Therapists in Oakland, MS

Hi, my name is Teresa Adams and I am passionate about marriage, family, relationships and the problems surrounding them. I am a graduate from Mississippi University for Women, with a B.S. in Food and Nutrition and a M.A. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been in the relationship field for over 20 years and have been a professional in the field for 10 years. I am Gottman I Certified, Prepare/Enrich Assessment Certified and SYMBIS Assessment Certified as well. I have been through me continuing education trainings in anxiety, depression, stress, conflict, communication, sexual issues and many more. In addition, my husband and I have written a marriage manual/book entitled Marriage: What To Do Before and After You Say, "I Do". When anxiety, depression and stress comes into the relationship/family, a feeling of uncertainty and hopeless erodes the mind. I want to help you eliminate the anxiety, depression, and stress in your relationship/family so life is manageable and peaceful. As a Christian counselor, with Biblical training, the answer to your problem is within your grasp. I have been married for 38 years and have raised four children. I believe the family is the fabric of your society and without the family our society is in deep trouble. Many issues have come to me and I am not afraid to ask the hard questions to help you through a difficult time. As a wife, mother, and counselor, I am caring, compassionate and warm in my delivery to my client. I am not judgmental and nothing surprises me. I can help!!

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.

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!

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

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oklahoma, as well as a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor. I hold a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University, Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Ashford University, and a Doctoral Degree of Ministry from Fellowship Bible Institute. I have experience working with a wide range of clients and love working with families, couples, and individuals. I believe that everyone should have a safe space where they can be heard and helped to navigate the difficulties in life and relationships. I work collaboratively with clients to achieve this by focusing on the areas they desire to improve by using a variety of systemic approaches such as Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), Sociologist, and Life Coach with over 15 years experience providing therapeutic services to adults, adolescents and children. I have worked with individuals in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient settings, crisis and emergency shelter services, community mental health, and medical clinics. I have worked with persons who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, serious mental health issues and homelessness, among others. My therapy style is motivating and supportive, but direct, while using humor and optimism to develop an effective therapeutic rapport and bring about change. My theoretical orientations primarily used are person-centered and cognitive-behavioral. My approach combines Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I will tailor our time together and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have a commitment to quality and compassionate mental health services. I pride myself on being non-biased and non-judgemental. It takes incredible 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 ALWAYS make every effort to accommodate your schedule and/or time zone. If my current availability does not work with your schedule, please message me directly. I'm happy to try my best to make specific accommodations for you! Please note that I diligently check your messages daily, other than Sundays. I look forward to working with you! (she/her/hers)

As a licensed therapist serving Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through transformative healing, with a deep commitment to addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My approach honors each person's unique journey, particularly focusing on young adults, women's experiences, and individuals working through family conflicts, social anxiety, and life transitions. I bring culturally responsive care that centers on self-love, communication, and personal empowerment. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I create a compassionate, affirming therapeutic space where clients can explore their deepest challenges. Whether you're confronting isolation, seeking purpose, or healing from difficult experiences, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with understanding and professional guidance. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices that respect your individual strengths and lived experiences. Together, we'll develop meaningful strategies to support your emotional wellness and personal transformation.

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 am licensed in Mississippi with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist in both Louisiana and Mississippi, I bring nearly four decades of compassionate clinical experience to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding diverse human experiences, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and grief. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic space where clients can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. My practice focuses on a wide range of concerns, including relationship dynamics, life transitions, social anxiety, self-esteem, and personal empowerment. Drawing from extensive professional training, I am committed to meeting each client's unique needs with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Whether you're navigating workplace stress, processing traumatic experiences, or seeking guidance through life's transitions, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional support. My goal is to help you build resilience, discover inner strengths, and create positive pathways toward healing and personal transformation.

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.

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.

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.