Fort Worth Team
Nikki
Owner & LCSW-S
Jennifer
LMSW
Mark
LMSW
Adam
LMSW
Our ATS Team!
Hattiesburg Team
Jesse
LCSW
Barbara
PLPC & LMFT-A
Shelby
LMSW
Mobile Team
Ashlee
LMSW
Christi
LMSW
Remote Team (Texas Only)
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Rhonda
LCSW
Saraphina
LMSW
Shayla
LMSW
Nikki Dear
Licensed Certified Social Worker
Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas
nikki@acceptedtherapy.com
817-380-8115
Nikki is not accepting new clients.
My name is Nikki Dear. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. I am the owner of Accepted Therapy Services. I currently live in Fort Worth, Texas where I manage the Fort Worth office of Accepted Therapy Services.
In 2013, I experienced a significant change and loss in my life. During this process, I found myself in a dark, hopeless place trying to find a way forward. It was in this that I found myself telling people I was “fine.” I realized that the world we live in tells us that we should always be "fine," even when nothing is remotely fine. There is a lot of pressure to be perfect and not let other people see us struggle.
According to Brené Brown, the definition of shame is to “do it all, do it perfectly, and don’t let them see you struggle.” So when we don’t allow ourselves to struggle out loud, we are severely impacted, as I learned the hard way.
My hope is to walk with you through any difficult time you may be experiencing so that you can give yourself permission to struggle out loud. This process will look differently for everyone as our issues are unique to our experiences. My specialties include trauma, shame, and grief as these are all areas that I have experienced and still, on occasion, battle.
I am a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist through the Grief Recovery Institute. If you would like more information on the Grief Recovery Method, check out Nikki's website.
Jennifer Pearson
Licensed Master Social Worker
Fort Worth, Texas
jennifer@acceptedtherapy.com
817-900-2251
Though we may know that healing is nonlinear, we often feel pressured to hide our messy reality beneath a socially acceptable mask. We may internalize the “should”s and “shouldn’t”s and find ourselves lost in a sea of well-intentioned platitudes, unsure how to navigate life’s twists and turns. My approach is to meet you where you are and walk with you on your journey so that you don’t have to do it alone. I believe that a compassionate, curious, and non-judgmental approach to the exploration of our inner worlds is crucial to our potential for growth and healing. By providing a safe and supportive space, I hope to empower you to explore and honor your authentic self, and to develop the skills and insights necessary to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and resilience. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, burnout, grief, or simply seeking greater self-awareness and personal growth, I would be honored to accompany you on your journey.
Core Beliefs as a Therapist:
1. Your feelings are valid.
2. You are the expert of your experience.
3. You deserve to feel heard.
4. Everyone is worthy of support at any time for any reason.
5. Reaching out for help takes strength and self-love.
Recommended Reading:
Women Without Kids by Ruby Warrington
Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price
"You Just Need to Lose Weight": and 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon
Mark Richardson
Licensed Master Social Worker
Fort Worth, Texas
mark@acceptedtherapy.com
281-870-2750
Hello! I'm Mark Richardson (He/They), a Licensed Master of Social Work based in Fort Worth, TX. Graduating from the University of Texas in Arlington in 2022 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, I've dedicated my career to working with acute populations since 2015. As a biracial, pansexual, genderqueer individual, I prioritize cultural competence, drawn from my own experiences of not always feeling seen and understood.
I'm proud to be part of the team at Accepted Therapy Services, where we approach life's big problems with kindness and gentleness. Before joining Accepted, I worked in an inpatient setting, primarily with adolescent clients with diagnoses of substance use disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. My specialties lie in LGBTQIA+ issues, substance use disorders, ADHD, autism, agoraphobia, homelessness, grief and anxiety.
People often describe me as exceedingly easy to talk to, passionate, and kindhearted. I firmly believe that establishing rapport is paramount in the therapeutic relationship. After all, how can you feel comfortable sharing traumatic events and deeper insecurities if you don't feel a connection? In our sessions, my goal is to ensure you feel heard, safe, and supported. Laughter can be a powerful tool in navigating life's absurdities, but rest assured, I also incorporate a range of evidence-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, narrative, and solution-focused approaches to tailor our sessions to your specific needs.
Drawing from my own experience with ADHD, I bring a wealth of knowledge in ADHD-related techniques to help you navigate life's challenges. Whether it's managing rejection sensitivity, overcoming executive dysfunction, or finding balance amidst controlled chaos, I'm here to support you.
I'm committed to learning, continuously seeking out newer techniques and better ways to support you. Your progress and well-being are my top priorities, and I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing and growth.
Adam Horvath
Licensed Master Social Worker
Fort Worth, Texas
adam@acceptedtherapy.com
682-200-9947
I have seen a lot of people who live their entire lives in emotional pain. This pain can lead to feelings of being trapped or stuck. I believe that we can find freedom from pain by embracing our imperfections. Sometimes, this looks like digging deep and seeing things as they really are, good or bad, and learning to accept the things about us that make us human. Other times, it can be recognizing what we can and cannot control.
Sometimes our emotional wounds threaten to take over everything. Sometimes we don’t even realize how heavy a load we are carrying until we begin to talk about it. I have learned that when we talk about our hurting, it can help us to understand our problems at even when we are at our darkest times. When our stories are heard without judgement, we are able move forward and not be defined by our emotional pain.
Working through the hard times together and learning how to manage them can feel very difficult, but it is always worth the effort. It can be helpful to take a strategic approach to finding positive solutions which is why I utilize multiple evidence-based approaches to fit the needs of my clients, with an emphasis on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Jesse Mitchell
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Mississippi
jesse@acceptedtherapy.com
662-304-9043
Hello! I’m Jesse Mitchell, a Licensed Master Social Worker in Hattiesburg, MS. I have 18 years of experience working with children and families in a multitude of settings. Prior to taking the leap into private practice, I worked for 8 years providing individual, family,and group counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health, residential, and intensive outpatient settings. I am a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Social Work (2004) and my master’s degree in Social Work (2015).
My therapeutic style is highly relational. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, caring, and non-judgmental space where my clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe that this environment encourages growth and healing, which, to me, is the purpose of the therapeutic process. I hope to be a calm and encouraging presence to my clients while listening to their highs and lows, helping them with identifying and practicing new coping skills, and assisting them with developing goals that meet their individual needs. I’m eclectic, drawing from numerous treatment modalities, my own clinical training, and my years of experience. I like to think of myself as a life-long learner. Because I value learning, I continue to research, attend training, and seek out resources to enhance my therapeutic skills.
I have a broad range of experience working with individuals and families dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, family dynamics, grief & loss and navigating life transitions.
Shelby Davis
Licensed Master Social Worker
Hattiesburg, MS
shelby@acceptedtherapy.com
601-909-4220
Sometimes all we need is a safe place to unpack what is on our heart and mind without judgment. I believe that life throws us loops and when we reach out for help, that shows how strong we truly are. I am here to hold space for you.
When processing things that make us uncomfortable it is my hope to create an atmosphere that evokes acceptance and understanding without feeling like a burden. It takes a lot of courage to get to the point, the one you are at right now, reading this profile. I admire your strength.
I have over six years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults providing mental health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I also have experience working through multiple modalities and strive to make therapy fun and interactive while still meeting your goals.
Hi, I’m Shelby Davis, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and I am honored that you have taken the time to see if I may be the right fit for you. While working, I received my masters in social work from The University Of Southern Mississippi where I gained valuable experience through practice in settings such as a Child Advocacy Center and Health Care Clinics providing individual and family therapy.
My door is open, come as you are to a space without judgment. Life is hard sometimes, we were not meant to do those things alone, I would be honored to walk through those experiences alongside you. Reach out to schedule a consultation or appointment. You are important and valued, I look forward to working with you!
Barbara Naylor
Provisionally-Licensed Professional Counselor / Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Hattiesburg, MS
barbara@acceptedtherapy.com
601-329-0753
Hi! I am one of the newest members of the Accepted Therapy team, provisionally licensed as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Mississippi. My experience has been with treating adolescents, college students, individuals, and couples with varying issues such as depression, anxiety, and family origin issues. We all have “our stuff”, but “our stuff” is a result of what goes on in our families, our jobs, and our relationships. I work with my clients to figure out how it all works together (or doesn’t) and how you, as a client, fit into that picture. Taking a look at the whole person, is where you’ll find me.
In my life, I have always been the one to do what was right and practical. This is what led me to a career in human resources and an MBA. But after some time and more life experience, I became more focused on what I was supposed to be doing and internal satisfaction. I have always been the one that people wanted to talk to about what was going in their lives. They wanted my input, and I enjoyed asking those questions that went beyond the surface level which landed me in the field of therapy and career change to therapist.
Ashlee Cote
Licensed Master Social Worker
Alabama & Mississippi
ashlee@acceptedtherapy.com
334-339-3124
One thing that we all have in common, is that our diverse life experiences make us who we are. As a result of those life experiences, we may struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. You may feel left with feelings of hopelessness and multiple uncomfortable feelings that need to be processed. You are not alone. Recognizing that you need help with this is the first step to healing and you are taking that step! My ultimate goal is to empower you as you move through your process and learn how to experience your emotions. I believe we are all experts in our lives, and that sometimes we need assistance overcoming these difficult experiences that life throws at us. By working together, I will walk with you so that you can make moves in a positive direction while having the support you are seeking.
My name is Ashlee Coté. I am a Licensed Social Worker and currently in the process of obtaining my Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW). As a veteran, I have a passion for working with other service members and their families, helping them to overcome the experiences that they have had and becoming the person that they want to be. I have experience working with individuals who struggle with difficulties that result from incarceration, homelessness, and individuals that have been hospitalized in an in-patient setting. I would love to walk with you through your journey as you process and heal from the experiences that you have been dealing with.
Christi Corfee
Licensed Master Social Worker
Alabama & Mississippi
christi@acceptedtherapy.com
251-308-4004
Hello, I am Christi Corfee, LMSW. After years of working in behavioral therapy, I discovered my passion for individualized interventions that meet people where they are. I truly believe that therapy should be a unique experience for each person. In your unique experience, it is my goal to create a space that fosters effective and lasting change that will provide tools that empower each individual to become the best version of themselves.
Play is our first language, so it is important to me to find fun and creative forms of expression in therapy. Come on in, get comfy, and let’s talk.
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Rhonda Evans
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Remote Only (Texas)
rhonda@acceptedtherapy.com
682-233-2317
I believe in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth. My goal is to accompany you on your journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery. I am dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.
I have 20 years of experience working as a counselor, school social worker, and crisis interventionist. I graduated from McKendree University with a Bachelors in Sociology and from Southern Illinois University with a Masters in Social Work. With a background working in education, I am passionate about supporting the family system. I have experience working with children, teens and adults.
I offer a variety of therapeutic modalities, including:
CBT
Mindfulness
Solution-focused
Trauma informed care
Grief recovery
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, I am here to help you find clarity, resilience, and hope. I believe in the synthesis of heart, soul, mind, and body.