Welcome! It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take those first steps towards change - I’m glad you are here. The courage you are now using to seek help can lead to great rewards and I would be honored to work with you. I’m a licensed therapist with 20 years of experience and have been providing services for Betterhelp for the past 5 years. Regardless of your situation, (whether you just feel stuck or are trying to manage some big challenges in your life) counseling can be helpful and rewarding. My approach combines principles of different therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy and humanistic counseling. In plain English, that means I believe you have the answers within you and we can work together to uncover them and to find solutions. I work with you to understand how your challenges developed, but I also help you learn new problem solving skills that you can apply to future challenges. We may look into the past sometimes in order to help you gain insight into your challenges and we will try on some new perspectives and new behaviors in an effort to bring about positive changes in your life. Together, we will determine the goals you want to achieve and from there we will collaborate on how to tackle each of them. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

My name is Anastasia Smith-McEwen. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC) in the state of Mississippi. I have been doing mental health counseling for 10 years in various settings in Mississippi. I have been a home based foster care counselor, crisis counselor at a local mental health center and therapist at an acute inpatient facility. In doing so, I have had the opportunity to work with children, adolescent & adults dealing with a variety of mental health disorders. I have experience in group counseling, individual counseling & family counseling. I utilize a variety of therapeutic methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy & Person-Centered Therapy. My passion for mental health therapy comes from an inner desire to assist individuals with acquiring the tools necessary to help them navigate through difficult times in their life.

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

As a mental health therapist, licensed in Arkansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia, with over 26 years experience, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, poor focus, self esteem, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career satisfaction. 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, and encouraged to grow. Everyone is taught they are valuable. I use multiple approaches to help my clients cope and overcome their difficulties. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches individuals how to manage intense emotions, cope more effectively with challenging situations, and improve relationships. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) helps a person identify negative thoughts, make positive changes, and improve mood, actions, and outcome. Person-Centered Therapy provides a caring, non-judgemental, and empathic setting, allowing clients to take more of a lead, as they discover their own solutions. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) prepares individuals to process and manage emotional distress, and other trauma related symptoms, resulting from traumatic experiences, and help improve relationships, occupational functioning, and interest in former activities.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Mississippi. I have over 15 years’ experience in social services settings/mental health as a bi-lingual (Spanish/English) therapist. I am passionate about helping teens, adults, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, grief & loss, perfectionism, relationship issues, and addiction recovery. I have a warm, enthusiastic, empathic, genuine, and loving approach to my work and collaborate with my clients to identify personalized and unique solutions to create lasting, meaningful change. I know it can sometimes be intimidating to reach out for help, and that all we want is to feel like ourselves again. Support is available and I want you to know that you are not alone and what can be gained from this process can be life-hanging. Feel free to send a message to set up an appointment today. Specialties • Depression • Self-esteem • Anxiety Types of Therapy • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) • Humanistic • Person-Centered • Motivational Interviewing • Positive Psychology • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) • Strength-Based Issues • Life Transitions • Peer Relationships • Stress • Women's Issues • Codependency • Coping Skills • Grief • Interpersonal • Multicultural Ethnic: Hispanic and Latino Age • Adults • Teen

I am a licensed professional counselor for the State of MS. I am passionate about working with teens, adults, and families that have a difficult time establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries, life transitions/ adjustments, and stress management. My first priority is focused on building a trusting and comfortable relationship that supports healing and connection. I believe in helping individuals to discover and explore their authentic selves no matter what that looks like. I believe each person has their own unique path when it comes to therapy and no specific blueprint for healing. Therefore, I am committed to guiding and providing each individual with skills and support along the way. I provide a holistic approach, treating the whole person and throughout the process helping individuals reestablish balance that creates and sustain wellness and vitality. My passion consists of discovering the beauty in all encounters. Within my practice, I provide a safe, affirming, non-judgmental space for healing and support. It takes courage to make changes that create a happier and healthier life. If you are ready to get encouraged and be empowered to make those changes I am to help with the transition. I look forward to hearing from you!!

I am licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and various groups to include active duty military and Veterans. Most of my career has been spent in mental health helping clients manage Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Addiction, and Post-traumatic stress disorder. I have helped clients address communication issues, interpersonal concerns, anger management, career challenges, infidelity, childhood traumas, and physical and emotional abuse. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. I am an interactive counselor. My goal is to get the best understanding of who you are and the challenges you are facing in order to best help you address and overcome those challenges. My therapy style combines cognitive-behavioral, prolonged exposure, psychodynamic, solution focused, and rational emotive therapy. Together, we will develop goals and a treatment plan tailored to your specific and unique needs. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help. I commend your strength. I am here to assist, support, and empower you. I am excited about the progress we will make and look forward to working with you.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I have been a mental health counselor since 1999. Since that time, the experience I have gained has helped to prepare me for work with individuals from multiple walks of life. I have learned to speak less and listen more intently. I would love to be of service to you and to jointly pursue your goals for change.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with personal issues, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem /body issues, grief, addictions & eating disorders. 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. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing or judgement labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution focused and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It's not easy putting yourself out there and being vulnerable enough to warrant change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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 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 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.

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 Mississippi with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & 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.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 15 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, & depression. 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 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.