Staff information
Our clinical staff represents a variety
of disciplines including psychology and social work. Our therapists have experience
in the fields of individual, marital, family and group therapy
for a wide variety of issues. Our office staff will be
happy to assist you in scheduling appointments and answering
your questions.
Barrie Arachtingi, Ph.D.
Dr. Barrie Arachtingi is a licensed psychologist
and currently the Executive Director of CPS. She received her Ph.D. in
Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas, her M.S.
in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin, and a BSW from
the University of Minnesota. She works with adults and
adolescents, families, and couples.
Primary areas for psychotherapy interest include
anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship difficulties,
pre-marital, ADHD, chronic illness, pressures associated with
balancing work and motherhood, and finding more comfort and freedom
in spiritual life. Dr. Arachtingi also has significant
training and interest in psychological evaluations for diagnostic
and court related purposes. She is initiating a program
at CPS that involves utilizing evaluation in a manner that assists
families that are going through the painful process of divorce.
Dr. Arachtingi has been with CPS since 1991
and has enjoyed the years assisting the agency through changes
and growth. She has been married for twenty
years and has three children.
Paul Cox, LSCSW
Paul Cox is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
who has been a clinical therapist since 1980. He has been
fortunate to have gained expertise with all age groups. He
enjoys working with children and adolescents, having a great
deal of experience with ADHD and oppositional behavior. Paul
is also knowledgeable and experienced with adults, couples and
family therapy, focusing on healing and resolution of life issues. Paul
follows the belief that the Holy Spirit can direct our souls
on the path to healing and emotional well-being.
Kristine Johnson, Ph.D.
Dr. Kristine Johnson completed her Ph.D. in
Counseling Psychology at the University of Kansas in 2001. She
joined the CPS staff in 2000 and feels blessed to be part of
an agency where she can facilitate God’s grace and meet
people where they are spiritually. Kris enjoys working
with adults, couples and families across a variety of clinical
issues. Areas of concentration include Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder in adults, depression, anxiety,
grief, premarital counseling, and interpersonal relationship
difficulties. Kris also provides psychological evaluations
for individuals contemplating bariatric surgery as well as pre-and
post-surgical psychotherapy. She is available in both the
Lawrence and Topeka offices. Kris and her husband are parents
of a teenage daughter and teenage son.
Stephanie
LaRue, Ph.D.
Dr. Stephanie LaRue received her Ph.D. in Counseling
Psychology from the University of Kansas in 2002 and received
her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University
of Iowa in 1996. A licensed psychologist, she has been
with CPS since 2003. Dr. LaRue works primarily with individual
clients ranging in age from childhood through older adulthood. She
has a background in treating individuals with a variety of disorders,
including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, Bipolar
Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and substance abuse
problems. She approaches her work from a perspective of
acceptance, emphasizing the precious gift of God’s grace
and His power to heal.
Debra McQueeney, Ph.D.
Dr. Debra McQueeney has a Ph.D. in Clinical
Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in business, both from
the University of Kansas. She has over fifteen years experience
practicing cognitive therapy and over eight years of experience
working in inpatient settings and performing psychological assessment. She
has specialized skill in cognitive therapy for depression and
anxiety, marital therapy, and psychotherapy with business executives
in transition. She appreciates her association with CPS
because her clients often demonstrate the power of spirituality
to move their lives in the direction they desire.
Verdell Taylor, Jr., MS
Rev. Verdell Taylor, Jr. is a native of Leavenworth,
Kansas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Education
in 1968 and a Master of Science in Counseling in 1972 from Emporia
State University. He has been with Christian Psychological
Services since 1996. He enjoys working with all people
and helping them reach spiritual fulfillment. Verdell has
a special interest in working with adolescents and couples. He
has been ordained as a pastor since 1980, and he has been the
pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. church in Lawrence since 1995. He
has been married for thirty-six years, and has two daughters
and three grandchildren.
Steven Unruh, LSCSW
Steven Unruh has been a Licensed Clinical Social
worker since 1995. He has worked in the helping fields
since the early 1970s in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He
has expertise in Bowen Family Systems and Dialectical Behavioral
Therapy (DBT) and considers his Christian mission to assist persons
with troubled marriages. Steve has been married for 35
years and has two adult children and a grandson who is the apple
of his eye.
Laura VanSickle, LCP
Laura VanSickle received her MA in clinical
psychology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, in 1992. She
served her internship at a facility specializing in the treatment
of sexual abuse survivors. In 1998, she completed an eating
disorder certificate program at National Louis University in
Wheeling, IL. She has worked as a psychotherapist with
children and adolescents in residential and day treatment school
settings. She has also worked as the director of a university
counseling center. She has volunteered as the facilitator
of an eating disorder support group and a grief support group. Laura
has special interests in working with eating disorders and trauma,
in leading group therapy, and in working with Christian clients
who desire to integrate their faith in therapy. She is
married and has two children.
Administrative Staff
Connie McGee
Connie McGee has been with CPS since January
of 2007. She lived in southwest Kansas until
moving to the Lawrence area in December of 2006. She is the business
manager. Connie is married and has a teenage son.
Board
Bob Bowline
Colleen Darnell
Steve Flory
Glen Mack Harnden
Rodge Moore
