Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD

If you’re feeling isolated, unmotivated, or like nothing you do really matters — you’re not alone. I specialize in supporting folks who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. I deeply believe that every person deserves to feel respected and seen first and foremost as a human being, not just as a diagnosis.

I’ve seen how hard it can be to feel like your life is on pause — like you’re watching from the sidelines. It hurts. I get how lonely that can make you feel, and I’m here to show you there is a path forward.

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.

Collaboration and shared decision-making are essential.

I work alongside clients to explore their goals, provide education, and develop treatment plans that align with their values and preferences. Pay close attention not just to what clients say, but how they say it—affect, behavior, and underlying themes.

You should know that I take your concerns seriously, and I will meet you with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, especially if you have faced stigma, felt dismissed in the past, or worried about what a diagnosis might mean. My goal is to help you feel safe and at ease from the very first conversation.

As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, I work with individuals across the lifespan. I commonly support people navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress-related concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges. I approach each person as a whole, not a label, and I take the time to understand your symptoms in the context of your life, your stressors, your strengths, and your goals.

In our work together, you can expect a collaborative, patient-centered approach. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard and involved, so we will discuss what you are experiencing, what has helped or not helped in the past, and what you want to be different moving forward. If medication is part of your care, I prioritize thoughtful, evidence-based decisions, clear education about options, and ongoing adjustments based on your response and preferences. I also value practical strategies and supportive guidance that you can apply between sessions.

Most importantly, I am passionate about each person I serve because I know you are important, and I recognize the courage it takes to seek help. My role is to offer steady, professional support and a trusting relationship as you work toward clarity, stability, and lasting wellness.

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.

In my role as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I place great importance on prioritizing mental health as a fundamental component of achieving happiness and stability in life. I understand that seeking help can be a daunting task, so I want to acknowledge and commend you for taking that important first step. With some years of experience in clinical and practice, I have learned to provide care to patients of all age groups and populations with mental illnesses.