Conway Counseling & Wellness Center

Central Arkansas Counseling Services

Home » CCWC Staff

Beth Forst, LPC

Beth graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling.  She has experience working with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, addiction, and trauma. Beth is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which she uses to help clients work through difficult or traumatic experiences and the ways those experiences may still be affecting them today. 

How does my personality influence my approach to therapy?

I really value an individualized approach to therapy because I believe everyone’s needs are different. I take a holistic approach and like to look at the whole person and how different parts of life can affect how we’re feeling. Therapy with me is very collaborative. We’ll work together to focus on what you need and what feels most helpful for you.

What I like to do for fun:

In my free time, you can find me in my garden, curled up with a good book, playing video games, or spending time with my cats.

What would I say to someone considering therapy or counseling for the first time?

We all have the ability to heal our emotional wounds. Sometimes, we just need the right environment, support, and tools to help us get there. Starting therapy can feel a little intimidating, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. 

·       

Ben Ulibarri, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Ben Ulibarri, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and medication management using evidence-based practices. He has experience treating ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, insomnia, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, PTSD and trauma-related conditions, OCD, substance use disorders, personality disorders, behavioral concerns, and treatment-resistant depression.

Ben earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2023. He brings over 20 years of experience in mental health care, beginning his career as a Mental Health Technician and progressing to Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and ultimately Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. This extensive clinical background allows him to approach patient care with a well-rounded and practical understanding of mental health across all levels of treatment.

He has a particular interest in the treatment of ADHD, substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant depression, including the use of advanced therapies such as Spravato. Ben offers both in-person and telehealth services and is committed to providing timely access to care while maintaining a high standard of clinical quality.

Ben takes a patient-centered approach, focusing on building trust and creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. He believes in meeting patients where they are and working collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans that promote lasting improvement and overall well-being.

Scotty Spurlin, MNSc, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Scotty is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 14 years of nursing experience across a variety of specialties and care settings. For the past several years, his focus has been on providing psychiatric care to older children, adolescents, and adults.

His primary role is medication management—evaluating, diagnosing, and prescribing for conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more. When appropriate, Scotty may incorporate supportive therapy into appointments or recommend referral to a therapist for more in-depth counseling, while always respecting each patient’s individual preferences and goals.

Committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment, Scotty welcomes patients from all backgrounds and is especially dedicated to ensuring members of the LGBTQ+ community feel supported and affirmed. He believes everyone deserves access to excellent mental health care, regardless of geography, identity, or circumstance.

A native of Arkansas, Scotty holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University, and a Master of Nursing Science from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Robin Duran, LPC

My name is Robin Duran, and I have been working in the mental health field since 2006. As a therapist, I’m passionate about providing sincere, personalized support to individuals from all backgrounds. I specialize in helping clients manage depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity.

Since becoming a licensed therapist in 2009, I have focused on creating individualized treatment plans that reflect each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe in using evidence-based, practical, real-world strategies that promote meaningful, lasting change.

I understand how overwhelming life can feel at times, and I’m here to help clients face those challenges head-on with confidence and hope. I enjoy working with children, adults, and families to build healthier habits and communication.

Outside of my work, I’m a proud supporter of the Conway Wampus Cats and love spending time with my family.

Amber Smith, LPC, EMDR-II, TCYM-II

“Meet Amber Smith, a compassionate trauma therapist dedicated to fostering healing and self-acceptance for individuals from all walks of life. With a rich background in trauma-informed care, she creates a safe and welcoming space where clients can explore their experiences and emotions without judgment.

Believing that everyone deserves to feel at home in their own skin, Amber empowers clients to embrace their unique bodies and stories.

Through a blend of mindfulness, talk therapy, and holistic techniques, she guides individuals on their journeys toward self-discovery and peace. Her approach is rooted in empathy and authenticity, honoring each person’s path to healing. With a commitment to inclusivity, she celebrates the diverse identities and experiences of her clients, ensuring that everyone feels seen and heard.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, seeking self-compassion, or simply looking for a moment of peace, Amber is here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and empowerment.”

David Hawkins, LPC

My name is David Hawkins, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am an Arkansas native. I lived in Colorado for 3 years and I love travel, but Arkansas is my home and I love the Conway community.

I have worked in community mental health and in private practice settings where I have assisted people experiencing a wide range of human problems, including phase of life/managing change adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, interpersonal/relationship challenges, and behavioral problems such as substance abuse, gambling addiction, and technology related (process) addictions, e.g., gambling, porn, gaming. I provide services with children age 10+ through senior adults, in individual, couples, and group counseling formats. I am a member of the American Counseling Association and the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors.

My approach to counseling is person-centered and growth oriented, meaning I want to focus on your needs, and help you identify your strengths, challenges, and the goals you would like to achieve in life so that our counseling relationship can be productive and focused.  Listening well and helping people develop new ways of thinking and acting to engage life’s challenges more effectively and holistically is a passion that drives my work as a counselor. Sometimes life challenges can be addressed rather directly, and goals can be reached more quickly. At other times, it may take longer to address core issues in order to get to better place and improve life satisfaction long term. I will meet you where you are on life’s journey as we address the issues most urgent for you.

I graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Master’s degree in counseling, having previously obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a Master’s degree from the Iliff School of Theology (Denver, CO), both in philosophy and religion. I am familiar with many of the world’s major religions and philosophical worldviews, and I am keenly aware of how religion/spirituality can be meaningful and conducive to mental health and how some traditions/worldviews have been used in hurtful ways.

I am particularly sensitive to the special challenges faced by historically oppressed and/or underserved groups, such as those faced by immigrants, those who have experienced racism, sexism, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I also have a passion for helping persons who are or have been involved with the criminal justice/punishment system, having worked with clients on the Federal and District judicial levels. In my work I aspire to express my commitment to healing, inclusion, and justice for all.

For fun, I enjoy going on walks in nature, reading non-fiction, traveling near and far, cooking with friends, and watching good movies. 

A word to the anxious: Facing life challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming, and part of what counseling can assist with is helping break down those challenges into more manageable goals to help both get through, learn from, and grow beyond the challenges we face. Sharing personal information can be uncomfortable at first, but in the context of a working, trusting, professional counseling relationship, such sharing can promote healing and the development of new approaches to improve one’s life.

Book Now