Grief counselors and therapists in Bethesda, MD

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make that first step feel a little easier. I approach my work with warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity about each person’s story. I support clients in gently unpacking the thoughts and experiences that may be contributing to anxiety and depression, while offering empathy and practical tools along the way. You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’ll work through it together.

About Me

I'm not your typical psychotherapist, and everyone I've had the honor to work with on their life's journey can attest to this. Born, raised and forged in the "Steel City" and sharpened in the "City of Brotherly Love", the term "Alchemist" more accurately describes who I am. I specialize in alchemizing pain into purpose and trauma into triumph. If you're ready to transform your life, I'm your guy!

I am a great listener and all about understanding and fulfilling your goals.

I’m Ine Saka, PMHNP-BC, FNP, and founder of Empathy Wellness Center, currently serving Maryland and Virginia. As a board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner, I provide compassionate, holistic, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma, integrating traditional psychiatry with wellness-focused approaches to support mind, body, and spirit.

I am Dr. Christie Simon-Waterman, a dually certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care across the lifespan. My clinical background spans primary care, mental health, and community-based health, allowing me to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

I earned my nursing education at Coppin State University and completed my doctoral training with a strong focus on health equity, leadership, and integrated care delivery.

In my practice, I specialize in:

• Anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, and mood disorders
• Integrated mental health treatment
• Substance use–related concerns and recovery support
• Care for underserved and marginalized populations

My approach is empathetic, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens best when clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we develop personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication management when appropriate, lifestyle interventions, and ongoing support tailored to your goals.

Above all, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive responsive space where clients can build resilience, restore balance, and move forward with confidence and clarity.

My therapeutic approach is eclectic and person-centered. I view therapy as a partnership and a journey, where we work collaboratively to build goals and develop a treatment plan that reflects each client’s unique needs, strengths, and hopes for growth

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.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or worried about your child, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland who works with children, teens, families, and young adults, supporting concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I believe healing happens best when clients feel safe and supported just as they are.

I am a LCSW-C with over 15 years in social work. I have worked in child welfare, community mental health, and public education. I have my Masters of Social Work from Salisbury University and have spent my career working with individuals, families, and communities!

I am a Licensed Counselor with 8 years experience in Crisis services and 5 years experience in Community Mental Health services. I believe that therapy should always be about what is important to you. My role is to help you on your journey of self-discovery and ultimately self-acceptance.