Dr. Tara Cole
Dr. Cole is a lifelong Arkansas native who is proud to serve children, teens, and families throughout Northwest Arkansas. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Henderson State University and completed both her master’s degree and doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Arkansas. During her graduate training, she developed a strong appreciation for evidence-based assessment and intervention—the use of research-informed methods to understand a person’s needs and guide effective, individualized care.
Dr. Cole completed her predoctoral internship with the Oklahoma Health Consortium in Norman, Oklahoma. She then returned to Arkansas and began her career in private practice in 2009. Since that time, she has continued to grow professionally by providing diagnostic evaluations, psychological assessments, and therapy to individuals across the lifespan.
Dr. Cole is especially interested in how development and life experiences can shape children’s emotions, behavior, and relationships. She recognizes that a child’s struggles may be influenced by many factors, including developmental changes, family interactions, school experiences, and emotional needs. Her approach is thoughtful and collaborative, with the goal of helping children and families better understand what is happening and identify practical ways to move forward.
Dr. Cole has experience providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavior therapy for a wide range of anxiety, mood, and behavioral concerns. These approaches can help children and families recognize patterns, build coping skills, and practice new ways of responding to challenging situations. She is particularly excited to have earned certification in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a structured, evidence-based treatment that helps young children and caregivers strengthen their relationship and develop positive, effective interaction skills.
Some of Dr. Cole’s most meaningful moments as a provider occur when children and parents begin connecting in positive ways, and when children make progress despite earlier emotional or behavioral difficulties. Supporting children during early development—an exciting but often unpredictable time of rapid change—is especially rewarding and continues to motivate her work.
Outside of work, Dr. Cole enjoys spending time with her family and their dog, listening to music, being outdoors, reading, and building with LEGOs.
Treatment Services
Dr. Cole provides therapy for children, teens, and families, with treatment tailored to each person’s needs and developmental stage. Areas of treatment include:
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Support for young children and caregivers focused on strengthening their relationship and encouraging positive behavior.
Parent Management Training: Practical strategies to help parents respond consistently to challenging behaviors and support their child’s development. -
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression: Skills for understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, and for developing healthier coping strategies.
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT): Behavioral strategies designed to help individuals manage tic symptoms.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A structured approach that helps individuals gradually face anxiety-provoking situations while reducing compulsive responses.
Support for disruptive behavior concerns: Help addressing noncompliance, defiance, tantrums, and aggression through individualized behavioral strategies.
Support for sleep struggles: Assessment of sleep-related concerns and guidance in building more supportive routines and habits.
Testing and Evaluation Services
Psychological testing and evaluation can help clarify a person’s strengths, challenges, and support needs. Dr. Cole provides evaluations related to:
Intellectual disability
Learning disabilities
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorders
Mood and anxiety concerns