months ago

Brooklyn, please contact me at Sylvia.hickey@wacgc.org. I very much want to visit with you and get more information. I’m very sorry, and this is something we need to address. Our clients mental health and experience is our number one priority. Please follow up with me so we can self-check and avoid this experience for someone else in the future. Thank you for letting us know.

Justin Earls

4 months ago

Justin,<br>Please contact Sylvia.hickey@wacgc.org so that we can discuss the reason you had a 1 star experience at The Guidance Center. This is unacceptable and we want to do all we can to ensure no one else has this bad experience.

Clara Ellingburg

5 months ago

My sister reached out to this office to schedule an appointment, and the front desk clerk responded with an unprofessional attitude, abruptly stating that they were closing. This individual's lack of proper phone etiquette and calmness only added unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation. It is unacceptable for someone in a role that requires compassion and support for individuals with mental health conditions to behave in such a disrespectful manner. Everyone deserves a respectful and understanding interaction, especially in sensitive circumstances like these. I am firmly stating that I will never recommend this office for any purpose, nor will I reach out to this facility for assistance in the future. I suggest that this facility considers reviewing and enhancing staff work etiquette. This could lead to improved collaboration and a more positive work environment.

Clara,<br>You are absolutely correct that everyone deserves a respectful and understanding interaction when they are calling or coming into The Guidance Center for help. We apologize for falling below our acceptable standard of practices. We value our clients and our words and actions should reflect this. We would greatly appreciate your sister's help if she would be willing to contact us so we can gather some more information and look further into this particular situation. It would be of great benefit as to preventing this from happening in the future. She can reach us at 479-452-6650 or email our front office manager, Shea, at Shea.brown@wacgc.org.

Bryan Scrimsher

6 months ago

I don't mind sharing that I was in need of help to keep myself safe from myself on Thanksgiving 24. I am only giving a 4 star review for the fact that the emergency after hours line, both the local and 800 numbers, constantly rang busy for 30 min. So I called the Warm Line and got thru and talked with Patty for about 30 mins. Patty was so kind and encouraging and offered for me to come to the clinic if I felt like I needed to. After some crying and debating with myself I drove to the clinic in FS, but I didn't have the courage to walk in. Instead I sat in my car outside for about 45 min, crying, thinking, and praying. Then a wonderful lady, Ms Rachel, came out to my car in the cold and the wind. We talked for about 15 min outside before I realized it was cold and asked if we could keep talking inside, which was fine of course. So we went inside and I talked with Rachel for 3 hrs explaining my situation. She was so kind and attentive to me and my problems. She went so far as to make a phone call for me that needed to happen to get the closure that I needed and the answers I had been seeking. Ms. Rachel will never understand what she did for me that night. I decided to check myself in for a stay to make sure I was safe. Ryan was very kind and helpful, made me laugh, and made the check in as easy and comfortable as possible. Thank you Ryan. The next day the team helped me, from seeing an APRN in person, to an online counselor, which I really wish was in person, but I understand if that's the only option on that day. The rest of the staff is there to listen and to help you. I saw that repeatedly, not just with myself, but with other patients. I'm an observer, it's my nature, and I only saw care for people that day, even if sometimes it was tough love, after all they have a medical responsibility as well. I had a long talk with the cook, Joe I believe his name was, about his life and travels. This man went out of his way to ensure other patients ate like they needed to. He ain't a half bad cook either, but he'll tell you he ain't A Chef, lol. Thank you everyone at CSU. You helped me find some piece and come to terms with my situation. If the phone system kinks are worked out and solved, permanently, then I would gladly rate 5 stars. But the personnel proved to me that there are kind people in this world and I didn't have anything to offer in return except my sincerest, deepest, most heartfelt Thank You!!

Bryan, Your kind review of your experience at the CSU is much appreciated. I will be sure to pass along your compliments to our staff. Thank you for your leap of faith in allowing us to assist you during a trying time. All staff at the CSU take their clients mental health very seriously and consider it a privilege to assist in any way they can. At some time or another, we all need a little help. Hopefully sharing your experience will inspire others to ask for help when they are in need. We will follow up on the phone system kinks because we definitely don't want anyone else to experience a problem when contacting the 800 or local number. Thank you!

Brenton Vass

This place owes me a 207.00 dollars after screwing me on services rendered. Update was told several times Elizabeth from accounts payable would contact me it never happened just continue to get the run around.

Brenton, Please give Shea a call at 479-452-6650 so that we may address your review. Thank you! Our clients and their satisfaction are extremely important to us.

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