Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Virginia Beach, VA

Katherine Castelo, LCSW is a licensed therapist and certified clinical supervisor in Virginia, Texas, Florida, West Virginia, Indiana, Maryland, and Colorado. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in trauma, military and veteran mental health, first-responder wellness, grief, deployment-related stress, and major life transitions.

A former Marine Corps veteran spouse, Katherine brings lived experience and deep cultural understanding to her work. She has served across the DoD, VA, nonprofit, and civilian sectors, providing high-level clinical care, consultation, and program leadership.

She previously oversaw a Defense Health Agency program for transitioning service members and served as the U.S. Army Reserve Psychological Health Program Director, leading outreach for more than 200,000 soldiers and families and advising on post-suicide psychological autopsies as part of the USAR Fatality Review Board.

Katherine also worked as a civilian Employee Assistance Program (EAP) manager for the U.S. Navy and as a casualty assistance consultant for NCIS, developing programs focused on readiness, crisis response, and deployment-cycle support.

As founder of Awaken Wellness Center, her practice centers on trauma recovery, crisis intervention, and integrative therapies. She is trained in Brainspotting, IFS-informed work, and trauma-responsive care, and has provided trainings for service members, clinicians, and community providers on PTSD, MST, suicide prevention, and Brainspotting.

Today, Katherine consults with the SAFE Project’s SAFE Veterans initiative and teaches caregiver wellness classes with Semper Fi & America’s Fund, bringing compassionate, evidence-based, culturally grounded care to military members, veterans, first responders, caregivers, and their families.

I am a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with training in both primary care and psychiatric mental health. I have extensive experience providing care in community, correctional, and integrated care settings, where I work with individuals managing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other mental health concerns.

I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. I value thoughtful assessment, clear communication, and collaborative decision-making to help clients better understand their symptoms and treatment options. My goal is to partner with each client to develop a personalized care plan that supports both mental and overall well-being.

I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have been working with clients since 2021. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity — the big, tender stuff that often doesn't have an easy answer but always deserves a real conversation.

I work with adolescents and adults but to be honest, my door is open to anyone having a human experience. Which, is all of us.

My approach draws from Person-Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness — but what that looks like in practice is less textbook and more tailored to you. Some people need tools and strategies. Some people just need to feel genuinely heard for the first time in a long time. Most people need both, and we figure that out together.

I show up as a real person. I'm warm, honest, occasionally funny, and always in your corner. You won't find me blank-faced or judgmental. You will find someone who is genuinely invested in your story and rooting for you, every step of the way.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who helps women navigate the emotional complexities of motherhood and family life. Whether you’re adjusting to a new baby, managing shifting family roles, or feeling stretched thin trying to meet everyone’s needs, therapy can be a place to catch your breath and find your footing again.