Susan L. Shackelford

With a passion for evidence-based treatment and a commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, Dr. Susan L. Shackelford has been a pioneering force in Northwest Arkansas' psychological landscape since 1996. As the founder of Psychology & Counseling Associates, P.A., Dr. Shackelford has created a multidisciplinary clinic that serves thousands of clients throughout the region.

Dr. Shackelford's approach to therapy is characterized by compassion, kindness, and a judicious use of humor to put patients at ease. She primarily employs cognitive behavioral techniques to assist patients in achieving symptom relief and returning to health and wellbeing. Her collaborative approach to care ensures that patients are active participants in their treatment journey.

Specializing in a wide range of mental health issues, Dr. Shackelford's expertise includes anxiety, depression, grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, eating disorders, and adjustment disorders. She has additional training in Imago Relationship Therapy, making her particularly adept at working with couples and individuals struggling with family of origin issues or life transitions. Dr. Shackelford also enjoys working with student athletes to enhance their performance in sports.

Dr. Shackelford's academic journey is as impressive as it is extensive. She completed her undergraduate degree at Trinity University in San Antonio, majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Business Administration. She then earned her doctorate from Texas A&M University in Psychology in 1991. After serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at LSU, she pursued additional training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Tulsa. Her internship at Tulane University School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry and Neurology in New Orleans provided her with valuable experience in treating a diverse range of patients, including those with severe conditions at Charity Hospital.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Shackelford's background as an Air Force 'brat' who grew up overseas has instilled in her a love for travel and diverse cultures. She now resides in Fayetteville with her husband and enjoys outdoor adventures with her three sons when they visit. Her love for the outdoors and animals of all kinds adds a personal touch to her professional persona, contributing to her well-rounded approach to mental health care.

At Psychology & Counseling Associates, Dr. Shackelford has cultivated a team of over 40 mental health clinicians, offering a comprehensive array of services including general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry and psychology, and psychological testing. Her vision of a multidisciplinary, multigenerational clinic continues to serve the greater Northwest Arkansas region, providing accessible and high-quality mental health care to those in need.