Jessica Cleary
Hi! I appreciate you considering me to work with you throughout your counseling journey. I am a Clinical Mental Health Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi with over 8 years of experience working as a therapist and supportive counselor. I have a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, and I have spent a majority of my professional career working in a community mental health setting with ages 3 all the way up to retirement age. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also have spent a large portion of my professional career working with clients that have experienced traumatic events and various types of abuse. These are not the only areas where I have spent my work, but it does scrape the surface. I also enjoy working with college aged students, those going through transitional changes in their life such as career changes, divorce, relocating, and etc. I also have been successful in helping new mothers, postpartum depression and anxiety, and those experiencing fertility issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive, and I believe that I am very supportive. I have been told that I am very laid back and while others resonate with that type of personality, others need and want more structure. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach to therapy is eclectic, person-centered, and solution-focused. I believe you are the expert of your own life. I'm just here to help guide you in a direction that will lead you to the best quality of life possible. I pull from various approaches to tailor treatment specifically for you. Approaches include cognitive behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, family systems, etc. I value your role in working with me as a team, through connections to obtain the best quality of life possible. 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!
Dr. Ricardo Gillispie, PhD, LCSW
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
Maria Britt
Welcome! My name is Maria, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Mississippi and Arizona with over 25 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have BA degree in Psychology and a MS degree in Clinical Psychology from Mississippi State University. I also have an Ed.S. degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. I have experience with both adults and adolescents. I have worked with an array of client populations and concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, substance abuse and recovery issues, trauma, self-esteem, bipolar, and schizophrenia. Life is often full of challenges, which ebbs and flows with each chapter of life. I am here to support, empower, and guide you on the journey that is uniquely yours, and one in which you are the author. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to support your self-discovery, dreams, and aspirations and to help you live your best life on your own terms. People seek counseling for a variety of reasons. I realize that some people may only need a sounding board and support from their counselor. Some people solely need the processing element from a counselor to increase their confidence in decision-making skills and make sense of life’s happenstances. While for others, it proves to be a safe, confidential space to vent, which proves cathartic in its own right. For some individuals, it may be candid advice, perspective, and goal-directed solutions to pressing problems. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific goals. I realize that counseling can seem intimidating for some, so I will work with a format and at pace with which you are most comfortable. My counseling style is down-to-earth, warm, and empathetic. I believe in meeting a person where they are in guiding them along their journey. I believe every person has intrinsic value and worth, and I treat everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion. I also favor a person-centered, individualized approach that embraces self-determination, empowerment, and resiliency. I value holistic care, which seeks to improve overall wellness and health. My approach is eclectic in nature and combines person-centered, strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, brief solution-focused, mindfulness, and reality therapy. Additionally, I may assign worksheets from time to time to promote introspection and insight. I applaud you for being here today and your quest to improve your overall well-being and happiness. It takes courage and strength to seek a more fulfilling life and to contemplate change. When you are ready to take that next step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you on your journey!
Raevin Wade
Finding the right therapist takes courage and I'm glad you're here. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mississippi with 5 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, LGBTQ+ identity, and struggles with self-worth. I draw on a strengths-based, DBT-informed approach and have worked across inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth settings, so I'm comfortable meeting you wherever you are in your journey. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy so our work together will be shaped around your life, your goals, and what actually feels helpful to you. If you're ready to take that step, I'm ready to walk alongside you.
Kimberly Randolph
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.
David Hopkins
I have been working in the mental field since 2006, and as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2016. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger, and coping with grief and loss. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Tiffany Galloway
Welcome to KHAI Counseling Solutions via Betterhelp My name is Tiffany and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I've been in the social work profession for over 10 years and have worked with individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. I am eclectic in my therapeutic approach as all individuals aren’t the same in their needs, but I typically utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I’m passionate about the mental wellness of those I am charged to help cultivate and inspire to live healthy, balanced lives. I strive to provide an environment that is safe, nonjudgmental, and client centered while keeping in mind that all systems can be influential in a client’s life. I’m capable of providing a faith-based space, if requested. My therapeutic focus is helping individuals navigate through life’s events that contribute to depression and/or anxiety, low self-esteem, low self-worth, diminished self-confidence, and adjustment challenges. My goal is to help those I serve recognize triggers and strengths while collaborating to develop healthy coping strategies that are effective in obtaining and maintaining one’s mental health goals. I believe that all have the power to take control of their lives and live a healthy life of peace and happiness by one’s own definition. 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.
Margaret Trussell-Brown
I am licensed in Mississippi with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Reta Chandler
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.
Kendon Ellerman
I am licensed in Mississippi with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Brent Powell
As a licensed therapist serving Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, family dynamics, and self-esteem concerns. With nearly a decade of clinical experience, I am committed to creating a compassionate, collaborative therapeutic environment. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I strive to provide personalized support that honors individual strengths and experiences. My practice is grounded in evidence-based techniques designed to help clients develop meaningful insights, build resilience, and cultivate sustainable strategies for emotional well-being. I work closely with individuals seeking to understand themselves more deeply and create positive, lasting change in their lives. I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients with empathy, respect, and professional guidance, helping them discover their inner resources and potential for growth. Whether you're facing persistent challenges or seeking personal development, I'm here to support you with genuine care and professional expertise.
Manette Camarata
Hi, I'm Manette. I have over 20 years of experience helping individuals develop emotional and cognitive skills to challenge unhealthy beliefs and patterns that are holding them back and to enhance their strengths to feel confident in the present and hopeful about the future. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients in many different settings including mental health clinics, rehab centers, hospitals, nonprofit agencies, schools and senior centers. These experiences have helped me develop a wide range of knowledge and skills that I can bring to our sessions to provide you with an effective and supportive journey toward your wellness goals. In our first session we will discuss your needs, the goals you would like to set and choose a path that feels right for you. Together we will create a treatment plan with practical steps that fit your life and accomplish the outcome you are looking for. My counseling style is flexible, easy going and solution focused. I look forward to the opportunity of collaborating with you to overcome challenges, build resilience and create lasting changes to improve your overall well-being.
Daphne Holmes
As a licensed therapist in Mississippi, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions. My practice centers on helping clients navigate complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and grief counseling. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate, supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing. My approach focuses on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular sensitivity to communication challenges, isolation, post-traumatic stress, and women's mental health concerns. Through evidence-based practices, I help clients build resilience, process difficult emotions, and cultivate healthier patterns of connection. Whether you're experiencing relationship struggles, mood challenges, or navigating significant life changes, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance.
Blythe Hamburg
As a compassionate therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, and overcome challenges related to isolation, purpose, and personal growth. I have expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress, and addiction while providing a supportive environment for healing. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to work through difficult emotions like guilt, shame, and emptiness. I understand the nuanced challenges of women's issues, workplace dynamics, relationship transitions, and family complexities. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, codependency, or seeking personal transformation, I offer a warm, understanding approach tailored to your unique journey. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a safe space where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and move towards meaningful personal change. My goal is to support you in building resilience, understanding yourself more deeply, and creating the life you desire.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Columbia, Mississippi
Finding a therapist near you in Columbia, Mississippi starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Mississippi is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Mississippi, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Mississippi, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Mississippi
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Mississippi, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Mississippi
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Mississippi
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Mississippi through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Mississippi
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Mississippi, including residents in Columbia.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Mississippi do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Columbia, Mississippi
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Columbia and the surrounding MS area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.