Caring | Credentialed | Trained

All counselors and coaches have a master’s level degree within the scope of counseling. Please check counselor bios thoroughly for credentialling information.

Meet Our Counselors

Mary Helen Smith

My name is Mary Helen and I am the Owner of New Mercies. For the past eight years it has been my passion to provide Christ-centered care through a biblical worldview for those hurting and suffering. I believe true healing is because of the SAVING POWER of Jesus Christ and being able to freely discuss scripture and healthy faith practices is important to me. My experience is in education, non-profit work, ministry, and mental health counseling. While my scope of practice is very much pastoral in nature, I value integrated practices that leave room for trauma informed care, mindfulness techniques and other therapies like Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I love to serve women, couples, ministry leaders, foster/adoptive families, and athletes. Outside of my role as wife and mom, working with clients who are serious about their healing process is truly MY GREATEST JOY!

Credentials

  • B.A. Elementary Education

  • M.A. Human Services: Marriage & Family

  • State of FL Licensed Foster Parent

Certificates & Affiliation

  • ACBC- Level 2

  • CV Biblical Counseling Certificate

  • SYMBIS Facilitator

*Not an LPC and does not diagnose or give medical advice.

John-Michael Henson

We are thrilled to have John-Michael Henson on the New Mercies Team. He brings a wealth of experience and love for the Lord and his people. John-Michael completed his school, both undergrad and graduate level, through Liberty University. John-Michael served in church ministry from 2001-2024 before stepping into counseling full time. He is married and has three beautiful daughters.

Credentials

  • B.S. in Psychology: Christian Counseling

  • M.A. in Human Services Counseling

  • (anticipated 2024) M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Certifications & Affiliations

  • American Psychological Association

  • American Association of Christian Counselors

  • SYMBIS Facilitator

*Not an LPC and does not diagnose or give medical advice.

Rebekah Hancock

Your children and teens will be in excellent hands with Rebekah. With several years as a School Mental Health Counselor and working with the special needs population she has a tool kit full to offer families. Her calm and gentle spirit are a natural gift from the Lord and aids in helping the most vulnerable feel safe and at ease. Rebekah is passionate about helping adolescents know who they are in Christ and how that directly relates to their mental health needs.

Education/Certification: 

  • BS: Major in Psychology and Minor in Education through FSU (Panama City campus)

  • MA: School Counseling through Troy University (Dothan Campus)

  • FL Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Certifications & Affiliations

  • American Psychological Association

  • Training to be an Infant Mental Health Specialist and a Registered Play Therapist.

*Not an LPC and does not diagnose or give medical advice.