Therapists in Pontotoc, MS

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.

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!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor with a national board certification in counseling and a Specialist Degree in counseling and psychology. I have over 20 years experience in counseling with diverse populations from many different backgrounds. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, women's issues, relationship issues, and career concerns. I have been successful in helping clients become emotionally healthier and make better decisions. My counseling style is eclectic and insight oriented. I combine rational-emotive, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I also use reality therapy techniques to assist clients in evaluating their present situation and setting goals for the future. If you are struggling with depression, feeling discouraged, isolated or anxious and fearful, I understand and I can help. I have the credentials necessary to bring hope and change to brighten your tomorrows. I enter the process with you and will assist you in reaching your goals for treatment. You no longer have to struggle alone but have someone ready to help meet your needs.

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 serving Mississippi, I bring 19 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating compassionate, affirming spaces for healing across diverse life experiences. I specialize in addressing mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in understanding intersectionality and individual experiences. I'm particularly committed to supporting LGBTQ+ communities, people of color, and individuals navigating complex personal challenges. My work focuses on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, overcome isolation, and rediscover life purpose. I offer expertise in addressing a wide range of concerns, from workplace stress and relationship issues to more nuanced experiences like identity exploration, multicultural challenges, and personal transformation. My goal is to walk alongside you, honoring your unique journey with respect, empathy, and professional guidance.

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!

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 a family and marriage therapist with over 20 years of experience. I have experience in working with singles, married couples, teens and the elderly. I am here to help you, knowing that reaching out for help is not always easy. I am an open-ended listener who gives you the opportunity to express yourself in a nonjudgmental environment. I have helped many get through their trials and tribulations. My idea of therapy is not to erase what you've been through but, to offer an environment where you can express any and all experiences and voice how you can move forward. My goal is to help you grow in all aspects of life, it's not always easy being vulnerable which is why I offer my support and aid in all experiences that you have and will go through. I hope to meet you soon!

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 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.

I'm Jennifer Heidelberg, I'm passionate about helping people overcome life challenges and move forward. I have a background the medical field As a counselor I have experience in working with a plethora of populations. I help individuals overcome adversity, I'm here to guide you through tough times. If you're struggling with a big or small issue, don't hesitate to reach out.

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 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!