FORT SMITH, Ark. – Crystal Lougin, MS, LPC, of Baptist Health-Fort Smith was recently appointed to the Arkansas Governor’s Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy protects and ensures the quality of counseling and marriage and family therapy services being provided to Arkansas residents. It serves as an overall “gatekeeper” to the profession by updating the requirements for licensure to stay current in the field, reviewing and approving licensure and supervisor candidates, as well as hearing and addressing concerns reported to the board.
Lougin is passionate about providing educational opportunities on recognizing and destigmatizing mental health.
“If there’s anything the last year has taught us; mental health is an essential part of overall wellness,” she said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to help shape the type of counseling and mental health services Arkansans receive now and in the future.”
Lougin has been the director of behavioral health at Baptist Health-Fort Smith since 2015. She is an active board member and volunteer with local groups like the Good Samaritan Clinic and Comprehensive and Juvenile Services. She also serves as president of the board at Future School Fort Smith and the chairperson of team recruitment for the Alzheimer Association’s River Valley Walk which will be held this fall.
As a licensed professional counselor, Lougin began providing therapy services after-hours and on the weekends due to the added stress the pandemic has put on residents of western Arkansas.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely added to the stress levels of many people who just can’t afford to take the time away from work, school, or family obligations to address their personal mental health and wellness,” Lougin said. “So, I feel it’s very important for there to be convenient avenues for residents to seek the self-care they need.”
For 100 years, Baptist Health has delivered All Our Best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.