Maria Ortiz, MS, LMHC, CEDS

Maria Ortiz earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Keiser University. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, primarily working with individuals with eating disorders and body image concerns. Maria co-owns BreakFree Therapy Services, a private practice in Florida, co-owns The Weight Of It All, an organization dedicated to providing education, awareness, and resources relating to eating disorders, and co-hosts “On The Mic With ED,” a podcast geared towards advocacy and awareness relating to eating disorder pathology.

Maria is published in the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, and authors, edits, and manages a blog within her private practice. She is a leading voice in the eating disorders community, often providing lectures, educational trainings, and keynote speaking engagements to neighboring community members, as well as across the country. As a former D1 gymnast, she is well equipped to work with athletes and overall sport-related concerns. Maria also has experience working in rehabilitation for a dual diagnosis inpatient/residential facility, giving her experience in a variety of therapeutic settings. Her Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa and previous experience as an Emergency Medical Technician allows her to maintain awareness into physiological processes within the body, and how this may interact with psychological experiences and presentations throughout the lifespan.