Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Aiken, SC covered by Cigna

Hi, I'm Derrick, a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and founder of Guardian Path Counseling Services. With more than 15 years of experience in mental health and education, I work with adolescents, teens, and adults facing anxiety, stress, behavioral concerns, emotional challenges, and life's many transitions. I've worked in both school and clinical settings and believe therapy should feel like a real conversation, not something overly clinical or intimidating.

I focus on building a genuine connection and using plain talk so you can feel comfortable being yourself. From there, we'll work together to better understand what's going on, build on your strengths, and find practical ways to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

You may be used to being the strong one—the person others rely on—but lately you might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or just not like yourself. You may be dealing with depression, relationship challenges, or a life transition that’s left you feeling stuck. If you’re tired of just getting through the day and want to feel more like yourself again, therapy can help. I work with adults across all life stages who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, and major life changes.

I work with adults who are coping with chronic medical conditions, major life changes, and the motional weight that can come with navigating the healthcare system. Many of my clients are adjusting to new diagnoses, dialysis or kidney disease, disability, caregiver stress, or the anxiety and depression that often accompany health challenges.

As a medical social worker, I bring a strong understanding of how physical health and mental health intersect. I help clients process loss, rebuild a sense of control, and develop practical strategies to manage both emotional and day-to-day stressors.

I received my BA degree in Psychology from Columbia College and my MA degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to supporting adult women through life’s challenges with a compassionate, empowering, and trauma-informed approach. I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood, and I strive to create that environment for every client I work with. I have experience working with women in a correctional facility and in a private practice setting. I have also worked with adolescent males in the juvenile justice system, adolescent girls, and children in a school setting.

I enjoy helping others. I've been in this field for almost 13 years. I received my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology/Counseling. I've worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults focusing on adjustment related issues, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, behavioral problems, relational problems, and trauma

Counseling is actually my 2nd career, doing I.T. Support was my 1st.

While working in that field, I told people that I did just as much counseling as I did I.T. work. Many people came to see me feeling anxious, angry, stressed, overwhelmed, or in grief because of technology issues.

I quickly learned that there were two issues going on:

· One was technical and the other was emotional.

· One needed repair and the other needed relief.

So, I addressed the person and their emotions first and then addressed their I.T. issues. I spent thousands of hours sitting with people, fixing their technology and giving space for their emotions and...I loved it!

I didn’t realize it then, but these were my first steps which would lead me into pursuing a career as a therapist. Now my work is in Emotional Support and instead of addressing hardware and software, I get to address brainware and heartware.