Argenta Counseling + Wellness

Kellee McCoy, founder and CEO of Argenta Counseling + Wellness, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As a Benton High School graduate and Ouachita Baptist alumnus, Kellee started his career as a music/youth minister, later attending John Brown University to gain an MS in Clinical Mental Health and Marriage & Family Therapy.

Before the onset of COVID, when Kellee told people what he did for a living, more often than not they would take a slight step back, throw in some nervous laughter, and playfully make a comment along the lines of, “Oh, don’t go psychoanalyzing me!” Almost every time!

But post-COVID the dynamics have shifted remarkably. Kellee states, “Telling people I’m a counselor now results in quite a different reaction. Universally, people lean in, their demeanor softens, and sincere responses follow such as, ‘That’s great; it’s really needed,’ ‘I really should go see someone,’ or ‘Counseling has been so helpful to me.’”

The stigma associated with seeking help for mental health is on the decline, and for that, Kellee shares, he is “profoundly grateful.’”

Born and raised in Benton, Arkansas, Kellee is a proud Saline County native. His mother owned the legendary Gayla McCoy’s Costume Shoppe in Benton, and his father retired from Alcoa. It was important to Kellee that as his practice grew it would expand and open a location in Saline County, serving the community that has been a significant part of his life.

In 2017, Kellee started Argenta Counseling + Wellness as a solo practitioner, and it has evolved into a thriving organization with a team of over 40 professionals, with locations in Saline County, North Little Rock, Conway, and West Little Rock. Its amazing providers are dedicated to supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families in all stages of life. 

To embrace a client-focused approach stands as one of Argenta’s foundational values, empowering clients to take the lead in their treatment journeys. Another core principle Argenta upholds involves providing an integrated strategy to wellness. This includes making various therapeutic modalities available for clients, such as medication management, psychotherapy, nutrition services, and holistic interventions like massage and yoga. Doing this addresses the unique and interconnected aspects of an individual’s mental well-being.

Kellee prides his practice on providing care for nearly any situation. Diversity and inclusion rank high amongst its values, and maintaining a diverse group of providers is a point of pride. Argenta Counseling + Wellness casts a wide net into the community and has gained a solid reputation within its referral network. It’s become a trusted and safe resource for pastors and churches, addiction and recovery organizations, the LGBTQ+ community, law enforcement agencies, corporations, veterans and active military, public and private schools, and individuals with varying ethnic, cultural, political, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

“It is my priority to hire with diversity and inclusion in mind,” Kellee said. “Therefore, we have a robust team of providers who can help pretty much any kind of person in our community. We want to make sure each person has the right fit.”

Providing access to care remains one of Argenta’s highest priorities. Many insurance companies cover its services, and it accepts Medicaid plans serviced by BCBS or Ambetter. Clients often find themselves paying zero or a low copay. For those without insurance or with high-deductible plans, Argenta makes a way. “We can also provide a low-cost option with an intern or first-year associate,” McCoy adds. “We can offer a $20-$40 session or many other low-cost options.”

“There is a hesitation for seeking help. If you have depression or anxiety, you don’t have to live with it. You can sit down with a counselor and work through it. If you are dealing with these or other types of issues, you should contact a counselor ASAP.”

Kellee extends a challenge to all of us to become mental health advocates, contributing to the ongoing decrease in the stigma surrounding mental health. Whether by directing friends, family, and others to seek professional help, or by being our own mental health advocates, we can make a difference. It can be as simple as asking a friend to coffee, taking a yoga class, practicing self-care, walking in nature, getting good sleep, or moving our bodies. It can also be as challenging as staging an intervention, considering counseling for yourself for the first time, or driving someone to rehab.

Mental health goes beyond mere conversation; it’s a community-driven commitment. Kellee and Argenta Counseling + Wellness welcome you to join them in reshaping our community’s approach to and understanding of mental health. To learn more or to schedule a session, call or text (501) 777-5969 or visit
www.argentacounseling.com.