
Ashley Whitfield
Hello! I want to commend you for reaching out for support; you have taken a major step toward finding satisfaction in your life. My name is Ashley and I am pleased to join you on this journey of growth and wellness. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and Mississippi. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy services in many different settings including schools, clinics, and community agencies. I am a wife and mother of three awesome children. From personal experience, I understand how complex trauma and systemic disadvantage can affect families, generation after generation. I am happy to finally be in a position to help heal others and promote wellness in communities. I have dedicated my life to helping others overcome obstacles to find peace, joy, wellness, and fulfillment in life. My therapeutic approach is based in Adlerian/Individual Psychology, Behavioral Counseling, and Strategic Brief Counseling. What this means is that I will work with you to develop a healthy, holistic lifestyle by analyzing your current circumstances and developing more gratifying behavior patterns. I have worked with clients struggling through mood disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, attention deficit, and career/educational advancement. I would love the opportunity to assist with breaking down the barriers that are in your way!

Julie Bridges
Hello, my name is Julie Bridges, and I am a licensed counselor in the states of Mississippi and North Carolina. I decided to become a counselor after receiving therapy myself for anxiety and addiction issues. Therapy can make a huge difference in your life. I have several years of experience working with adults in an acute care psychiatric facility. I also have experience providing group support in a Christian faith-based recovery ministry. I work with adults with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and anger. My therapeutic approaches are mainly Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have additional training in EMDR and IFS work. I offer a supportive, listening ear for you while helping you to identify needed changes for a better life. Together, we can identify strengths and goals to begin the process of resolving life issues and building stronger mental health. Therapy works best when there is good rapport between counselor and counselee. I am interested in hearing what you have to say so that I can work with you to find solutions. I am glad you have reached out to Better Help and I look forward to working with you!

Dr. Ricardo Gillispie, PhD, LCSW
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

Jenelia Branson
Hi there! I am Jenelia Branson, a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified Counselor, and National Certified School Counselor. I have over 15 years of experience. I have a heart for marriages and youth; therefore, I am also an advocate for families as well! And if you are single (satisfied or still searching), I've got a heart for you, too! I genuinely have a sincere interest to see others succeed in life, especially in the area of mental health! I want to see/hear about you doing better and living your life wholeheartedly! Together, we will work to help you reclaim your independence on your journey towards health and healing. We will build a solid foundation of trust within our client-counselor relationship so you feel the freedom to release and not be judged. The end goal is to help guide you towards the strength and know-how to recognize, reduce, and/or relieve symptoms through therapeutic techniques and resources in order to reach wholeness, restore relationships, and acquire healthier ways of living. I am genuine and compassionate! I’ve been called a “people whisperer” which I find as an honor but mostly humbles me. I have heard a wide range of stories both interesting and what would seem far-fetched, so know that you can be comfortable sharing with me. I was born to do this…listen to and learn from others as they open their minds and hearts towards wholeness and better health. Oh yeah, and if we can have fun along the way, that too! I want you to ENJOY your life....whatever phase you're in! So what are you waiting for? Things CAN get better! So let’s get started today!

Paula Rainey
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.

Casey Nobile
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida with over three years of experience. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University, and have worked with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relational issues, career challenges, and coping with chronic medical conditions. I have spent a lot of time working with caregivers in relation to stress, caregiver burden, grief, and coping with relationship changes. My therapeutic style is warm, welcoming, and interactive. I believe in treating every person with respect, compassion, and sensitivity to their individual needs and preferences. Together we will identify the issues you would like to work on, explore your thoughts and feelings in the safe space we create, and find helpful solutions to get you where you'd like to be. I utilize various treatment modalities that are tailored to each client's individual needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered, and Strength-Based. Making the choice to seek therapy can be apprehensive, and also courageous. If you think we might be a good fit, please reach out to me. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and meet you where you are at to help you work through your concerns together. Thank you for taking the first step in being here. I look forward to working with you!

Marianne Shaffer
We all need compassionate connection to grow and heal, and that is especially important in therapy. I provide a connection that is warm, yet intellectual, making sure to challenge your mind and heart for growth, support, and ultimately deeper relationships. I am licensed in Mississippi with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 using a multi-theoretical approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. I specialize in seeing clients who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Tonya Jones
I am licensed in Mississippi with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, adoption, chronic illness, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 here for you when you are ready to get started!

Corvell Coburn
I am licensed in Mississippi with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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.

Jamesa Robinson
I am licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Mississippi
What types of therapists are available to clients in Macon?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Macon that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Macon available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Macon therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Macon therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Macon region and in the state of Mississippi.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Macon can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Macon may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Macon offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.