Hello! My name is Dr. Lashanda Baylor and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Mississippi. I am also a Doctor of Professional Counseling.I have been providing Behavioral Therapy for a wide array of issues and populations for 20 years. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor with a national board certification in counseling and a Specialist Degree in counseling and psychology. I have over 20 years experience in counseling with diverse populations from many different backgrounds. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, women's issues, relationship issues, and career concerns. I have been successful in helping clients become emotionally healthier and make better decisions. My counseling style is eclectic and insight oriented. I combine rational-emotive, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I also use reality therapy techniques to assist clients in evaluating their present situation and setting goals for the future. If you are struggling with depression, feeling discouraged, isolated or anxious and fearful, I understand and I can help. I have the credentials necessary to bring hope and change to brighten your tomorrows. I enter the process with you and will assist you in reaching your goals for treatment. You no longer have to struggle alone but have someone ready to help meet your needs.

I am a licensed therapist with over 30 years of professional work experience. My training includes cognitive therapy, stress management , depression and anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

As a licensed therapist serving Mississippi, I bring 29 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating compassionate, culturally responsive spaces where clients can explore personal growth, healing, and self-understanding. I specialize in addressing diverse concerns including stress, anxiety, parenting dynamics, self-esteem development, and navigating significant life transitions. My approach honors each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in supporting young adults, women's experiences, and multicultural perspectives. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop deeper self-love, improve communication patterns, overcome social anxiety, and work through challenging emotional experiences like guilt, shame, and relationship transitions. I'm committed to providing affirming, empathetic guidance that respects individual identities and personal growth goals. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower clients in developing resilient coping strategies, understanding their inner experiences, and creating meaningful personal transformation. My practice welcomes individuals from all backgrounds seeking supportive, collaborative therapeutic relationships.

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 serving Mississippi, I bring 19 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating compassionate, affirming spaces for healing across diverse life experiences. I specialize in addressing mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in understanding intersectionality and individual experiences. I'm particularly committed to supporting LGBTQ+ communities, people of color, and individuals navigating complex personal challenges. My work focuses on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, overcome isolation, and rediscover life purpose. I offer expertise in addressing a wide range of concerns, from workplace stress and relationship issues to more nuanced experiences like identity exploration, multicultural challenges, and personal transformation. My goal is to walk alongside you, honoring your unique journey with respect, empathy, and professional guidance.

I am a LPC and BC-TMH. I graduated from William Carey College with a Bachelors of General Studies in Business Administration and Psychology; and I received my MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from Jackson State University. I have over 16 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience working as an adult clinician, in outpatient community mental health. I focus on working with adults and families often with emotional and mental health problems, by providing mental health counseling. I have experience working with a variety of issues such as suicidal ideations, homicidal ideations, drug and alcohol abuse, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, coping skills, and trauma. I also have experience working in a residential treatment facility with youths and adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems. I enjoy helping others establish goals, meeting those goals, and developing coping skills to help them manage everyday life situations and issues. I have worked with all ages, providing individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. My approach to counseling is a cognitive-behavioral perspective; meaning my goal is to help clients change patterns of thinking and behavior by recognizing and changing negative thoughts, learning to manage negative emotions, and controlling unhealthy impulses. Other interventions and treatment approaches that I utilize are DBT and Trauma-Focused therapy.

Hello, I am Melissa Upton. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi. I am also a National Certified Counselor with NBCC. I received my Master's and Specialist's Degree from Mississippi State University in School Counseling. I have 14 years of experience in school counseling and 25 years of experience in the public school system in Mississippi. I have worked with adolescents for 25 years. I am looking to broaden my horizon and begin a new phase in my life with more one-on-one counseling. I have observed in the past 25 years, the need for counselors in everyone’s life. I have worked with students in anger management, depression, coping skills, anxiety, relationship issues and ADHD, as well as academic and career planning in the school setting. I am looking forward to working with different age groups to provide counseling services in these areas and possibly more. My therapy style is client-centered and cognitive behavioral. I use the RIASEC model, John Holland's career inventory model when providing academic/career counseling. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I believe counseling should provide a place to be yourself and work through conflicts that come with everyday life. We all need to practice “self-help” more than we do. Talking to a counselor is one approach towards helping yourself live a happy and balanced life. If you are ready to begin the “self-help” process and begin to have a more fulfilling and balanced life, I am here to support you and help to begin that journey. I look forward to working with you!

I am a licensed certified social worker in Mississippi with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. My therapeutic approach is competent, caring and nonjudgmental. 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.

As a licensed therapist in Mississippi, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on empowering clients across diverse backgrounds, with a specialized focus on women's issues, career development, and multicultural concerns. I offer compassionate guidance for individuals navigating significant life transitions, including parenting challenges, self-esteem growth, divorce, and workplace dynamics. My approach is rooted in understanding each client's unique journey, with particular sensitivity to the experiences of women, young adults, and those in helping professions. Drawing from a trauma-informed and culturally responsive framework, I help clients rediscover their inner strength, clarify life purpose, and develop resilient strategies for personal growth. Whether you're facing midlife transitions, caregiver stress, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.

Hello, and welcome to my profile. I am located in Mississippi and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, self-esteem, aging, and other life issues. 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, allowing you to take the lead while I help you navigate how to best cope with your issues.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Mississippi, dedicated to supporting individuals through a variety of challenges in their personal and professional lives. With over 23 years of professional experience, I have developed a deep understanding of how to assist clients in overcoming many different types of difficulties in both career and personal growth. I specialize in helping clients cope with life changes. By focusing on the strengths each individual brings to the table, I work collaboratively with clients to identify and address obstacles that may be preventing them from reaching their full potential. Believing that each person is the expert of their own story, I provide a safe, empathetic space for clients to explore their challenges and discover the tools they need to navigate life with resilience. A core value in my practice is the belief that taking the first step toward therapy takes great courage. I am deeply proud of those who seek support, and I am committed to walking alongside clients as they embark on the journey toward healing and growth. With my guidance, clients are empowered to recognize and utilize their inner strengths to tackle life's most pressing challenges. If you're ready to take that important step, I am here to help guide you through the process and support you as you achieve a greater sense of well-being and balance in your life.

I’m licensed in Mississippi, Nevada, and Iowa with over 11 years of professional experience in the mental health field. I’ve had the privilege of helping clients work through stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, motivation, confidence, life changes, and LGBTQ+–related concerns. My journey as a therapist began through my work with young adults in clinics, universities, and correctional settings, where I discovered my true passion for supporting others through life’s challenges. These experiences have strengthened my belief that healing starts with empathy, understanding, and the courage to take the first step. I take a person-centered approach, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with creative and practical techniques to meet each client where they are. I strive to create a safe and judgment-free space where you can process your story, explore your strengths, and find new ways to cope and grow. The trust clients place in me to walk alongside them during their most vulnerable moments is something I value deeply. Together, we can work toward healing, resilience, and lasting change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in grief, bereavement, and life transitions for young adults and adults. With five years of experience in hospice care and five years working with college students, I bring a compassionate, supportive, and client-centered approach to helping individuals navigate loss, change, and personal growth. My work is rooted in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can process their experiences and find pathways toward healing and resilience.