Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Mental Health Services in North Little Rock
Arkansas Families First is a multidisciplinary behavioral health care group serving children, teens, and families in Central Arkansas. Our team of independently practicing providers delivers comprehensive care through evidence-based treatments in psychology, psychiatry, counseling, and related disciplines. With a focus on empowering parents and integrating multiple specialties, we utilize the latest research and skilled professionals to improve lives. Our strengths-based approach includes families in all aspects of treatment and assessment, ensuring personalized care. We collaborate with schools, physicians, and other providers to address behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs.Our services include diagnostic evaluations, medication management, counseling, and specialized testing for learning disorders and developmental delays. We maintain partnerships with local agencies and offer telehealth services to expand access across Arkansas. Our clinicians hold advanced degrees and specialize in areas like ADHD, autism, trauma, and anxiety disorders. We prioritize transparency in communication and adaptability in treatment planning to meet each family's unique needs.
Services
Psychiatric Evaluations
Counseling Services
Psychological Testing
Medication Management
Telehealth Therapy
Highlights and features
- We offer evidence-based therapies tailored to children's unique needs
- Our team collaborates with schools and healthcare providers for coordinated care
- 24/7 support line available for urgent mental health concerns
- Specialized evaluations for developmental delays and learning disorders
- Telehealth services expand access across Central Arkansas
What people say
Compassionate staff
Effective treatments
Empowering parents
Skilled providers
Timely appointments
Services
Psychiatric Evaluations
Our comprehensive psychiatric evaluations integrate medical history, psychological testing, and family input to create personalized treatment plans. Child and adolescent psychiatrists collaborate with therapists and primary care providers to ensure accurate diagnoses. We use evidence-based assessment tools to evaluate mood disorders, behavioral issues, and developmental conditions, providing clear recommendations for medication management and therapy.
Counseling Services
We offer individual, family, and group therapy using evidence-based approaches for children and teens. Our clinicians specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral disorders through cognitive behavioral therapy and parent-child interaction techniques. Sessions focus on developing coping skills and improving family communication patterns while maintaining a strengths-based approach.
Psychological Testing
Our psychological evaluations assess cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning to identify learning disabilities and developmental delays. Testing includes intelligence assessments, achievement tests, and behavioral rating scales completed by parents and teachers. Results guide educational planning and treatment recommendations for conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.
Medication Management
Child psychiatrists provide ongoing medication management for mental health conditions, combining genetic testing with clinical evaluation to optimize treatment. We monitor medication effectiveness and side effects while coordinating care with therapists and primary care physicians. Our approach emphasizes minimal pharmacological intervention combined with behavioral therapies.
Telehealth Therapy
Secure video sessions deliver psychiatric evaluations and therapy services across Arkansas using HIPAA-compliant platforms. Telehealth appointments maintain the same clinical standards as in-person visits, with options for family participation and coordination with local providers. This service expands access for rural communities while maintaining treatment continuity.
People
Alan Bagley
Licensed Psychiatrist
Dr. Bagley specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry, providing comprehensive evaluations and medication management. He integrates genetic testing with clinical assessment to develop personalized treatment plans for complex mental health conditions.
Allison Adams
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Adams conducts psychological assessments and provides evidence-based therapy for children with developmental disorders. Her expertise includes diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorders and creating individualized intervention plans.
Adam H. Benton
Co-Owner, Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Benton co-founded Arkansas Families First and oversees clinical operations. He specializes in neuropsychological testing and treating children with complex behavioral health needs, emphasizing parent involvement in treatment planning.
Mary M. Ekdahl
Co-Owner, Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Ekdahl co-owns the practice and directs assessment services. She has extensive experience evaluating children with learning disabilities and emotional disorders, focusing on evidence-based intervention strategies.
Janelle Von Storch
Licensed Counselor
Ms. Von Storch provides individual and family therapy using trauma-informed approaches. She specializes in treating anxiety disorders and behavioral issues through cognitive behavioral therapy and parent education programs.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer for children?
We provide counseling, psychiatric evaluations, psychological testing, medication management, and specialized therapies for ADHD, autism, anxiety, and developmental delays.
Do you accept Medicaid insurance?
We are not currently accepting new Medicaid patients. Please contact our office to verify current insurance panel participation.
Are telehealth appointments available?
Yes, we offer secure online counseling and psychiatric services through encrypted Zoom platforms for patients across Arkansas.
What ages do you treat?
Our services focus on children, teens, and young adults up to age 21 with specialized mental health care needs.
How do I schedule an evaluation?
Call 501-812-4268 to schedule initial appointments. Our staff will help determine appropriate services and verify insurance benefits.
