Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Bel Air, MD

I worked in various inpatient mental health facilities, assisted individuals with learning disabilities, helped others with chronic illnesses, taught people ways to manage life traumas, and guided people who suffered with grief.

I’m Dr. Halimat Akojie, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 26 years of experience in healthcare. I provide compassionate, comprehensive mental health care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, supporting individuals experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use.

Hi, I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing compassionate, personalized mental health care for adults and young adults. I believe healing happens when you feel heard, understood, and supported — not rushed or judged.

I work collaboratively with my clients to create treatment plans that fit your goals, lifestyle, and values. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, or trauma, we’ll take the time to understand the whole picture and find what truly works for you.

My approach combines thoughtful medication management with therapy-informed care, education, and practical coping strategies. My goal is to help you feel more balanced, confident, and in control of your life.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d be honored to support you on your journey.

Introduction

I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate their mental health journeys. I offer virtual therapy sessions, making it convenient for you to receive support from the comfort of your own space. Fluent in both English and Swahili.

My name is Derrick C. Gibson — Licensed Professional Counselor, Elder at Brookside Ministry Church of God in Christ International, and someone who has spent his career showing up for people that many systems had already written off. I hold dual Master's degrees in Guidance and Counseling and Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and my work has taken me deep into Kanawha County, West Virginia — into the schools, into the judicial system, and into the lives of families navigating some of the hardest circumstances imaginable. I've worked with domestic abuse survivors, sexual abuse survivors, at-risk youth, and individuals managing anger — not from a distance, but up close, with real investment in real outcomes. I also serve as a Christian Counselor, which means faith is not a footnote in my practice — it's woven into the foundation. If you're looking for a counselor who brings both clinical training and a grounded spiritual perspective, you've found one.

Welcome! I commend you on taking this big step to start working on your healing journey. I am a licensed clinical therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work and over seven years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of life experiences and challenges. My professional experience has allowed me to support clients as they navigate emotional, behavioral, relational, and life transitions.

I enjoy utilizing evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I uses CBT to help clients identify and challenge negative or unhelpful thought patterns while developing healthier ways of thinking and responding. Through Motivational Interviewing, I empower clients to identify their strengths, explore their own reasons for change, and take meaningful steps toward their personal goals.

With over 30 years of clinical experience, I provide individual psychotherapy that is collaborative and affirming. I use an integrated therapeutic approach that draws upon evidence-based treatment interventions and creative modalities tailored to each client. I see clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, adolescent/parent/family conflicts, personal concerns and life transitions. I will support you to identify patterns, develop coping strategies, discover strengths, find solutions, and gain a deeper sense of wholeness and well-being.

I focus mostly on behavior change. That might be a change from how you think about yourself, relationships, work, or something else. I can help you explore that. My role is to support you in believing that change is possible.

I also work in an open-ended environment. There is no contract or set number of sessions. Therapy should be flexible, and everyone's frequency is different. Most people notice growth within 10 sessions.