Hello, and welcome. I’m really glad you’re here. Reaching out for help is a big step, and you don’t have to do this alone. My name is Ashley. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and Mississippi. I have over 13 years of experience helping people in schools, clinics, and community programs. I work with people who may feel stuck, stressed, or hurt by past experiences. I understand how hard life can be, especially when challenges affect families over time. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and hopeful again. In our work together, we will talk about what’s going on in your life right now. We will look at your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and find better ways to cope and grow. I use simple, practical tools from proven approaches like Adlerian therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and brief, solution-focused strategies. Ready to get started? Reach out—I’m here for you.

Thank you for reviewing my profile to consider me for services. I have over 29 years experience working with intense clients from youth to developmentally disabled adult males. Currently, I specialize in women's issues regarding professional and personal relationships, finances, low self-esteem, domestic abuse, abuse/neglect with CPS, trauma, anger/stress management, parenting, anxiety, grief/loss, crisis intervention, and wellness. I am a Licensed Certified or Clinical Social Worker with a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. I am originally from San Francisco, CA. I have lived in different places through the course of my adult life. I have raised two children and I have been married. I am divorced. I am particularly skilled at active listening. I see each client as capable of growth and improvement. I believe in the power of encouragement and empowerment but also self-sufficiency as well as self-determination. Again thank you for considering me to help you along your journey and I look forward to working with you.

As a licensed therapist with extensive experience in Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate family dynamics, personal growth, and emotional well-being across diverse life stages. I bring compassionate expertise to issues like communication challenges, self-esteem, anger management, and adapting to significant life transitions. My approach is deeply empathetic and tailored to each individual's unique journey. I understand the intricate dynamics of relationships, family systems, and personal development. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, workplace stress, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where healing and personal growth can flourish. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and life experiences, offering a non-judgmental space to explore your challenges and strengths. My goal is to help you develop resilience, improve communication, and cultivate a more fulfilling life path.

I am a licensed professional counselor in Mississippi. For the last 5 years I have worked with at risk populations, including homeless veterans, those struggling with addiction, and incarcerated males. I have extensive experience with adults who struggle with a wide array of mental health concerns. My experience includes crisis counseling, serious mental illness, self-injury, addiction, antisocial personality disorder, depression and/or anxiety, family relations, and homelessness. I have also worked with those who have experienced significant trauma. My counseling style is one built on trust and genuine concern for my clients. Therapy is a joint process in which the client has goals and together a plan is created to achieve those goals. My approach to therapy is eclectic borrowing from several different modalities including; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution focused, motivational, and person centered. I believe each person is an individual and each situation must be tailored to meet the client where he/she is. Facing problems can be scary and overwhelming but you do not need to do it alone. I am here to help. You have already taken the first step you our considering help. I look forward to working with you.

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 two decades of experience serving clients across Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and personal challenges. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and men's mental health issues with compassionate, targeted support. I bring extensive expertise in helping clients navigate workplace stress, family conflicts, addiction recovery, and personal growth. My approach centers on empowering individuals to develop self-understanding, build resilience, and create meaningful life strategies. Whether you're dealing with relationship challenges, career transitions, or personal healing, I'm committed to providing thoughtful, personalized guidance that respects your unique journey. My therapeutic work draws from evidence-based practices designed to help you develop practical coping skills, enhance emotional well-being, and move toward your personal and professional goals. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your experiences and strengths.

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 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!

Hello! I am a licensed therapist in Mississippi with 8 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping clients navigate a variety of challenges, including stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting concerns, motivation struggles, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I strive to create an open and safe environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. I believe that building a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship is key to helping you achieve your personal goals and improve your overall well-being. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage, and I am proud of you for getting started. I look forward to working together and supporting you on your journey toward a healthier, happier life.

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.

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 licensed in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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!