Dr. Adam Benton, Child Psychologist & Co-Founder

Adam H. Benton, Ph.D.
Adam H. Benton, Ph.D.Psychologist / Co-Founder

Dr. Benton conducts psychological evaluations and provides treatment to children, teens, and young adults ranging in age from birth to mid-twenties. He primarily uses Cognitive-Behavioral and health psychology approaches to treatment. Dr. Benton conveys a warm, friendly style and strives to empower parents and strengthen family ties. Dr. Benton’s specialty areas include High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, traumatic stress, and issues related to child abuse and neglect.

Outside of work, Dr. Benton enjoys cycling, running, and hiking. He also enjoys coaching his daughters’ travel softball team.

For an appointment with Dr. Benton, use the button below, or chat with a staff member at the bottom of the page.

  • Ambetter

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans

  • Champ Va

  • Federal BCBS

  • Health Advantage

  • Municipal

  • Novasys

  • QualChoice

  • True Blue

  • Individual, Family, & Group Counseling

  • Psychological Evaluation

  • Pre-Adoption Evaluation and Planning

  • Career Testing and Counseling

  • Trauma Evaluation and Treatment

  • Autism & Developmental Evaluations

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Education

  • 2019-2020 – Completed 18-month training course inChild Parent Psychotherapy,an evidence-based treatment for children, from 0 to 5 years of age who experienced trauma and other major life disruptions.

  • October, 2019 – Completed Zero-to-Five Certification course on infant and toddler mental health.

  • September, 2019 – Online training program for Parent Child Interaction Therapy, an evidence-based treatment for disruptive or defiant behavior in children from 2-7 years of age.

  • 2018 – State and National Certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for the treatment of traumatic stress, including anxiety stemming from child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, tragic accidents and natural disasters.

  • 2015-2016 Specialized Training & Supervision in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, for treating children, ages 0-5, who’ve experienced trauma and are exhibit traumatic stress or anxiety.

  • 2011 Training in Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in those ranging from 1 year of age to adulthood. 

  • 2009-2010 University of Arkansas for Medical Science; Postdoctoral Fellowship in Child / Adolescent Psychology. Included specialized training in evaluation and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder and trauma and traumatic stress in children and teens.

  • 2009-2010 Specialized Training & Supervision with the Developers of Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, an evindence-based treatment for anxiety stemming from exposure to trauma, sexual abuse, and other forms of child maltreatment.

  • 2007-2008 Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program; American Psychological Association Accredited Pre-doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in child behavioral and mental health treatment and evaluation.

  • 2004-2008 University of Oklahoma; Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology

  • 2006-2007 Specialized training and supervision in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with sexual behavior problems at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

  • 2005-2006 Interdisciplinary Training Program on Child Abuse and Neglect; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, a specialized training program for healthcare professionals working with children who’ve exposed to child maltreatment.

  • 2001-2004 University of Central Arkansas; Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology

  • 1997-2001 Ouachita Baptist University; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Minor in Business Administration

Memberships

  • American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Arkansas Psychological Association (ArPA)

  • APA Division of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, Div. 53

  • APA Division For Independent Practices, Div. 42

  • APA Division of State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Associations Affairs, Div. 31

  • American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)

  • Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA)

  • Arkansas Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (AR ATSA)

Community Involvement

  • Little Rock Child Protection Center: Board of Directors (Current)

  • Arkansas Psychological Association:  President, President-Elect, Vice President-Elec, Ethics Committee Chair (Current), Early Career Committee Chair,  Special Committee Chair on Health Care Reform

  • UAMS ARBEST Program: Consultant, Training Arkansas clinicians in TF-CBT (Current), an evidence-based treatment for children who’ve experienced physical or sexual abuse, as well as tragic accidents and natural disasters.

  • Arkansas Autism Foundation. Dr. Benton is a regular sponsor and supporter of the foundation, a local non-profit dedicated helping teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorde

  • Arkansas Autism Research and Outreach Center (AAROC). Dr. Benton is a regular supporter and attend of AAROC events. AAROC is dedicated to providing resources to families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

  • Autism Speaks Walk. Dr. Benton is a regular sponsor of the local Autism Speaks Walk that occurs yearly in Little Rock.

  • Frequent Presenter at Local Conferences:  Annual Midsouth Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect; Annual Conference of the Arkansas Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers; Annual Conference of the Arkansas Psychological Association

  • Dept. of Behavior Health Services, Consultant to the Medicaid Payment Improvement Initiative

Publications

  • Benton, Adam & Ekdahl, Mary, (2015) Back To School Stress: Tear Free Strategies. Savvy Magazine

  • Sigel, Benton, Lynch, & Kramer (2013). Characteristics of 17 Statewide Initiatives to Disseminate Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy

  • Benton, Adam (2009). The First-Time Offender Program for Juvenile Delinquents: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Assessing Outcomes. Dissertation Abstracts International

Favorite Blog Articles

Speaking and Presentations

  • Stress Busters: Helping Children through The COVID Pandemic. Lakewood United Methodist Church (April 30, 2020)

  • ARPA COVID-19 Response: Legal, Ethical, and Practical Considerations for Telehealth (April, 2020)

  • Adapting Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (UAMS, ARBEST Program Annual TF-CBT Training, April 2019)

  • Enhancing Parent Engagement in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Children and Teens Experiencing Traumatic Stress. (UAMS, ARBEST Program Annual TF-CBT Training, April 2019)

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Clergy and Church Staff Need to Know to Facilitate an Autism-Friendly Church. (First United Methodist Church of Conway, January, 2019)

  • Alternative Practice Models in Psychology: GetTherapy.com: Arkansas’ Network of Private Practice Providers (Texas Psych Assoc., November, 2017)

  • The Talk: Preventing Sexual Behavior Problems and Teaching Boundaries (The Hope Conference, 2016)

  • Know the Signs: Recognizing Developmental and Learning Problems in Foster and Adoptive Children (The Hope Conference, 2016)

  • Moderated Panel Discussion on Evidence-Based Treatments in Psychology (Arkansas Psychological Association Fall Conference, October, 2015)

  • How Parents use of Social Media Affects Children (Interview with Donna Terrell of Fox16, April 2015)

  • One-Up on Social Media: Teens are saying goodbye to Facebook in favor of new apps. (Interview with Margaret Jones of Savvy Magazine, February, 2014)

  • Is Your Teen Sexting? (Interview by Stacey Margaret Jones for Savvy Magazine February 3, 2014)

  • Finding Solutions for Adopted Children and their Families (Central Arkansas Adoption Coalition, April 2015)

  • Arkansas Psychological Association Social Media Update (AR Psychological Association Fall Conference, October 2014)

  • The Art and Science of Social Skills: Why Some Teens Struggle and How to Help (Team Up Conference, April 2014)

  • Social Media for Mental Health Professionals: What You Need to Know (Arkansas Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, September, 2013)

  • Children with Asperger’s Disorder: Tips for Teachers (Miss Selma’s Elementary School, Little Rock, AR. Fall, 2013)

  • Teens with Asperger’s Disorder: Tips for Teachers (Episcopal Collegiate School, Little Rock, AR. Sept. 26, 2012)

  • Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Educators Need to Know (Episcopal Collegiate School, Sept. 26, 2012)

  • Integrating Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Sexual Offense Specific Treatment in Teens (Arkansas Division of Youth Services, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center. June 22, 2012)

  • Assessing and Treating Children with Sexual Behavior Problems (Arkansas Division of Youth Services, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center. June 6, 2012)

  • Assessing and Treating Sexual Behavior Problems in Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cognitive Delays (Arkansas Division of Youth Services, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center. June 6, 2012)

  • Assessing and Treating Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders Who Engage in Illegal Sexual Behaviors (Arkansas Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. December 2, 2011)

  • Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) Hearts and Minds Special on ADHD: 2-Hour Live Panel Discussion (May 17, 2011)

  • Evidence-Based Treatments for Children and Teens with Disruptive Behavior Disorders (Families, Inc. Staff Training, March 2011)

  • Assessing and Treating Sexual Behavior Problems in Children (Arkansas Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, December 2, 2010)

  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents (Arkansas Psychological Association Annual Conference, October, 2010)

  • Preliminary Results of the National Study of Statewide TF-CBT Dissemination Projects, Poster Session (Arkansas Psychological Association Annual Conference, October, 2010)

  • Child Maltreatment in Arkansas: What Does it Look Like and Whats Being Done About it? (Sherwood Rotary, June 30, 2010)

  • Preliminary Results of the National Study of Statewide TF-CBT Dissemination Projects (UAMS Division of Health Sciences Research, June 16, 2010)

  • Child Maltreatment: Prevalence, Reporting, and its Impact on Children (UAMS Child Study Center Continuing Education April, 2010)

  • Introduction to Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (University of Central Arkansas “Round Table;” March 2010)

  • Introduction to Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (3rd Annual Arkansas Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Conference, November 2009)

  • Introduction to Sexual Behavior Problems in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3rd Annual Arkansas Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Conference, November 2009)

  • Assessing and Treating Sexual Behavior Problems in Children (Training for UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute Inpatient Child Unit, October 2009)

  • Overview of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (Training for Medical Residents in the Family Medicine Clinic at UAMS, October 2009)

  • Wait! Don’t Throw Away the Keys: Treating Adolescents with Sexual behavior Problems (Power Conference at Wichita State University, March 2009)

  • Aggression in Children and Teens: How case managers can help. (Prairie View, Inc. Staff Training; February 2009)

  • Wait! Don’t Throw Away the Keys: Treating Adolescents with Sexual behavior Problems (Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program, Intern Seminar, Jan 8, 2009)

  • Treating Developmentally Delayed Adolescents with Sexual Behavior Problems (Prairie View, Inc. Staff Training; Feb. 5, 2008)

  • Personality, Behavior and Family Assessment in the treatment of Youth and Families (Crossroads Youth and Family Services, Staff Training; Spring, 2007)

  • Using Tone Cues to Increase On-task Behavior in Behavior Disordered Students Southwestern Educational Research Association (SERA)

Dr. Benton’s Blog Articles

About Us

Arkansas Families First is a multidisciplinary behavioral health care group that offers a variety of health services for children, teens and families in Central Arkansas. Our group of independently practicing providers strive to provide the best, most comprehensive care that modern psychology, psychiatry, counseling, and other disciplines have to offer.

Mission

Arkansas Families First is devoted to unlocking the full potential of children and families. We utilize the latest research and the most skilled providers in the service of improving people’s lives. We strive to empower parents and to integrate multiple disciplines in the building of strong families and healthy children.

Our Promise

We take a strengths-based approach utilizing the latest evidence-based treatments and include parents in all aspects of treatment and assessment. We’ll find the service and the provider that best fits your family. With our growing list of clinicians, if you are not satisfied with your provider or services will help you make the necessary changes.