Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Hattiesburg, MS

Hi! Im April Kitchens, LCSW. I am thrilled that we have crossed paths. If you are here, you have done half of the work! Im passionate about helping others manage OCD, anxiety backed disorders, depression and other stressors that life has handed to you. We all experience difficulties but when enough is enough we could use a helping hand. I am that hand.

With my education and experience; both personal and professionally, I am able to connect and provide care to a diverse group of people of all ages. I am a mother of four grown children and have ten grandchildren. I've experienced loss, hardship, as well as healing. I enjoy helping others reach their full potential and live his or her best life.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi with 11 years of experience supporting clients through a wide range of challenges, including stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and depression. I believe in treating every individual with respect, dignity, and compassion. My approach is client-centered, and I work collaboratively to tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to your unique needs. My goal is to support and empower you as you move forward on your healing journey.

What Clients Should Know About Me

I’m calm, direct, and genuinely human. I take my work seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously—and I don’t expect you to perform, impress, or hold it all together here.

I work best with people who are capable, thoughtful, and used to being the reliable one. If you’re efficient, responsible, and a little tired of being “the strong one,” you’re in the right place. I’ll meet you with steadiness, curiosity, and respect for your intelligence.

Sessions with me are structured not stiff, insightful without being overwhelming, and focused on helping you carry less alone and silent without losing what works. You can expect honesty, warmth, and the occasional gentle humor—because even high-functioning people deserve to breathe.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Mississippi and the state of Michigan.

I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy!) and my Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. Before moving to Jackson, Miss. for graduate school, I worked with Cru (a campus ministry) for three years on the Ole Miss campus.

While living in Oxford, I also worked as the Administrative Assistant at Grace Bible Church of Oxford for two years.

Through receiving counseling in my own life, my desire grew to sit with and serve those experiencing darkness, hardship, or hurt in their own life. I want to utilize my life experience and education to walk alongside my clients as they uncover and develop their own internal resources.

I am licensed with 20+ years. I have experience in helping clients with coping with a variety of issues. I am trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Accelerated Resolutions Therapy (ART), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), the Gottman Method, and Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I have certifications in the areas of addictions, autism spectrum disorder, and advocacy for people who are lgbt+.