James Pinkston, DSW, LCSW 

Doctor of Social Work and Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dr. Pinkston enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and couples. He has experience treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, OCD and related disorders, depression, ADHD, and relationship difficulties. He values creating a supportive and collaborative environment where patients feel understood, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.

  • Dr. Pinkston believes therapy begins by meeting patients where they are and building a strong collaborative relationship. His therapeutic style blends directness, warmth, and humor to help patients feel both comfortable and engaged in the process.

    He is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions through psychoeducation and helping patients better understand how therapy works. By removing some of the “mystery” often associated with psychotherapy, Dr. Pinkston aims to empower patients with practical tools, insight, and a clearer understanding of how meaningful change occurs through consistent effort and evidence-based treatment.

    Dr. Pinkston tailors therapy to the individual needs of each patient, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), mindfulness-based approaches, biofeedback and Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT).

  • Dr. Pinkston earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Mississippi and both his Master and Doctorate of Social Work degrees from Tulane University.

    He has worked in both community mental health and private practice settings, providing treatment to patients ranging from childhood through later adulthood. Dr. Pinkston has previously served as County Clinical Director for a community mental health center, where he supervised adult outpatient services, school-based services, outpatient children’s services, case management, intensive outpatient crisis services, and both adult and children’s day treatment programs.

    Dr. Pinkston has training in CBT, ERP, DBT, TF-CBT, CPT, mindfulness-based approaches, biofeedback, and IRT. In addition to individual therapy, he enjoys working with couples and helping partners improve communication, connection, and relational understanding.

  • Outside of clinical work, Dr. Pinkston enjoys watching SEC football and is a dedicated fan of Ole Miss football. Growing up in a family that owned a musical instrument store, he developed a lifelong appreciation for music and enjoys both playing instruments and attending live performances.

    He is also an avid collector of cacti and enjoys exploring national and state parks. During cooler seasons, he enjoys backpacking and camping, while warmer months are often spent car camping and practicing astrophotography. Dr. Pinkston and his 13-year-old cockapoo can occasionally be found sneaking away to Chick-fil-a for chicken nuggets together. 

  • Dr. Pinkston provides online video therapy sessions and sees clients at our Allandale office. For more information about Dr. Pinkston’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call 512-246-7225 or visit our client portal.