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 .

Hello, my name is Lowell Wallace and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work in 2013 and went on to earn my LCSW in 2017. I have expertise in working with individuals and families with co-occurring substance abuse and other counseling issues. I also have expertise in providing counseling to individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma, ADHD, and much more. I utilize a client-centered approach and realize clients are the experts on their own lives. I work collaboratively with my clients in setting and reaching their goals that will ultimately benefit their lives. Some of my most used clinical approaches are cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I enjoy these approaches because it allows me to help my clients gain insight into their core beliefs and how these translate into their thoughts and ultimately their behavior. I believe everyone has inherent strengths and abilities to face and overcome adversity and become more empowered and all they need is some assistance to realize their solution lies within themselves. I truly enjoy working with others and assisting them in becoming better version of themselves.

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.

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 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 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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. 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 therapist serving Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My professional approach centers on empowering clients to develop deeper self-understanding and resilience, particularly for women, young adults, and families navigating significant personal transformations. My expertise encompasses addressing depression, relationship dynamics, communication barriers, and personal growth challenges. I'm deeply committed to helping clients explore themes of self-love, purpose, healing from shame, and rebuilding healthy connections—whether in romantic partnerships, family systems, or personal relationships. Drawing from nearly two decades of clinical experience, I create a compassionate, affirming space where clients can courageously examine their experiences. My practice honors the unique journey of each individual, with a particular focus on supporting women through diverse life stages, relationship complexities, and personal healing processes. I approach therapy as a collaborative partnership, believing that every person possesses inherent strength and capacity for meaningful change. Together, we'll work to uncover your authentic path forward, addressing underlying emotional patterns and cultivating sustainable personal growth.

Hi, I am Erwin Gilliam, a Mississippi licensed professional counselor with 5 years of direct professional work experience in therapeutic counseling. This experience includes working with clients with identity issues, stress, depression, relationship &/or marital issues, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. My background and experiences have given me a variety of opportunities and have allowed me to see the world from different angles, helping me sharpen my counseling skills. I have a masters degree in organizational counseling psychology. In addition, I also hold an educator's license with endorsements in school counseling and administration. To add to my career experiences, I served as a school counselor for 3 years, as an assistant principal for 7 years, and head principal for one year in a public school setting. When it comes to therapy, I primarily use the cognitive behavioral approach with my clients; however, I am able to utilize other approaches depending on my client's needs. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. We will work as a team in setting your goals so that you achieve the outcome you are seeking. This first step, seeking out better health, is a huge milestone in finding the happiness and fulfillment we all desire in life. I am forever grateful that you have given me the opportunity to be a part of your journey.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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 licensed in Mississippi with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, adoption, chronic illness, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 here for you when you are ready to get started!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in grief, bereavement, and life transitions for young adults and adults. With five years of experience in hospice care and five years working with college students, I bring a compassionate, supportive, and client-centered approach to helping individuals navigate loss, change, and personal growth. My work is rooted in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can process their experiences and find pathways toward healing and resilience.