Therapists serving clients in Biloxi, MS

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 , ACin 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. 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

YOU ARE NECESSARY! If you question this on any level, than I believe you are meant to be here at this this moment. So, let's get started. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Employee Assistance Professional in Mississippi. I have 27 years experience in the field of mental and behavioral health services. This includes counseling individuals from diverse backgrounds on a variety of issues, that includes, but not limited to, work-life balance, stress management, depression, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. It is most important to help clients explore the approaches that is the best fit for their needs and readiness. Therefore I take an eclectic approach in counseling, using therapeutic frameworks that includes, Person Centered, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology. My training and experience is significant to the services provided, however, it is my commitment in guiding my clients with an open heart and an open mind that is paramount. I believe everyone deserves a safe place to be vulnerable as they work toward their optimal level of mental well-being. I look forward to partnering with you on this journey.

My name is Sarah O’Brien and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Mississippi with nine years of experience with working with children and adolescents ranging in ages 4-18, as well as working with adults. I have worked with Clients with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to anxiety, parenting problems, relationship issues, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. I have experience with working with the LGBTQ+ community and have been trained in EMDR therapy. I believe in treating everyone with compassion and respect. My counseling style is warm and interactive and I approach counseling through a client-centered approach where the client takes an active role in making positive changes for their lives. I believe in tailoring a treatment plan and session to session dialogues to meet each person’s needs. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience working as a Behavioral Health Specialist. I have experience working with children and adults with emotional and behavior problems. I have worked with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as psychiatric and mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. My counseling style is nonjudgmental, compassionate, interactive, and inviting. I believe in treating each client with dignity and respect. My approach combines Person-Centered Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy focusing on thoughts and behaviors, and the importance of being your true self in order to live your most fulfilling life. I will tailor each session and treatment plan to meet specific goals and needs. For most people, seeking counseling is a giant step and it takes a lot of courage. If you are ready to work on having a more meaningful life, I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you!

Hi! I am a clinical social worker licensed in Mississippi and Louisiana. If you have been feeling down, hurt, anxious, lost, confused, embarrassed, misunderstood, stuck, overwhelmed, lonely, or dysfunctional, I look forward to working with you. I offer respect, eclecticism, warmth, innovation, humor, depth, teamwork and patience. I have over 17 years experience helping others manage the high demands, frequent transitions and complexities of life. Sometimes you just can't find the energy, courage nor hope to open up even though family/friends have been asking "what's wrong". You find your sense of wellness diminishing and past efforts to cope have created more problems resulting in a heavier load. Things can get tough at times, but you don't have to live hard. Be encouraged! Life strengths often get overlooked during unplanned challenges. I provide counseling services to help others navigate difficult personal situations and determine their best selves. The process of determination is so elevating! I find joy in facilitating a compassionate motivating space for individuals to define how they feel and what they want. My enormous personal and professional experience allows me to connect and engage in meaningful work with great people as we all try to figure things out and be okay in our lives. I have successfully collaborated with a wide variation of individuals as my therapeutic approach is flexible and integrative. There is no one size fits all when addressing life issues. I strongly value individualism, privacy and integrity. Are you ready to begin the amazing journey toward more confident, healthy and complete living? Maybe I am a good fit for you. Let's find out.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. You have made the first step in seeking help. Allow me the opportunity to assist you in navigating the current stressor(s) in your life. My primary modality of treatment is CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness.

I am licensed in Mississippi with more than 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and anxiety. I regularly work with adults who are involved with CPS and seeking reunification with family. I also have specialized training for populations diagnosed with varying forms of psychosis. 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 and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am a licensed therapist in Mississippi with 11 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.