Therapists in Southaven, MS

Things stacking up? Feeling overwhelmed? Whatever your situation or problem, you do not have to stay stuck. Even if it wakes you up in the middle of the night, it is likely you can learn something meaningful from it. There is hope. I am a licensed professional counselor and I help people find solutions to their problems. Finding the right solution is like a mystery investigation. There are clues and they fit together to form the picture of your life. I use creative arts, such as writing, movies and poetry to make our relationship personal and unique. This approach is not found in a one-size, fits-all clinic. My clients find, "and they all lived happily after" when they embrace this holistic, non-judgmental work toward having the life of their dreams. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. No problem is too small. If it bothers you, that's enough. I offer a holistic approach to treatment. This could include traditional talk therapy, assessments, journaling, dream analysis, writing, viewing movies, reading/writing poetry, learning mindfulness meditation and using other creative art forms.

I am a Doctor of Behavioral Health, as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my doctorate degree from Arizona State University. I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Louisiana State University. I have been rendering professional counseling services throughout the state of Louisiana for the last for 15 years. My work experience includes a variety of clinical backgrounds, such as child protection, grief therapy, medical social work, school social work, inpatient psychiatric social work, individual, family & group psychotherapy as well as serving as the clinical director of an outpatient behavioral health agency with multiple locations in Louisiana. I have also rendered intense trauma-focused therapy to children who have endured or witnessed different forms of trauma such as being sexually abused or witnessing domestic violence or a murder. I pride myself with meeting each client where they are in hopes of helping them to get to where they desire to be. I look forward to working with you to help you reach your individualized goals.

If positive change is what you are seeking, let me help you get there. Discovering your unique self and achieving life satisfaction while improving your quality of life will take time, but I am here to help. Self awareness and insight are beneficial aspects of treatment. A willingness to put in the work to improve is vital. I believe that change is possible, but I also understand that it is not an easy path to take. My goal is to create a safe, therapeutic environment where change and growth can occur. I want to help you develop ways to positively cope with the world around you. I have traveled the path to change; you are not alone in your journey. As a published author on the topic of social anxiety, I'm here to help you better understand your anxiety, its symptoms, and learn how to cope and take control of your life. I am glad that you have taken this first step. I am skilled in helping adults cope with anxiety, conflict, behavior issues, anger, depression, self esteem, marital and family issues, and more. I am also a Christian and can provide faith/Christian based counseling.

As a licensed therapist with extensive experience in Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate family dynamics, personal growth, and emotional well-being across diverse life stages. I bring compassionate expertise to issues like communication challenges, self-esteem, anger management, and adapting to significant life transitions. My approach is deeply empathetic and tailored to each individual's unique journey. I understand the intricate dynamics of relationships, family systems, and personal development. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, workplace stress, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where healing and personal growth can flourish. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and life experiences, offering a non-judgmental space to explore your challenges and strengths. My goal is to help you develop resilience, improve communication, and cultivate a more fulfilling life path.

Hello and welcome. First, I want to commend you for taking the courageous step toward seeking therapy. Choosing to invest in your mental and emotional well-being is a powerful decision, and I am honored to walk alongside you in that process. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and serve as a Qualified Board Supervisor for Licensed Professional Counselors in the state of Mississippi. I hold a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Mental and Behavioral Health. With over 15 years of experience in mental health and social services, I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and my role is to provide a safe, supportive environment where your strengths can be identified, cultivated, and empowered. Together, we will work to increase self-awareness, deepen insight, and develop practical strategies that promote meaningful and lasting change. I deeply value creating a space where you feel calm, secure, and free to openly share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I am committed to partnering with you in a way that fosters growth, resilience, and transformation. Each person’s story is unique, yet there are universal aspects of the human experience that connect us all. At our core, we all desire mental and emotional wellness, meaningful relationships, validation, and the opportunity to live fulfilling lives. It is my privilege to support you as you pursue healing, clarity, and the highest version of yourself. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Hello and Thank YOU for viewing my profile! I am Licensed Professional Counselor the state of Mississippi with 17 years of experience. I am also a registered play therapist which is what I normally am doing during the day from August to late May! My speciality at this time in my career is short term (6-10 sessions) counseling. I believe in working smarter and not harder to help you meet your therapy goals as we all know that time is our most valuable resource. My counseling work has been with clients that exhibit several mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, oppositional behaviors, attention deficit/impulsivity concerns, as well as those with severe trauma histories. My counseling approach is eclectic, which integrates different styles based on the needs of the client. The theories typically used include Narrative Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy. My role is to assist in helping you to reach your goals and to provide non-judgmental support during your time in therapy.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Ricardo Gillispie, PhD, LCSW I received my Bachelor’s Degree in 1973 in Social Science from Mississippi Valley State University. I was accepted in the first Masters of Social Work Program at the University of Southern Mississippi graduating in 1975. I was awarded the first Social Worker of the Year by the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers in 1992. I was accepted in the first Ph.D. Program in Social Work at Jackson State University graduating in 2000, with the primary focus in Psychotherapeutic Social Work. Prior to retiring from Private Practice, I was part owner and CEO of Family Counseling Services, PLLC in Meridian, MS. This was a Private Behavioral Health Care Group Practice consisting of Psychiatrists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, PhD Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. While in Private Practice, I specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy, Cognitive/Affective Disorders, to include patients experiencing Depression, Anxiety and Post Traumatic Disorder. After retirement, I accepted the offer to serve as a group therapist for Rush/Ochsner Intensive Outpatient Psychogeriatric Programs. These are IOP's throughout East Mississippi. In 2000, I accepted to be a consultant for Rush Psychogeriatric Intensive Outpatient Programs. In this role, I help develop the Behavioral Healthcare Program for geriatric patients with mental health, aging and emotional conditions. After developing these Programs, I provided training for social workers, psychiatrist and nurses. Afterward, I surveyed these Programs in accordance to CMS guidelines. In 1999 I accepted the consulting role with East Mississippi Correctional Facility, a private prison under the management of the GEO Group, Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. In that consulting role, I designed the first exclusive mental health program in corrections in the United States. February 2006, I accepted the full-time position as Deputy Warden of Mental Health Programs with East Mississippi Correctional Facility (EMCF), and maintained my private practice with Family Counseling Services, PLLC. From 1973 to 1985, I served as Assistant Director for Region Ten (Weems) Mental Health Center covering a catchment area of nine counties in East Central Mississippi. In that role, I wrote the Initial Operation Grant for Weems Mental Health Center and other grants. 1986, I served as Clinical Director and an investor of Laurel Wood Psychiatric Hospital in Meridian, MS. I served fifteen years on the Meridian School Board of Trustees, serving two terms as President. I was elected as Region Ten National Association of Social Work Representative for the Nomination and Leadership Committee, representing Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee. 1994, I was appointed to the first Mississippi Social Workers Licensure Board serving one term as chairman. I served as an Auditor of Correctional Facilities in the United States for the American Correctional Association (ACA). Also, I was a Psychiatric Social Worker Surveyor consultant for the Center of Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS), in which I surveyed public and private psychiatric hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid compliance in the United States. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, and Certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers. 2006, I was inducted in the Hall of Fame at Meridian Community College. I have served as a part-time instructor for Mississippi State University School of Social Working – Meridian Branch, Meridian Community College and Adjunct Faculty for the University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work. I have provided the following professional presentations: • 2015 Techniques in the Provision of Group Psychotherapy - Rush Hospital Senior Citizens Program • 2017 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Rush Hospital Senior Citizens Program • Guest speaker for the 2010 American Correctional Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. Topic: Efficacy of Mental Health Services in Corrections • Presenter at 2011 American Correctional Association Annual Conference in Chicago, Ill, Topic: Long Term Segregated Offender Mental Health Program. • Social Work Standards of Practice in Psychiatric Hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Seattle, WA • Assessment Interviewing Training for the Mississippi Department of Health and Human Services- Jackson, MS • Stress Management Workshops for Industries, Hospitals and other professional organizations. • Interviewing Skills Training for the Department of Public Welfare; sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi Continuing Education Department - Gulfport, MS • Assessment Interviewing/Assessment Training for the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Choctaw Reservation - Philadelphia, MS • Developing of Treatment Plans for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Baltimore, MD • Guest Speaker for the Institute of Rural Mental Health; Topic: Barriers for African Americans in Obtaining Mental Health Services In the Rural South • Operational Development of the Psychosocial Assessments – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Kansas City, MO I have authored the following publications: Book: How to Prevent the Collision of the Two Worlds we Live, Publisher - Mulberry Book, LLC, 2020. Hospitalized Africa American Men with Mental Illness: Some Antecedents to Service Satisfaction and Intent to Comply with Aftercare. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills, Volume 6, Number 3, winter 2002. Hospitalized African American Mental Health Consumers: Some Antecedents to Service Satisfaction and Intent to Comply with Aftercare. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Volume 75, Number 2, pp. 254-261, 2005. I have been married to Catherine Nelson Gillispie since 1973. We have a daughter Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell who is a physician of OBGY at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans and son, Rashad Gillispie a graduate of MVSU with a degree in computer science. My wife and I attend North Park church in Meridian, MS a multiracial and cultural congregation. Licensed and Certifications: • Mississippi Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Marriage and Family Counselor - #COO82 • Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) - #881216796 • Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) - #006164

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience serving clients across Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and personal challenges. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and men's mental health issues with compassionate, targeted support. I bring extensive expertise in helping clients navigate workplace stress, family conflicts, addiction recovery, and personal growth. My approach centers on empowering individuals to develop self-understanding, build resilience, and create meaningful life strategies. Whether you're dealing with relationship challenges, career transitions, or personal healing, I'm committed to providing thoughtful, personalized guidance that respects your unique journey. My therapeutic work draws from evidence-based practices designed to help you develop practical coping skills, enhance emotional well-being, and move toward your personal and professional goals. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your experiences and strengths.

I am a family and marriage therapist with over 20 years of experience. I have experience in working with singles, married couples, teens and the elderly. I am here to help you, knowing that reaching out for help is not always easy. I am an open-ended listener who gives you the opportunity to express yourself in a nonjudgmental environment. I have helped many get through their trials and tribulations. My idea of therapy is not to erase what you've been through but, to offer an environment where you can express any and all experiences and voice how you can move forward. My goal is to help you grow in all aspects of life, it's not always easy being vulnerable which is why I offer my support and aid in all experiences that you have and will go through. I hope to meet you soon!

I have a BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a M.Ed. in community counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. I am a member of Chi Sigma Iota International Honorary Counseling Society. After graduating with my master's degree in 1996, I spent eleven years working as a CPS worker for the State of Louisiana. This experience, while not technically counseling, has led me into the field of counseling I have been doing for the past several years. I have worked for a non-profit which was awarded a federal grant that provided counseling for victims of sexual abuse, rape, and domestic violence. I have worked extensively with clients who have experienced trauma and abuse in their lives. I find it particularly rewarding to work with my clients and watch them begin to heal from the past and move on to live happier, healthier lives.

As a licensed therapist in Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate, holistic care that honors each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, and interpersonal dynamics. My therapeutic practice focuses on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore deep-seated emotional patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and cultivate self-understanding. I'm particularly passionate about helping clients work through social anxiety, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, and personal growth obstacles. I bring a trauma-informed, affirming perspective to my work, committed to supporting diverse identities and experiences. My goal is to empower clients to build resilience, enhance communication skills, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional healing and personal transformation.

As a licensed psychologist serving West Virginia and Mississippi, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing issues like social anxiety, workplace challenges, life transitions, and self-esteem development. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique journey. I'm particularly committed to creating an affirming space for individuals seeking a warm therapeutic environment. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, relationship difficulties, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. I focus on empowering clients to develop stronger communication skills, overcome isolation, and rediscover their sense of purpose. Through collaborative and personalized strategies, I help individuals build resilience, enhance self-love, and create meaningful pathways toward emotional wellness.

I am a licensed therapist in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. This is first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you during the journey.

As a licensed therapist in Mississippi, I bring nearly two decades of compassionate counseling experience to supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and anger management. This also has allowed me to work with those individuals with substance abuse issues and help them to understand triggers in their lives and how to develop and live a sober life. I am deeply committed to helping clients navigate challenging emotional terrain, focusing on areas like self-love, communication challenges, social anxiety, life purpose, and healing from past experiences. My practice honors individual experiences while providing supportive, thoughtful guidance through personal transformation. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices with genuine empathy, creating a safe space where clients can explore their inner world, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Whether you're struggling with isolation, relationship dynamics, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with professional care and respect.