Dr. Barbara Orticelli

Qualifications & Experience

I earned my Doctorate in education with an emphasis on Community Care and Counseling: Trauma from Liberty University. I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University and a Master of Arts in Community Care and Counseling: Christian Counseling from Liberty University. My Bachelor of Science degree is in Religion: Biblical and Theological Studies, and is also from Liberty University. In addition, I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

My Call to Christian Counseling

As a retired Army veteran, I struggled with mental wellness. When I decided to pursue my degree, I asked the Lord to help me use it for His glory. I want to give back to my veteran community and those who have been mistreated, misunderstood, or passed by without a second glance.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I love roller skating, music, and dancing. I am the author of several books and journals. I also love shopping for shoes, cooking, and beach life. My daughter is my heartbeat. She is currently in the Navy and stationed in Washington State. I love family time, taking care of my health, and sharing God’s goodness.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Coaching
• Counseling for Children
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Marriage Counseling
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Professional Development
• Psychiatric Care Services
• Relationship Issues
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Weight Loss
• Women’s Issues

Depression

The opposite of joy and peace is despair and depression. As a counselor, my role is to help you explore new healthy habits to alleviate your depression. We will do this by incorporating Scripture and person-centered techniques to help you see the bigger picture Christ has given to you. If He is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

Anxiety

Anxiety involves the fear of what is to come. As your counselor, my role is to help you see the good in your environment in order to lessen the fear and heighten your faith in yourself and, more importantly, in Christ. Anxiety can sneak up subtly, and we want to focus on any triggers that can create fear. With the help of the Holy Spirit and proven therapeutic tools, you can learn how to let faith become the catalyst for your mental well-being.

Spiritual Development and Empowerment

As a Christian counselor, I find great joy in empowering my brothers and sisters in Christ to see their strength in God to overcome obstacles. Strength is a gift we can focus on when we are challenged by worldly pressures that can cripple us. Staying encouraged and empowered comes from the Lord first and foremost, as He gives you the strength to be an overcomer.

Family Therapy

Families were created by God and for God. Marriages and families are instrumental to the Kingdom of God. I specialize in helping couples and families cope with various challenges and transitions, including learning to live as a blended family.

Counseling for Veterans

As a retired Army veteran, I strive to assist you in obtaining optimal mental wellness by providing hope and skills to help you manage depression, stress, anxiety, and many other mental health disorders. I hold a special place in my heart for veterans, military service members, and their families. I do not shy away from PTSD or other combat-related disorders. I welcome my brothers and sisters in arms and am grateful for your service!

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Richardson – Monday, Thursday and Friday
• Rockwall – Tuesday and Thursday
• Online Counseling – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals, Couples, and Groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.