I have enjoyed working for various mental health agencies and have extensive experience in several areas of counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, in the states of Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Nevada. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have worked with children as young as 4 to adults up to age 101! I have assisted clients who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relational and self-esteem issues. I am a mother of seven, including a son on the autism spectrum. My counseling style is person-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect and unconditional positive regard. I will devise a plan of treatment created specifically for you. My personal life experiences, in addition to my education and work history, help me to empower individuals to overcome difficult emotional obstacles. I know that asking for help can be difficult. Congratulations on taking that first step. I am looking forward to hearing from you and guiding you through the therapeutic process.

Welcome! Are you ready to take the first step toward a more fulfilling, balanced, and empowered life? I’m JD, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 21 years of experience in helping individuals, families, and communities overcome mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. With a Master's in Guidance and Counseling and a Bachelor's in Educational Psychology from Alcorn State University, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for supporting those who seek personal growth and healing. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals facing a variety of struggles, from anxiety and depression to career discord, relationship challenges, and more. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and respect. I recognize that each person is unique, and I tailor my techniques to meet your individual needs—whether that’s through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or Client-Centered Therapy, among others. I believe in working alongside you as a partner in your journey to mental and emotional well-being. Whether we’re tackling personal challenges, family dynamics, or deeper issues, my goal is to help you reach your fullest potential. I strive to create a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where you can feel empowered to make meaningful changes. I’m genuinely excited about the possibility of working together and helping you move toward your goals with confidence and clarity. Let’s begin this transformative journey together. I look forward to being here for you every step of the way. Warmly, JD

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 .

Hi my name is Debbie and thank you for looking at my profile. I am a warm and supportive therapist. I believe that therapy helps people find their "true" self - the person they really are and were before negative things made them think they were something else. I work together with clients to make goals for therapy and believe that the client is the expert on themselves and that is why they need to be listened to. It is an honor and privilege for a client to trust me . I am good listener and might even throw in some humor, as appropriate. I believe that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect and the relationship the client and therapist have is of utmost importance. I hold a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas and in Mississippi. I have experience with anxiety, depression, abuse, neglect, trauma, as well as adoption, foster care, parenting, and blended families.

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.

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 Certified Social Worker (LCSW) In Mississippi with more than 10 years experience in private practice, working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I have worked with clients dealing with a wide range of issues and challenges including, ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and other concerns. I am an ADHD - Certified Clinical Service Provider (ADHD-CCSP), a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP), and a neurodiversity specialist. My approach is warm and non-judgmental and based on the belief that a trusting relationship between client and therapist is critical. The treatment methods I utilize are dictated by the individual needs of the client, and combine practices and techniques from several treatment modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy and others. The therapeutic process is a joint effort between client and therapist. I pledge to bring the best I have to offer to that process as we work to help you feel better and improve your quality of life.

Sabrina Vance, LCSW I always say that we all have had to deal with a mental health difficulty at one time or another, especially since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of us need a little more help than others and I am a provider that can assist you in being the "best you that you want to be". I believe in-person-centered practices. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work Degree from Jackson State University. I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and their families.

As a licensed therapist serving Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through transformative healing, with a deep commitment to addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My approach honors each person's unique journey, particularly focusing on young adults, women's experiences, and individuals working through family conflicts, social anxiety, and life transitions. I bring culturally responsive care that centers on self-love, communication, and personal empowerment. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I create a compassionate, affirming therapeutic space where clients can explore their deepest challenges. Whether you're confronting isolation, seeking purpose, or healing from difficult experiences, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with understanding and professional guidance. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices that respect your individual strengths and lived experiences. Together, we'll develop meaningful strategies to support your emotional wellness and personal transformation.

Perhaps the reason you are reading this right now is because you feel like your life is out of control, unmanageable, or just plain "stuck?" Maybe you feel like you are in a nightmare every day and you just cannot seem to wake up? Your marriage, your relationships, your work, your finances, your home, your children, your everything feels like it is all crumbling to pieces and possibly you are even losing yourself in the process! No matter how hard you try, you feel hopeless and helpless, and like you cannot get a grip on it all. Please know that you are not alone in this struggle. A crisis is anything that comes up in your life that you do not have a support network great enough to overcome. Seeking help outside of yourself is the first step toward gaining a different perspective that will give you what you need to regain your footing and get your life back on the right path. This path of "bold, relentless, love" is a journey of discerning and discovering what is best for both you and others and then doing that thing with ZERO expectations. I would be honored if you would choose me to be a part of your support network to overcome your crisis through learning how to love both you and others well. I am licensed in Alabama and Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have empowering, evidence-based principles that I have used for years to help clients with stress and anxiety, marital problems, addictions, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to love yourself and others boldly and to take the first steps towards discovering what it means to go "all-in" on life. Please reach out asap so that I can support & empower you in that journey so that your crises will fade away as you learn to navigate the river of life.

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’m licensed in Mississippi, Nevada, and Iowa with over 11 years of professional experience in the mental health field. I’ve had the privilege of helping clients work through stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, motivation, confidence, life changes, and LGBTQ+–related concerns. My journey as a therapist began through my work with young adults in clinics, universities, and correctional settings, where I discovered my true passion for supporting others through life’s challenges. These experiences have strengthened my belief that healing starts with empathy, understanding, and the courage to take the first step. I take a person-centered approach, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with creative and practical techniques to meet each client where they are. I strive to create a safe and judgment-free space where you can process your story, explore your strengths, and find new ways to cope and grow. The trust clients place in me to walk alongside them during their most vulnerable moments is something I value deeply. Together, we can work toward healing, resilience, and lasting change.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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.