Book a therapist or psychiatrist in West Virginia covered by Aetna

Hello and congratulations for taking the first and sometimes hardest step of looking for a therapist. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of IN, KY LA, MO, NV, TX, WA and WV. I have the great privilege of working with adolescents and adults seeking assistance in improving their overall mental health and associated challenges. I’ve been in the behavioral health arena for over 40 years and have held numerous direct care and clinical leadership roles in a variety of settings. My joy comes from helping people navigate life's challenges.

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 am a therapist from southern WV who specializes in trauma and somatic therapy. I have received training in Somatic Experiencing and am on the Advanced, Level 2 training. I spent a decade working with children in foster care, addressing issues related to severe abuse and neglect. This has encouraged my interest in neurological development and attachment theory. I love learning about neuroscience and incorporate this into treatment to address the mind/body connection. I now work with parents to assist them in reunifying with their children. This includes elements of social work as well as counseling. Work in this field has prepared me to work with clients, not just from an individual framework but also being mindful to address systemic and societal issues that contribute to mental health symptoms. I am neurodivergent and relate well to clients with neurodivergence.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and complex trauma. I keep a warm, empathetic space where clients explore how thoughts and past experiences impact their mood and overall well-being. I genuinely value connection and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship.

When navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, it is easy to assume that something is fundamentally wrong with you. If you are struggling with low self-concept, anger, or substance usage, you might view these obstacles as personal failures. My goal is to completely shift that narrative. Together, we will look at what is going on with you, rather than what is wrong with you.

Since 1993, I have spent over 30 years helping individuals recognize their innate strengths and leverage them to overcome life’s hardest hurdles. Throughout my career, I have developed deep clinical expertise, obtaining specific, formal certifications across multiple states to ensure you receive highly credentialed and adaptive care.

Taking that first step to reach out for support can feel intimidating. Because of this, our introductory session is designed to be a safe, collaborative space. We will explore what is currently going well, examine the challenges you are experiencing, and align on your expectations for therapy. My primary objective is to establish an empowering professional relationship built entirely on your strengths.

Hi! Thank you for considering me to be a part of your healing journey! With a Master of Social Work (MSW) from West Virginia University (WVU) please don't hold that against me! I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to sessions. Vicki is licensed with the West Virginia Social Work Board as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, (LICSW) and in Ohio as Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). I have over 15 years in the helping field. I specialize in using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has extensive experience in addressing domestic violence, anxiety, OCD, life stressors, ADHD, grief, and trauma. I see the whole person not the symptoms.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist based in southern West Virginia. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, self-worth challenges, life transitions, and family stressors.

I am especially passionate about helping children and teens develop emotional regulation skills and helping adults build confidence, boundaries, and a stronger sense of identity.

As someone who serves rural communities, I understand the unique pressures families face — close-knit systems, generational patterns, limited resources, and the desire to “handle things on your own.” Therapy with me is a place where you don’t have to carry everything alone.

My Philosophy

I believe people are not “too much” — they are often carrying too much.

Therapy is not about fixing you. It’s about helping you understand yourself, regulate your emotions, and build a life that feels more steady and aligned.