Hello! My name is Dr. Lashanda Baylor and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Mississippi. I am also a Doctor of Professional Counseling.I have been providing Behavioral Therapy for a wide array of issues and populations for 20 years. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

My formal education has prepared me to counsel individual adults, adolescents, and children; groups; couples; parents; and families. I have completed specific course work in working with at-risk youth, LGBTQ population, individual with gender related issues, chemically dependent individuals, individuals/group in crisis situations, and clients with personality disorders. Currently, I hold a doctorate in professional counseling and a license of professional counseling. I currently work as a director of therapeutic service and student support service for a achievement school district in the Delta of Mississippi. Counseling Background I have worked with the following populations: Elderly (Caring Days, Community Counseling Services), Intellectually Disable (Community Counseling Services), At-risk youth children/adolescents with behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric issues (Diamond Grove Center), addicts, and college population. As previously stated, I offer individual, group, and family services to individual with personal, behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric issues. My theoretical orientation is Reality Therapy, which is cognitive based in its approach, due to my alignment with William Glasser perspective on human nature and behavior. His beliefs align with not helping people find defenses for their negative or inappropriate behaviors, but helping them acknowledge their behavior as being inappropriate or negative and then to learn how to act in a more logical and productive manner.

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

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!

I am a licensed certified social worker in Mississippi with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & 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. My therapeutic approach is competent, caring and nonjudgmental. 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 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

I am a mental health counselor licensed in Louisiana with over 5 years of experience working as a LPC. I worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, behavior issues and ADHD. I would have to describe my counseling style as being warm and passionate. I love to provide great counseling skills which includes being patience, a good listener, being knowledgeable, and having/showing empathy . I believe in treating anyone with respect, providing unconditional positive regards and demonstrating high fidelity services. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, interpersonal, group and cognitive therapy, I feel as a counselor my duty is to ensure and use counseling methods to help people manage and overcome mental and emotional issues.

I entered Social Work to advocate for those who are oppressed and ignored in our society. I am a believer of God and I play guitar and lead worship. I love to design, decorate, and innovate. I love to read and write (poetry, music, spoken word, stories, and prose). I believe the cure of the world’s greatest social problems is connection! And our humanity connects us so effortlessly if we can see past the social constructs that divide us (race, class, gender, political affiliation, etc,.). I also believe the more we see our Creator in ourselves and one another the easier it is to bypass man made social constructs that cause division. I moved to Mississippi in 2015 and began practicing full time social work in 2017. I have worked in child welfare, public schools, church ministry, Apple Retail, and community mental health. And all those experiences have led to the modes and philosophies of therapy I have. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 therapist in Mississippi with over 25 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients that are experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, low self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues and career counseling. I provide caring non judgmental therapy with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My goal is always to work with clients to help them be the best version of themselves and to assist them lead a more fulfilling and happier life and create a New Vision for life. I am here to listen, support and empower the client in their journey.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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 23 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 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is dedicated and compassionate about fostering positive change in individuals and communities. With 10+ years of experience in behavioral health, anxiety, depression, death and dying, juvenile justice, and child welfare. Experienced in psychosocial and mental health assessment, individual, family and group therapy, suicide and risk assessments. Utilizing techniques such as Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focus Therapy. My goal is always to assist with navigation to better mental health and wellbeing.

I am licensed in Alabama and Mississippi with 20 years of working in mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will provide uniqueness to your 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!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi with National Certification (NCC). I have 43 years of experience working with young children, adolescents and adults with who are experiencing anxiety, divorce, depression, grief, school related problems, parenting concerns and trauma. Through caring compassion, encouragement, and honest, non-judgmental feedback, you will gain strength to overcome life’s challenges and move towards living a peaceful, meaningful, and purpose-filled life. Counseling from a truth-filled Christian perspective is available upon request. I enjoy helping clients achieve success and work through difficult situations in life. It is my ministry and my life's calling. It would be my pleasure to work with any adolescent, individual, or couple to restore healthy emotional health and well-being. I am licensed in Mississippi with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.