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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Keiana Jones

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: Ed. S ,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
21 years of experience

Greeting! My name is Keiana and I would love to provide counseling services to you ! I have a 21 plus year track record of providing counseling services. I have worked in hospital, clinic, schools, and prison setting. I enjoy working with all populations ( e.g., children, young adults; older adults; etc). I have experience in multiple areas- metal health issues( e.g., depression; anxiety; schizophrenia; bi- polar; etc) ; anger management; phase of life changes; relationship issues; trauma, substance abuse; dual diagnosis( e.g., mental illness and substance abuse); and a host other areas. My theory of choice is the Adlerian Theory. However, I function from an eclectic approach as I used various techniques/ theory to reach my clients ( e.g., client center; cognitive behavior; brief therapy model; evidence based; mindfulness; etc). I often use the first 10 - 15 minutes of the session to process what has happen in the client's life since our last contact. The reminder of the session is used to introduce the client to techniques/ interventions he or she could utilize to mange her /his symptoms, behaviors, or environmental stressors that maybe associated the identified area of need of environmental stressors that may have occurred between sessions. Homework assignments are implement and these assignments normally consist of the client implementing the techniques/ intervention. During the next session, the client will be encouraged to reflect on the effectiveness of this technique/ intervention. My most powerful techniques are empathy, active listener, and genuine personality.

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Denise Morgan

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of direct mental health therapy experience working with a range of populations and ages. I see clients with a variety of issues, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress, phobias, depression, low self-esteem, codependency, parenting problems, relationship challenges, work problems, and communication issues. I especially love working to resolve the effects of trauma on clients' lives. Traumatic memories can include big, life-threatening things like natural disasters and active shooters, but it can also be small things that stick in the memory banks, like the teacher who made an insensitive comment in front of the whole class. Those memories can get stuck and affect us later until they are fully processed and resolved. People's experiences are what make them who they are, and I love to hear about them. In the counseling setting, I work to get to know what makes each person unique. As clients identify their strengths, we work to build on those to help overcome mental health issues. It is exciting when clients experience moments of insight during or between sessions. I work to keep us focused on the goals that we agree on at the beginning of counseling. The methods I use include client-centered, EMDR, parts work, solution-focused, and somatic, with an ecological approach. My Christian faith is important to me and my outlook on life. If a client wants that perspective included in therapy, I will include it. If not, I keep it to myself. The therapy session is always about mutual respect flowing between therapist and client. If you are interested in beginning a fascinating journey of self discovery leading to better mental and emotional health, I would love to hear from you. I look forward to working with you!

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Sarai "Christi" Webb-Vanderpoorten

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: MS,LMFT,MAC
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
30 years of experience

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.

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Janet Hardy

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

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.

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Melissa Upton

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

Hello, I am Melissa Upton. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi. I am also a National Certified Counselor with NBCC. I received my Master's and Specialist's Degree from Mississippi State University in School Counseling. I have 14 years of experience in school counseling and 25 years of experience in the public school system in Mississippi. I have worked with adolescents for 25 years. I am looking to broaden my horizon and begin a new phase in my life with more one-on-one counseling. I have observed in the past 25 years, the need for counselors in everyone’s life. I have worked with students in anger management, depression, coping skills, anxiety, relationship issues and ADHD, as well as academic and career planning in the school setting. I am looking forward to working with different age groups to provide counseling services in these areas and possibly more. My therapy style is client-centered and cognitive behavioral. I use the RIASEC model, John Holland's career inventory model when providing academic/career counseling. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I believe counseling should provide a place to be yourself and work through conflicts that come with everyday life. We all need to practice “self-help” more than we do. Talking to a counselor is one approach towards helping yourself live a happy and balanced life. If you are ready to begin the “self-help” process and begin to have a more fulfilling and balanced life, I am here to support you and help to begin that journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Tomecia Payton

Offering therapy in Mississippi
License: LMFT,Psychometrician
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementADHD
28 years of experience

I am by no means a typical therapist. I'm what some clients have referred to as an in-your-face kind of therapist. It is my philosophy that if we are going to spend time working on improving upon yourself; then let's improve upon yourself! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Mississippi and Alabama for the last 25 years. I have worked for community mental health agencies, the Department of Corrections, The University of Michigan Research Department, the University of Alabama consultant in the area of psychometry, and the Department of Education for the State of Mississippi. I obtained a B. S. degree from William Carey University in 1996, I obtained a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Mississippi State University, and I also completed my ED. S, at Mississippi State University in the year 2000. Since then, I have obtained a certification as a certified psychometrist which allows me to do psychometrics with children. I am currently working to complete my Ph.D. at Mississippi State University. My focus has always been on the youth and the functioning of family development. I would say I specialize in any extreme, odd, or unusual behaviors in children. As a therapist, I believe our quality of life is directly related to the quality of our relationships and the ability to maintain relationships. The most important relationship that I like to focus on is the relationship with oneself. I am a Gestalt therapist by nature and believe that in a therapy session you must focus on the whole person. Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is centered on increasing a person's awareness, freedom, and self-direction. It's a form of therapy that focuses on the present moment rather than past experiences. Gestalt Therapy helps the client identify problematic pattern behavior in session, reflect on how their experiences thus far in life have shaped these patterns, and challenge clients to discuss possible solutions or ways to experience the problem in a new way. Through mindfulness practice, I help clients be more aware of their actions and the consequences that follow. Now let’s get to work!

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Stephanie Cooley

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed counselor with 19 years of professional work experience in the field of mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma issues, relationship issues, interpersonal conflict, & family conflicts. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as my approaches to counseling. I have worked with all age populations ranging from age 5 to 70 years old. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and your treatment 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I truly look forward to working with you.

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Christine Holden

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Mississippi with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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. 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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Erwin Gilliam

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Relationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
4 years of experience

Hi, I am Erwin Gilliam, a Mississippi licensed professional counselor with 3 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.

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Dr. April Mitchell

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Doctorate in Professional Counseling. I hold multiple professional certifications as a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Certified Mental Health Therapist (CMHT), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I am skilled in varying modalities; my theoretical approach is integrative with a primary focus in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I strive to deliver quality services to children, families, single adults, couples, elderly, and individuals with disabilities. I promote overall mental wellness with the use of evidenced based interventions to maximize positive outcomes. I have experience working with individuals in the areas of anger management, anxiety, behavior modification, coping skills, depression, divorce, familial and societal reintegration, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting, peer relationships, racial identity, intimate relationships, self-esteem, stress, teen violence, and trauma. I believe that taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Stephen Schottgen Jr

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama and Mississippi with many years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Kala Tamayo

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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.

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Natalie Turner

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 19 years of professional work experience and 8 within the counseling field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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.

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Lisa Moffett

Offering therapy in Mississippi
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Colorado, Nevada and Washington with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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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