Dr. Mary Ekdahl, Child Psychologist & Co-Founder
Dr. Ekdahl specializes in the treatment and evaluation of children and adolescents, with a strong emphasis on providing parents with the tools they need to assist and advocate for their child. Areas of specific expertise include Psychological Evaluations, parenting support for parents unsure about how best to meet their child’s current needs, and treatment of anxiety and depression for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Dr. Mary Ekdahl is the co-founder of Arkansas Families First, LLC. She has over 20 years of experience in providing behavioral therapy and psychological evaluations for children and adolescents in outpatient settings. Dr. Ekdhal works specifically with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders, as well as the provision of community and school programs that support mental health and access to mental health services.
In addition, Dr. Ekdahl provides clinical supervision of master’s level examiners, as well as administrative oversight and planning as a co-owner of Arkansas Families First.
For an appointment with Dr. Ekdahl, use the button below, or chat with a staff member at the bottom of the page.
Ambetter
Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans
Champ VA
Health Advantage
Qualchoice
Tricare
True Blue
United Healthcare
Individual, Family, & Group Counseling
Psychological Evaluation
Pre-Adoption Evaluation and Planning
Dyslexia Testing
Comprehensive Educational Evaluations
Autism & Developmental Evaluations
Resume
Education
Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology May 14, 1995
Binghamton University
State University of New YorkInternship in Clinical Psychology August, 1993 – August, 1994
UAMS/Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Little Rock, ARBachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology May, 1986. Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX
Memberships
Member, American Psychological Association
Member, Arkansas Psychological Association
Board Member, Educational Services Coordinator, Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Community Involvement
Autism Speaks Walk. Dr. Ekdahl is a regular sponsor of the local Autism Speaks Walk that occurs yearly in Little Rock.
Publications
Ekdahl, Mary, (2018) Parents in Tech Industry Limit Family Digital Time, Should You. THV11
Benton, Adam & Ekdahl, Mary, (2015) Back To School Stress: Tear Free Strategies. Savvy Magazine
Favorite Blog Articles
Ensure Your Child’s Access to an Appropriate Education, (2017). Written by Dr. Mary Ekdahl for Arkansas Families First Blog
Is Your Cell Phone Coming Between You and Your Children, (2015). Written by Mary Ekdahl, Ph.D. and, Adam Benton, Ph.D.
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.