Therapists serving clients in Thaxton, MS

My name is Pamela Luckett. I am glad that you have decided to reach out and utilize the services provided by BetterHelp. When you need some help to find your balance, this is a very good option. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi and have been involved in counseling for over 35 years. My areas of experience have been with an inpatient psychiatric facility, geriatric counseling, management of mental health facilities and am a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. My experience in tobacco cessation has opened doors for me to provide additional emotional, addiction and behavior change counseling. Life style changes are part of my area and I would describe my counseling style as a good listener and 'reflector' to help a client make their own decisions by obtaining a better perspective. Your interest in reaching out for help is what makes therapy work - you are the driver, I'm the guide! I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques as well as Motivational Interviewing systems. I have also used Cognitive Process Therapy. The clients I have worked with are mostly over 25 and many have multiple issues such as bipolar disorder, depression and personality disorders. I am honest with clients about what I hear and offer a chance to make changes that can help them find small successes and build from there. I would describe myself as being culturally sensitive and aware of issues that may relate. I look forward to contributing to your decision to find ways to make changes to help you find a more comfortable way to live your own life. I will respond within 24 hours during the week days and by Monday for messages on weekends.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Master Addiction Counselor, Mental health and integrative medical nutritionist, personal trainer and fitness instructor. I graduated from University of Southern Mississippi with my Bachelor and Masters degree. I believe in looking at a person from a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual perspective. I believe change is the key to solving problems and developing overall well being. I am very loving and understanding, but also very direct and honest. I believe a therapist is here to help a person that is struggling to identify what they need or want in life and explore ways to find that place. I feel finding a purpose for yourself will increase will and confidence. I believe you must take care of yourself physically in order to grow in other areas and must have a spiritual foundation in order to deal with past experiences and enjoy future ones. I have worked as a therapist since 1993, so 30 years of dealing with individuals and families that are struggling with depression, anxiety, past trauma, and addictions. I have worked in treatment centers and mental hospitals with inpatient and private practice for outpatient. I am licensed in Mississippi and Alabama. I am married with 5 children and believe that my own past experiences are a part of my training and ability to help others. Being a Christian, I feel God helps us through events and trials in our lives so that we can help others.

I’m Janet Hardy (she/her). I provide telemental health counseling, or “online counseling,” to adults with a broad spectrum of concerns, including parenting, relationships, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I work with young adults, parents, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Human beings are complex creatures. When problems occur, it is often a combination of many factors such as environment, learned behaviors, values, biology, society, development, chemistry, culture, systems, and personal narrative. Therefore, addressing these problems requires an integrated approach that accounts for these various factors. Therapy begins with developing a strong therapeutic relationship in which the client can feel safe to explore their emotions and vulnerabilities. To facilitate this therapeutic relationship, I use a person-centered approach that emphasizes empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard for each client I work with. Therapy is most successful when the therapist and the client work together to help the client reach their goals. I look forward to working with you. *Please note that proof of identity and emergency contact information will be required before services can begin.

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 , ACin 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. 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 counselor with 17 years of experience with the last 5 being a licensed therapist. I have worked with clients who seek individual, family, and couples counseling. I am an active listener and is always looking for the best tools, tips and strategies for improving client’s emotional mental health. If you are looking for quick fixes, I am not the best counselor to work with. I believe in taking time and working on wellness slowly, holistically, and consistently. Just as physical health takes time and consistency, so does mental health. Be prepared to enter a no judgement, free from criticism and safe place for your feelings and thoughts Every client has inner thoughts about how they would like their life to look. Through talk therapy clients are empowered to bring those inter thoughts into reality. I am like a treasure hunter seeking to find that hidden treasure. Together, we can jointly come up with goals and solutions that are going to work for you. Change starts with you. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you to be the best you. I look forward to working with you SPECIALTIES Depression Anxiety Self-esteem Anger Management Personal Growth Mood Disorders Parenting Issues Relationship Issues Substance Abuse TREATMENT APPROACHES Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strength Based Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy

I am licensed in Mississippi with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic philosophy is I strive to lead my clients towards ambitious outcomes, in order to see them maximize their potential and lead lives of opportunity and joy. I hold my clients with high expectations and push them when necessary to increase their growth mindset. I anticipate challenges, understand each individually, and see them beyond their issues/boundaries. As a counselor, it is imperative for me to motivate and encourage clients to be the best version of themselves.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida with over three years of experience. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University, and have worked with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relational issues, career challenges, and coping with chronic medical conditions. I have spent a lot of time working with caregivers in relation to stress, caregiver burden, grief, and coping with relationship changes. My therapeutic style is warm, welcoming, and interactive. I believe in treating every person with respect, compassion, and sensitivity to their individual needs and preferences. Together we will identify the issues you would like to work on, explore your thoughts and feelings in the safe space we create, and find helpful solutions to get you where you'd like to be. I utilize various treatment modalities that are tailored to each client's individual needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered, and Strength-Based. Making the choice to seek therapy can be apprehensive, and also courageous. If you think we might be a good fit, please reach out to me. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and meet you where you are at to help you work through your concerns together. Thank you for taking the first step in being here. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. 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 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and 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!

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.