Barksdale Missions is passionate about family well-being, normalizing and destigmatizing mental health, and supporting other helping professionals through difficult times.

Welcome to Barksdale Missions, LLC.

At Barksdale Missions, we are deeply committed to family well-being, destigmatizing mental health, and supporting other helping professionals during challenging times. These values are at the core of our mission, and we are proud to have you join our village in this important work.

With a person-centered and holistic approach, we offer therapeutic support and resources to address various challenges and mental health diagnoses affecting individuals and families, spanning from adolescents to middle-aged adults. Our services are offered in a safe, nurturing environment that encourages critical thinking and active learning while integrating faith and knowledge.

MISSION

Barksdale Missions is dedicated to empowering families through education and support during life’s most challenging times. Our mission is to affirm the value of life by fostering resilience, promoting healing, and strengthening the families of all those we serve. Through our efforts, we aim to contribute to family well-being while also working to normalize and destigmatize mental health.

VISION

The vision of Barksdale Missions is to bridge the gap from research to practice while normalizing and destigmatizing mental health for overall family well-being. This vision drives our daily efforts as we work tirelessly to positively impact the lives of those we encounter.

You do not have to walk this journey alone.

We would be honored to walk alongside you while offering grace as we work together to identify appropriate treatment modalities and resources to meet your needs.

---

Clinicians

Ashley Barksdale

My name is Ashley, and I am a Mental Health Therapist, an Adjunct Instructor of Psychology and Family Science, and a Support Coordinator for Postpartum Support International. I have a passion for supporting individuals and families experiencing life stressors and have proven to work effectively with people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations.

I desire to come alongside, challenge, and encourage others to find healing emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually while treating each person as unique and worthy of acceptance, regardless of their circumstances.

Therapeutic Philosophy

I believe that our childhood impacts our adulthood, and to achieve our desired goals, we must fully understand the family as a unit rather than each individual as a separate entity. This requires a look into the deeper emotions we often do not realize are there.

The more we know, the more we grow!

Educational Background

As a former Birth and Postpartum Doula, I am passionate about family well-being, perinatal mental health, and psychiatric care. I am a Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral candidate. I have a master’s degree from Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work with a clinical focus and a bachelor’s degree in Family Science with a minor in Psychology from Mississippi University for Women. Additionally, I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Perinatal Mental Health Provider.

My practice interests include academia and clinical social work, including ADHD, trauma, childhood adversity, and maternal mental health; hence, my diverse educational background and the formation of Barksdale Missions, LLC.

Foundation

Barksdale Missions was founded out of a deep-seated desire to help others. From my earlier years, the notion of “being the support I once needed” has been ingrained in me. Thus, in 2015, I embarked on a journey within the realm of childbirth, recognizing a need for broader assistance. This realization propelled me into the fields of psychology, family science, social work, and therapy as I sought to expand my capacity to help. Each opportunity presented itself serendipitously, affirming my chosen path.

Every day, I strive to embody my authentic self. My life has been marked by numerous trials, resulting in an ACE score of 10, including experiences such as teenage pregnancy, challenges within blended families, struggles with familial addiction, and enduring family trauma. A former colleague once described me as a “different kind of Christian,” a compliment that deeply resonated with me and reinforced my commitment to my actions.

Since 2015, I’ve been reminded of the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), which serves as the cornerstone of my beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of acceptance, irrespective of circumstances or differences. This belief is further strengthened by the conviction that those who have faced their own trials are best equipped to aid those suffering (Hebrews 2:18).

Ashley Barksdale, LCSW, LICSW, CFLE, CADC-II, PMH-C

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mississippi (LCSW, C10953)
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Alabama (LICSW, 5726C)
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider (PMH-C)
Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE, 1192025)
Certified Grief Professional (CGP, 551487)
Certified Trauma Professional (CCTP, 945448)
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor-II (CADC-II, AD23-052B)

---

Krystal Serpas

Therapeutic Philosophy

I focus on creating a safe and compassionate space where clients can explore their experiences and challenges without judgment. I employ a blend of therapeutic techniques tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs, aiming to empower you to understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in deeper, transformative ways.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health issues, my goal is to work collaboratively with you to develop strategies that foster healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life. I look forward to partnering with you on your path to recovery and self-discovery.

Krystal Serpas, LMSW, CCTP

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mississippi (LMSW, M10005)
Certified Trauma Professional (CCTP)

---

Administrative Support

Lisa Ballard
Social Media Manager