Dr. Ashley Barksdale
EdD, LCSW-S, PMH-C, CADC-II, CFLE
Founder • Clinical Director • Therapist
Areas of Focus
Perinatal Mental Health, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Parenting, Couples & Family Relationships, Women’s Mental Health, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Helping Professionals, Life Transitions, Faith Integration, and Integrated Behavioral Health.
Who I Work With
Adolescents (16+), College Students, Adults, Couples, Families, Expecting & Postpartum Parents, and Helping Professionals.
Outside the Office
When she’s not in the office, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, six children, and two grandchildren, teaching at Mississippi University for Women, traveling, and continually learning through research, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
Meet Ashley
Dr. Ashley Barksdale is a clinician, educator, researcher, and advocate dedicated to strengthening individuals, couples, and families through evidence-based, relationship-centered care. As the founder and Clinical Director of The Well: Family Support, she provides therapy, clinical supervision, education, and consultation while leading a team committed to helping families thrive.
Ashley earned a Doctor of Education in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University, a Master of Social Work from Baylor University, and a bachelor’s degree in Family Science from Mississippi University for Women. Her clinical work focuses on perinatal mental health, trauma, grief, addiction, parenting, family relationships, and supporting helping professionals.
In addition to her clinical work, Ashley serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Psychology and Family Science at Mississippi University for Women and provides supervision for emerging social workers, counselors, and addiction professionals. She is actively involved in state and national professional organizations, contributes to workforce development through training and consultation, and is passionate about equipping individuals, families, and professionals with the tools they need to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and promote lifelong well-being.
Professional Leadership & Credentials
Ashley is committed to advancing the mental health profession through leadership, education, research, and clinical excellence. In addition to providing therapy, she actively contributes to professional organizations, higher education, and workforce development at the local, state, and national levels.
Doctor of Education (EdD), Marriage & Family Therapy – Liberty University
Master of Social Work (MSW) – Baylor University
Bachelor of Science, Family Science (Minor in Psychology) – Mississippi University for Women
Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Supervisor (LCSW-S)
Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C)
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor II (CADC-II)
Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)
Adjunct Instructor of Psychology & Family Science and Student Support, Mississippi University for Women
Clinical supervisor for social work, counseling, and addiction professionals
Professional trainer and presenter on perinatal mental health, trauma, grief, ethics, addiction, family systems, and clinical practice
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Mississippi Chapter – Board Member
National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) – Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) Advisory Board Member
National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) – CFLE Examination Committee Member
Ashley’s doctoral research focused on healthcare providers’ understanding of perinatal mental health and the factors influencing identification and support of parents experiencing mental health concerns during pregnancy and postpartum. Her ongoing interests include perinatal mental health, trauma-informed care, addiction, family systems, grief, integrated behavioral healthcare, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce through education and mentorship.
