Hello, I am Dr. Donald P. Orso
I’m a licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in a wide variety of mental health issues. If you searched “therapy near me” I hope you are encouraged by what you find here. I know life events often feel overwhelming, but there is no need to face them alone.
Through counseling, I help clients navigate life’s challenges toward a more positive and less stressful lifestyle. As a licensed therapist, my goal is twofold: resolving personal conflicts and empowering you to become independent by “firing me” as soon as possible.
I specialize in offering highly professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapy that addresses a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, and conflict resolution.
“My practice provides a safe, confidential setting for both in-person therapy or virtual counseling sessions.”
— Dr. Donald P. Orso
What to Expect
During counseling, I become actively involved in your healing process by offering feedback, suggestions, and sometimes assignments between sessions - such as journaling or recommended readings - to help you explore issues more deeply and enhance the overall therapy process.
Why Choose Dr. Orso
With over 35 years of experience as a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a proud history of serving as a United States Naval Officer, I’m committed to providing quality mental health care for individuals and couples.
No matter why you are seeking therapy, I’m here to support you.
Review My Resume
Donald P. Orso, Ph.D., P.A.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. 1979 American University: Counseling (summa cum laude)
M.Ed. 1973 University of Virginia: Counseling (summa cum laude)
B.A. 1968 Susquehanna University: Psychology and Mathematics
LICENSURE
2016-present: Psychologist, South Carolina, License #1426
1981-2012: Psychologist, Maryland, License #1462
EMPLOYMENT - PROFESSIONAL
2016-Present: Private practice and consulting
1979-2012: Director, Donald P. Orso & Associates. A mental health practice providing individual and couples psychotherapy. Severna Park, Maryland
1990-1998: Co-director, Heart Health Associates. A behavioral health group treating heart patients and their families. Annapolis, Maryland
1973-1978: Counseling Psychologist: Counseling Center, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, Maryland
EMPLOYMENT - ACADEMIC
1978-2020: Psychology Professor, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, Maryland. Taught wide variety of psychology courses and co-authored online Introduction and Abnormal Psychology. Initiated transition to Open Educational Resource (OER) textbooks. Extensive research and presentations on “Outstanding Online Instruction”.
1999-2010: Chair, Psychology Department, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, Maryland. Supervised 12 full-time and 30 adjunct faculty teaching 6,500 students annually. Responsible for development of ten courses ranging from American Sign Language (ASL), Psychology of Women/Men, and Sports Psychology.
EMPLOYMENT - MILITARY
1975-1978: Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor: United States Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, Maryland. Summer duty as Naval Reserve Officer. Authored initial drug/alcohol treatment protocol for USNA.
1968-1972: Officer, United States Navy active duty. Honorably discharged.
PUBLICATIONS
Welch, A., Orso, D., & Doolittle, J. (2015). Matching Student Expectations with Teacher Dispositions: Insight into Online Student Success. Journal of Effective Teaching, 5–19.
Orso, D., Doolittle, J., & Morgan, M. (2014). Outstanding Online Instruction: Students’ Perceptions. Instructional Technology Council (ITC) Spring Newsletter. http://itcnetwork.org
Orso, D., & Doolittle, J. (2012). Instructor Characteristics That Affect Online Student Success. Faculty Focus. http://www.facultyfocus.com
Orso, D., & Doolittle, J. (2012). Outstanding Online Teaching Leads to Students’ Academic Success. Instructional Technology Council (ITC) http://itcnetwork.org
Orso, D., & Doolittle, J. (2011). Instructor Characteristics that Affect Online Student Success. Magna Publications, 2-4.
Orso, D., & Doolittle, J. (1991). Introduction to Psychology: Comprehensive Telecourse Study Guide. Arnold, Maryland: Anne Arundel Community College Press.
Orso, D. (1980). Effects of Counselor Self-Disclosure on Extrovert or Introvert Client Self-Disclosure: Selected Dissertations, American University, Washington, D.C.Orso, D. (1969). Comparison of Achievement and Affiliation Arousal on Need to Achieve. Journal of Projective Techniques and Personality Assessment, 24-29.
PRESENTATIONS - INTERNATIONAL
Orso, D. & Doolittle, J. (2015, March). Student Perceptions: Outstanding Online Instruction and Its Impact on Online Academic Success. Clute Institute International Education Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Orso, D. & Doolittle. J. (2014, October). Online Instructional Excellence: Students’ Perceptions and Academic Impact. Online Learning Consortium International Conference, Orlando, Florida.
PRESENTATIONS - NATIONAL
Orso, D. (2019, January). Stacking the Deck Honestly – Meeting Online Student Needs. Instructional Technology Council, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Orso, D. & Doolittle, J. (2016, November). Student Perceptions of Online Learning. Online Learning Consortium Accelerate Conference, Orlando, Florida.
Orso, D., & Doolittle, J. (2016, November) Student Perceptions: Outstanding Online Instruction. League for Innovation STEMtech conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Orso, D. & Doolittle, J. (2012, February). Outstanding Online Instruction and Student Success. eLearning Conference, Long Beach, California.
Orso, D. & Doolittle, J. (2011, February). Outstanding Online Teaching and Student Success: League for Innovation, San Diego, California.
PRESENTATIONS - REGIONAL
Orso, D. (2019, January). Faculty Issues in Accepting and Using OER Textbooks. Technical College of the Low Country, Beaufort, South Carolina.
Orso, D., & Perez, L. (2017, August). Integrating Asynchronous Video into an Online Course. Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, Maryland.
Orso, D., & Doolittle J. (2015, January). Online Instruction and Student Performance. Webinar: Maryland Distance Learning Advisory Group, Arnold, Maryland.
Orso, D., & Doolittle, J. (2014, September). Outstanding Online Instruction and Academic Success. Maryland Online Annual Meeting, Arnold, Maryland.
Orso, D., & Doolittle, J. (2014, August). Online Teaching Excellence: What is It? Does it Matter? Anne Arundel Community College Summit, Arnold, Maryland.
HONORS & AWARDS
2015: Online Professor of the Year: Anne Arundel Community College Student Government Association. Selected from over 250 full-time faculty.
2014: The National Collegiate Outstanding Distance Learning Faculty Selectee. Awarded by Instructional Technology Council. Selected among faculty from over 400 member colleges and universities.
1999: Professor of the Year: Anne Arundel Community College Student Government Association. Selected from over 200 full-time faculty.
1987: Who’s Who in American Education
1982: Who’s Who in the East
1981: Meritorious Service Award: Anne Arundel County Board of Education
1981: Outstanding Service Award: American Cancer Society, Maryland
1980: Outstanding Young Men in American
1979: Phi Kappa Phi (National Academic Interdisciplinary Honorary)
1978: Phi Delta Kappa (National Education Honorary)
1968: Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges
1967: Psi Chi (National Student Psychology Honorary)
PUBLIC SERVICE
2017-2019: Consultant, Congaree Global Golf Initiative, Ridgeland, South Carolina
2010-2017: Board member, Heron Walk Association, Beaufort, South Carolina
2001-2007: Board member, Bello Machre Developmental Center, Pasadena, Maryland
1994-2000: Board member, Sunrise Assisted Living Center, Annapolis, Maryland
1994-1998: Board member, Pastor Counseling Services, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Severna Park, Maryland
1981-1983: President, American Cancer Society Chapter, Severna Park, Maryland
1980: Chairman: Handicapped Persons: Alternatives to Handicapped Thinking and Behaviors. State Conference, Arnold, Maryland