I am a social worker licensed at LCSW level in Mississippi. Sometimes we need someone to help us make needed changes or keep track of how we’re doing with the many ways we and our lives can change. Becoming a social worker was a midlife transition for me. “It’s never too late.” was a saying that became a mantra as I learned from challenges related to making a new life 30+ years ago. But now, with a stronger cognitive perspective, I’d change that to, “It’s not too late right now”. My cultural background is mixed. To me, each person is unique, but our common humanity makes us alike. My experience is broad including : outpatient, inpatient, IOP, home health and hospice. I take an eclectic approach towards working with others, so that I can fit what I offer to your individual needs. Modalities and techniques I can bring to our work include: humanistic, insight-oriented, cognitive behavioral, wholistic, and solution focused .

Growing up in small rural area of the Mississippi Delta is easy for most people, but for people with anxiety and depression, as an adolescent, life can become difficult. I came from a good Christian home where morals and values were taught from the beginning. Anxiety and depression were issues that were not talked about in the home. It was not until I was in my late twenties that I learned that it was okay to talk about uncomfortable feelings and emotions and it was certainly nothing to be ashamed of. As I began to seek counseling, I was able to learn to become self-aware of my own feelings and to learn from my counselor’s guidance, that I could make positive changes in my own life. Counselors were able to provide valuable assistance to my emotional needs and help assist me in learning to express myself in a healthy way and to learn coping skills to function to the best of my ability in everyday life situations. This is how my journey began as a counselor when my passion for helping others began. My inclination towards the profession develop when I developed a personal aspiration to advocate and to help others through my own personal experiences. I wanted to be a part of my future clients’ journeys to become the most fulfilling versions of themselves. My background includes working with individuals with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorders, general mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorders and attention deficit disorders.

I am licensed in Texas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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.

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients to navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal dynamics. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach that honors each person's unique journey and lived experiences. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing a wide range of concerns, including social anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and personal growth. I am particularly committed to supporting women, young adults, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds who are seeking meaningful healing and self-discovery. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a warm, affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate deeper self-understanding. My approach is rooted in respect, empathy, and a genuine belief in each individual's capacity for positive change.

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 over 15 years of experience, I provide compassionate, holistic support to individuals navigating complex life challenges. My practice centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment that honors diverse experiences and identities. My approach is rooted in empathy, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based practices that empower clients to explore personal growth, heal from past wounds, and develop meaningful coping strategies. My professional focus spans a wide range of concerns, including social anxiety, self-love, communication challenges, workplace stress, and multicultural experiences. I work collaboratively with clients to unpack complex emotions, build resilience, and cultivate authentic connections—both with themselves and others. Through a person-centered lens, I support individuals in understanding their inner landscape, confronting barriers, and moving toward more fulfilling, intentional lives. My goal is to walk alongside you with genuine care, respect, and professional guidance. 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!

Hello, my name is Laura Gillom. I am an LCSW in Mississippi with over 15 years of psychotherapy experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict, and transitions of life. I have also helped many people who have experienced all types of trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stereotyping and stigmatizing labels. I use an eclectic approach to therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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 licensed in Mississippi with more than 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients who have life stressors (anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, addictions, parenting). I will challenge you to develop and practice healthy boundaries and settle the past, find hope and healing while recognizing all feelings are not facts. Boundaries define who we are and who we are not. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while presenting Truth in love. 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 healthy change. I practice holistic Christian based counseling. Most people do what they do because they believe what they believe. I am just a guide and my aim is to help you achieve your goals by setting them yourself after dealing with whatever issues or concerns you desire to discuss. I received my bachelor degree (1984) in Religious Education from Mississippi College in Clinton MS and in 2005 I graduated from University of South MS with my masters degree in Education with emphases on counseling.

I have been licensed in Mississippi since 2016. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & coping with life changes. 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.

As a licensed therapist, I bring over two decades of compassionate counseling experience to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, trauma, parenting difficulties, and personal growth with a faith-informed, empathetic approach. I specialize in addressing women's issues, social anxiety, communication challenges, and healing from difficult life experiences. My therapeutic work focuses on supporting individuals through transitions like divorce, adoption, blended family dynamics, and personal transformation. My approach is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, with particular sensitivity to attachment issues, self-esteem, and emotional healing. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthier relationships, and rediscover their inner strength and purpose. Drawing from a Christian perspective, I offer guidance that respects individual spiritual beliefs while providing evidence-based, compassionate therapeutic support. My goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward personal growth, emotional resilience, and meaningful life change.

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.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor offering virtual therapy for clients in Mississippi and Colorado. I work with women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, and mentally exhausted. Many of my clients struggle with intrusive thoughts, constant worry, emotional burnout, and the pressure of trying to balance motherhood with everything else life demands.