Therapists in Mississippi

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Therapist in Mississippi since 1999. I hold a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education and a PhD in Educational Leadership. My experience in the field of mental healthcare spans over 30 years. I was a school administrator for six years and a former law enforcement officer for 10 years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, couples, parenting problems, career challenges, PTSD and ADHD. I am a compassionate counselor, but I believe in individual accountability. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, solution-focused, reality, mindfulness, and interpersonal counseling. I believe that each individual has their own unique needs, and treatment plans are designed that way. It takes courage to seek help; I see it as a source of strength not weakness. As you take this journey, I am here to support and help you. I look forward to working with you!

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 Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the States of Louisiana and Mississippi. I specialize in providing therapy to those with chronic medical illnesses, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and those struggling with life transitions. I received my Bachelors in Psychology from Creighton University and my Masters of Social Work from Louisiana State University. Prior to entering private practice I have served as a clinical director for a behavioral health hospital, an addictions therapist, medical social worker, and a community mental health professional. Therapy is an opportunity for you to learn about yourself and to achieve personal growth. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, the treatment modalities I use are tailored to your individualized needs. I am here to help you work through your difficulties and to support you in achieving your personal goals. Everyone has a reason for seeking therapy, it could be to share your thoughts and feelings with a safe and non-judgmental person or to find solutions to the issues in your life.

I am licensed in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee with over 23 years of mental health work and over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, anger management, 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. 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 a licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma, and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & relationship issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with chemical and sex addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

Are you experiencing difficulties coping? Not sure where to begin? Arthur Ashe said it best, "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." I would like to help you through this journey. I utilize a conversational and relaxed style of therapy that can be used for all walks of life. I have 10 years of experience working with Adult and Geriatric populations, experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Alzheimer's and Dementia within the Long-Term Care and Outpatient communities. I like to assist clients reach their goals by utilizing the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Client Centered Therapy. My hope is to help reduce and resolve the feelings of uncertainty and affliction that keep you from moving forward in your life and confront your fears in a safe environment, while validating your current state of feeling through objectivity. Most importantly, I am here to listen.