Therapists in Flora, MS

I received my Bachelor's & Master's degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2004 I completed my Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and obtained my Mississippi Counseling License in 2006. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. Since graduating college I have worked in a variety of settings including a community mental health center, intensive outpatient programs, a military training facility, and a college counseling center. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, relationship difficulties, psychological trauma, bereavement, personality disorders and addictive behaviors. Some of my personal interests include hiking, reading, spending time with my family and friends, and listening to music. I really look forward to working with you to help you meet your life goals, while supporting you in becoming the best version of YOU!

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

“Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul.”― C.G. Jung Hello, my name is Kenyatta Dent and I am a Licensed Professional Counseling in Mississippi. I love helping others overcome obstacles through goal setting and finding potential solutions to problems that are causing emotional turmoil in their lives. Like Carl Rogers, I believe a clinician should be empathetic, congruent, and have unconditional positive regard. When working with my clients, it is my job to provide an atmoshphere that is conducive to change. I have over 10 years experience working in the mental health field. I've served as a school based therapist providing services to children with behavior problems. Most of the children I have worked with were diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant, and some trauma. I currently provide individual and group counseling services to male inmates who have been diagnosed with substance abuse disorders in a correctional facility . I also facilitate groups on Anger Management and Basic Cognitive Skills. My counseling approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, and Motivational Interviewing. I currently hold a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling and Master's in Counseling/Psychology. I look forward to working with you!

Hi, my name is Robbie Brawner Ouzts, MEd, NCC, LPC, CCC, BCC. I look forward to working with you. While I am a counselor and coach, I have been on both sides of the table! No one ever reached their goals and solved all problems alone, and we all need help from time to time. The most successful executives, athletes, students, and happiest people have mentors, coaches, counselors, and board of directors; however, you choose to label; someone who has their best interest in mind, confide, and trust. It can be somewhat intimidating, but I invite you to meet with me. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia and Mississippi. I am board certified by The National Board for Certified Counselors (NCC). National Career Development Certified Career Counselor (CCC) focuses on essential factors in training and experience, including counseling and specialization in career development, theory, and practice. Board Certified Coach (BCC) who has met educational and training requirements, passed psychometrically coaching exam, coaching experience, professional peer references, committed to continuing education. Additionally, I am a Gallup Strength Coach. I have over 25 years of experience working with college students (BS/MS/Ph.D.), adults in transition, recruiting, leadership, health, and fitness coaching. I have worked in CA, GA, and MS. My scope of practice has included ages, from middle school to retirees. I work with many populations, ages, domestic/ international students, and mid-career changers. I also have experience outside the educational counselor realm as a recruiter and consultant. I have worked with clients with many issues, including depression, lack of focus, anxiety, low self-esteem, career development challenges. My counseling style is interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I meet you where you are and never make assumptions. It takes courage to seek assistance and take steps toward making a change. If you are ready to take that step, I will support you through this journey. I look forward to working with you!

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.

I am licensed Clinical Therapist in Mississippi with 12 years of professional work experience. My experience includes helping clients cope with addictions, relationship issues, grief and loss, law enforcement related issues, depression, and psychological issues relating to a debilitating medical conditions. I work with you to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step is the hard, but it can lead to a more fulfilling and happier life . I have to admit taking the first step takes courage, and I am here to support you as you go through the process.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 and have over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!