Whether you need help managing the symptoms of a mental illness or are questioning your personal beliefs during challenging times, working with a therapist can make a real difference in your life. If you’re looking for mental health care in Mississippi, consider online treatment. Barriers to care, like a lack of available providers or transportation issues, can make finding an in-person provider in your area challenging. A therapy platform like BetterHelp can make treatment more flexible and convenient.

With BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed mental health counselor, social worker, psychologist, or licensed marriage and family therapist from the comfort of your home at a time that fits your schedule. Every provider on the platform has either a master of science or art degree and meets the qualifications for state licensure.

If you’re looking for an online therapist, MS has many options. The licensed professional counselors on the list below each have at least a master's degree and are licensed to provide therapy statewide. Contact one of the therapists below to begin your journey toward better mental health.

 

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Shawna Pankonin

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

Hello, and thank you for taking your time to learn more about me! My name is Shawna, I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Mississippi. I have over 12 years’ experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including: in homes, providing residential level of care therapy services, schools, youth court systems throughout the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, outpatient services, as well as a Child Advocacy Center. Although that seems like a mouthful, it simply means that I have had experience working in a several different settings, with a broad range of clinical issues. I believe the best way to truly understand what someone is going through is to understand where they come from, let them be the expert on themselves and provide the services they need to help them succeed. I have the most experience working with stress reduction, anxiety, depression, anger management, family conflict, parenting skills, relationship conflict, and complex trauma/abuse. I also have experience with a wide variety of mental health disorders. My dedication to the field of mental health stems from years of working with children, adolescents and their families, in state custody; along with watching friends and family members struggle with mental illness. I have seen firsthand that having mental health concerns can be difficult and cause feelings of despair and isolation; not to mention the process for getting help can be overwhelming. However, I also know from experience how much life can change for the better when you find the right support and take steps towards taking care of yourself! I use a person-centered, holistic, and eclectic approach in treatment, meaning I begin where you are and tailor my treatment approach to your needs while being sensitive to how your personal thoughts, beliefs and lifestyle choices impact your experience. I primarily use evidence based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. However, I do incorporate more "classical" approaches to counseling as well. I would describe my style as warm and supportive, but I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on. I am very creative and do not like to conform our sessions into something that will place a box around it. I want it to go where it needs to go for you to get what you need to feel empowered and in control. Remember, no one is a magician. No one can "fix" your situation. It will take time and hard work on your part to make the changes you want. If you're willing to put in the work, I'm willing to walk alongside you and work as well! Together we can work on establishing goals and steps for you to understand the problem and gain the confidence to move forward and feel more in control of your life. Throughout my years of practice I’ve found a recurrent theme: the need to be heard, to be validated, and to know you are not alone!

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Alayna Bryant

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: MA, ,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC-S) with 10 years of counseling and training experience, licensed in Mississippi. I have experience helping adults, couples, and families, from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of problems. However, the focus of my work is behavioral health and co-occurring mental health concerns and substance use problems. I am trained in a myriad of evidenced based techniques and adapt my approach to fit the needs of the individual with whom I am working. My passion is helping a person attain their personal goals and improve their quality of life. I tend to integrate person centered approaches, motivational enhancement, cognitive behavioral treatment, acceptance and commitment treatment, mindfulness practices, and meditation to achieve a tailored set of interventions for achieving significant and sustainable change. I am skilled in helping with mood problems, anxiety , relationship concerns, addictions, trauma and abuse, phase of life problems, vocational concerns, identity issues, and personality disorders. Together we may: 1) identify and challenge negative patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving; 2) learn to let go of shame, guilt, & anger associated with trauma or complicated grief; 3) replace old patterns with new patterns through developing healthy self-care practices; 4) cultivate a personal sense of purpose and connection to self and others. I strive to provide a safe and affirming environment for a person to explore and process their concerns.

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Emily Jackson

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

Hi, I'm glad you're here! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi with 6.5 years of experience providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling. I have worked with individuals ages six through adult with a variety of behavioral/mental health presenting issues such as: anxiety, depression, concentration/ADHD, anger, phase-of-life problems, relationship and family issues, sexuality concerns, and many more. My goal is to always provide a safe, respect-filled environment to build therapeutic relationships. My experience is varied, as I have provided individual, group and family therapy throughout my career as a therapist. I feel strongly that our belief systems impact how a person thinks about, experiences, and reacts to activating events within their life. In turn, how those activating events were experienced impacts the individual's responses to their world moving forward. I believe that all individuals are heavily influenced by our closest relationships, communities, environment, systems (family, work, school, church, etc) and personal experiences. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship, and you, with compassion, respect, and warmth. My therapy style and approach is influenced by Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy primarily as well as Person-Centered Therapy. It is extremely important to me to be able to collaborate with you to tailor my treatment and approach to what works best for you. No one knows you better than you do, so setting and realizing your goals is a team-effort. Making the step to begin therapy can cause a jumble of emotions that may range from fear and anxiety to excitement and hopefulness. Whatever feelings you may be experiencing, please know that they are normal. I know taking this step takes courage, and I am here to empower and support you on your journey.

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Ayla Ruffin

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LPC,NBCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience working in mental health. I also have over 7 years experience in acute psychiatric care. I work with adults, children, adolescents and families to help them find wholeness for themselves and in relationships. I have worked with clients with a variety of diagnosis including depression, ADHD, OCD, oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorder, anxiety, personality disorder, psychosis, disruptive behavior disorder, bipolar, schizophrenia and substance abuse. I have received specialized training in mindfulness and trauma focused therapy. I was drawn to the helping profession through my love for relationships and helping others. I have a passion for helping others to improve the overall quality of their life. I am honored to work with families and individuals who have a desire or need for change. Helping others is a privilege and honor. My goals is to serve others and help them through life's challenges. Now, that you have made the first step. I am ready to begin this life changing experience with you. I look forward to working with you to accomplish your goals.

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kariean Smith

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LPC-S,NCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I have 15 years of counseling work experience with populations ranging from ages 13-89, where I provided individual counseling, crisis counseling while on-call, family counseling, and group therapy while using an eclectic approach to treatment as well as Evidence Based Psychotherapies. I have experience delivering therapy for chemical abuse and dependence, depression, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, mood disturbance, grief, mania, adjustment, poor impulse control, and anger management. I believe the dynamics between the counselor and client are critical to the process of growth and recovery. I am intentional, proactive, and flexible. Active involvement as well as efforts to improve yourself are vital to the process . I will create an environment that promotes a joint effort in the process of counseling. I seek to provide a place of growth while reflecting on inner self, strengths, and abilities. My interventions are tailored to the client’s developmental, cognitive, and conceptual levels. I will be here to provide support and challenge you to reach new heights. If you are looking for someone to support you, be honest with you, and open, I welcome the opportunity to talk with you!

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Demetrius Clay

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LPC,EdS,MS
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementBipolar disorderADHD
10 years of experience

My name is Demetrius Clay. I am currently 33 years old of age, and I am an African American male. I currently live in Mississippi and recently received my LPC in September 2021. I received my Masters in Psychology & Counseling in 2016 and my Educational Specialist degree in Clinical Counseling in 2019. My background is clinical mental health. I been working around clinical mental health since 2014 after receiving my Bachelors degree in Psychology. I currently work as behavioral counselor at a public middle school that serves grades 6th - 8th. I worked mostly in inpatient facilities. I worked 11 months for an outpatient facility working with children & youth & adolescents. I have worked with young adults that have depression and anxiety. I also worked with young adults that had substance usage issues. From working in the inpatient facilities, I worked with schizophrenia and bipolar clients, depressed clients, substance abuse clients, and other clients with mental disorders. My focus area is currently substances addiction, parenting issues, depression and anxiety, and LGBTQ issues. My style of therapy is warm and opening. I am non-judgmental and honesty. My first step is to build a positive therapeutic relationship with each client. I am a calm and relaxed therapist. My goal is to touch each client and to help each client solve his or her own issue and return back to normal functioning. From working at different inpatient facilities, I was able to gain experience from working with different populations and different clients with different diagnoses. I created treatment plans for each client and completed initial intake on each client. I also have group experience with group therapy. For parent that are having issues with their children, I do have experience in parenting issues by working with parents at this particular outpatient facility and through the school district. I am willing to meet clients halfway when it comes to receiving therapy. My schedule is flexible, and I will be flexible in order to meet others' schedule. We can have counseling sessions through "zoom" or video call, by phone, or through messaging. I am open to all communications.

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Glenna Rodgers

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LPC,CRC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
26 years of experience

As a mental health therapist, licensed in Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Jersey, with over 26 years experience, I enjoy working with clients, with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, emotional and physical abuse, trauma, OCD, and ADHD. My therapy style is caring and encouraging. I provide support, as you gain insight into the challenges that can keep you or your family caught in the cycle of dissension, and help you develop healthier coping skills. In our therapy sessions, you are accepted where you are, while encouraged to grow. Everyone is taught that they are valuable. I use multiple approaches to help my clients cope and overcome their challenges. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) gives healthy coping skills a name and practical life application. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) involves thinking through and processing concerns and solutions, while Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) teaches effective coping skills and prepares individuals to be able to talk about upsetting and confusing events. My Christian holistic approach provides additional effective and calming skills, especially in relation to anxiety. These techniques are utilized in the therapeutic setting, among others. Treatment is individualized, and success is personalized. I look forward to working with you!

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Janna Means

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Grief
22 years of experience

I have been licensed as a Professional Counselor in Mississippi for ten years. Overall I have 32 years of professional work experience in mental health. I am a Board Certified-Telemental Health Provider. With professional certifications in Complicated Grief: Treating Life Trauma Issues & Death as well as Grief Counseling: Assessments and Interventions to Support Healthy Grieving and Adaptation to Death and Loss. I believe that through processing my own story of loss and transformation, and being in touch with my own losses, I am better able to be an agent of change for my clients. I take the approach that a client needs to commit to their own transformation, to take responsibility for their own well-being and take one step at a time. If you are searching for help, it means you have not lost all hope and you want to feel better. And let's not forget our beloved pets. I am certified as a Pet Loss Grief Counseling Trained Professional. 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.

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Sarah Johnson

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in working with diverse clients to help them manage stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where their thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapy approach is laid back and welcoming. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. My utilize an eclectic approach that pulls from different modalities such as: Psychotherapy, Client Centered Approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem-Solving, and Strength Based Approach. I will tailor our sessions 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.

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Hunter Burns

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
4 years of experience

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!

How can therapists in Mississippi support you?

Therapists in Mississippi can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 1,523,527 people live in Mississippi, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Mississippi may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of Mississippi working with a licensed counselor?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county in Mississippi, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in Mississippi support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or depressive conditions
  • Adjustment issues
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma
  • Relationship conflicts and concerns

Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some commonly asked questions can be found below.

How much does a therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions in Mississippi can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Is online therapy safe?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

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