Grief counselors and therapists in Owings Mills, MD

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.

I've spent fifteen years in community mental health, and most of that time has been with people who were told, in one way or another, that they'd have to wait their turn for care. That shaped how I work. You'll find me direct, practical, and firmly in your corner.

If you've been working, parenting, caring for others, and meeting your responsibilities while quietly feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck, you're not alone.

I'm Dr. Oretha Sogbie-Berko, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with more than 19 years of healthcare experience. I work primarily with adults who appear to be functioning well but no longer feel like themselves. Behind the scenes, they may be managing anxiety, depression, burnout, caregiver stress, low self-esteem, ADHD symptoms, or a difficult life transition.

I offer both individual therapy and psychiatric medication management. Some clients choose therapy alone, others benefit from medication, and many find that a combination works best. If you'd prefer to start without medication, that's a completely valid place to begin.

I'll offer clinical guidance and honest feedback, but you'll always have a voice in your care. You don't need to know whether you need therapy, medication, or both before reaching out. We can evaluate your concerns, discuss your options, and decide together.

If you're ready to feel more like yourself again, I'm here to help

With 8 years of experience in the mental health field, I firmly believe in the parity of mental and physical health. Life often leads us into dark tunnels, and my role in therapy is to guide individuals toward the light at the end of those tunnels.

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.