Dr. Billy Russell is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified Counselor, and a Certified Reciprocal Alcohol Drug Counselor. He is dually-trained in Counseling and Pastoral Ministry. He was originally licensed as a Professional Counselor in Texas in 1993, and then in Missouri in 1994. He was originally licensed as a Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas in 1990, then reciprocally certified in Missouri in 1993. He is also a licensed and ordained Baptist Minister.
Billy uses his clinical and pastoral counseling knowledge, training, skills, and experience to help people: grow through personal difficulties; overcome traumas and tragedies; and develop resiliencies despite challenges in relationships.
Billy collaboratively works with individuals, families, children & parents, offering counseling services for:
- mental health and substance abuse assessment
- stress, anxiety, depression
- bereavement, grief and loss
- addictions and recovery
- relationship and life adjustment issues
- childhood and adolescent adjustment and behavioral issues
- pre-marital, marriage, and family issues
Billy has experience in both clinical in-patient and out-patient settings. Most recently, Billy served on Ministry Staff at FBC Bolivar, MO., for 22 years (6 yrs. as Assoc. Pastor/16 yrs. as Senior Pastor). He also provides consultation to leaders in churches, schools, hospitals, and other community organizations.
Billy holds the Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City. His Project Dissertation focused on “Combating Compassion Fatigue.” He was recognized upon graduation in 2017 by the Faculty and the Society of Professors in Christian Education for his academic achievement.
Billy earned a Master of Science in Counseling (concentration in Marriage and Family) from the University of North Texas in Denton in 1993 (completing his internship at The Center for Play Therapy at UNT). He completed the Master of Divinity (concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling) from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1990 (completing his internship in Chaplaincy at Cook’s-Children’s Medical Center in Ft. Worth). His undergraduate studies were at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO., earning BA degrees in Religious Studies and Religious Education in 1985.
Billy hails from Michigan, is an avid Wolverines fan, and follows the professional teams from Detroit. He enjoys smooth jazz, reading, and travel (combining them whenever possible on the Smooth Jazz Cruise). He is married to Regina since 1988, and they have one son, Zack.