Find a licensed online therapist in Pearl, MS

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.

Life's journey can be exciting and fulfilling, as well as difficult and challenging. The path to wholeness is strewn with beautiful flowers and thorny weeds. As we take steps toward becoming an authentic, healthy person, we would do well to sometimes call on trustworthy helpers for their wisdom, knowledge, guidance, and support in facing formidable moments in our growth process. As a Licensed Professional Counselor for over twenty years, I seek to help my clients become empowered to successfully navigate through life's twists and turns. My experience and training have equipped me to assist clients in areas such as depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, LGBTQ concerns, communication, grief, spirituality, infidelity, stress, and more. Through a mindful approach that is compassionate, respectful, non-judgmental, and well-informed, I partner with my clients to help them define and reach the goals they have for healthy living. Whether one is dealing with an issue such as the loss of a loved one, or seeking to develop a plan to build a life of integrity and joy, my clients' values and beliefs are always honored. No one person has all the answers. Your life is just that—yours. A good therapist will help their clients examine their wants, needs, and desires, including the possible outcomes, both positive and negative. A good therapist will sometimes challenge and question their clients’ thoughts and plans. But a good therapist will respect their clients’ autonomy and never impose their own values on their clients. Every person can have a life of healthy purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. My goal is to create a safe space within which my clients can change their lives in way that will lead to the most authentic and complete life possible.

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)

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!

I am licensed in Louisiana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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!

My name is Joy Rodriguez. I am a licensed clinical social worker with a PhD in human development and family science. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, burnout, life transitions, addiction and relationship challenges. My approach is grounded in helping clients better understand their emotional responses, develop effective coping skills, and build greater resilience through nervous system regulation. Together, we create a path toward healing, balance, and meaningful change.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. 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.

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.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & depression. I believe in the healing power of relationship and believe productive reflection comes in an environment of empathy, curiosity and empathy. It takes courage to change and I would like to help in that process.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with despression. 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.

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.

As a licensed professional counselor, I specialize in counseling adolescents and adults facing challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My approach integrates mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to create a supportive and personalized space for growth. With a background in crisis intervention, I am committed to helping clients build resilience and develop effective coping strategies. Whether you’re navigating stress, emotional struggles, or personal development, I’m here to support you on your journey.