Accepted insurance & self-pay

Dereka accepts 16 insurers

Aetna

Anthem

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Optum Serve

United Healthcare | Optum

Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS HMO

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS PPO

Compsych

First Health Network

JP Farley Corporation

Multi Plan PHCS

Oscar Health

Quest Behavioral Health

UMR

United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage

Uprise EAP

SELF-PAY COSTS

Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.

$220

first session

$160

subsequent sessions

About Dereka

My career path began in the retail/wholesale industry, which created a path for me in therapy. I’ve worked in roles in ministry, education, and leadership, and have immersed myself in critical race theory, history, and the Black experience. I’ve worked with a wide range of clients of different races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Much of my confidence in working with people from all walks of life was inspired by my upbringing. I grew up a military brat, which made me more social and adaptable. I understand trauma does not escape the human experience, but effort and will are the ingredients for healing and transformation.

My approach is rooted in person-centered therapy and CBT, though I have grown into a more eclectic practice that allows for broader interventions and coping strategies. More recently, I have integrated internal family systems (IFS), somatic experiencing, and EMDR techniques to best meet each client where they are.

If you have found yourself on this page, I hope you will act with the same courage that brought you here. In that act of bravery, you have the opportunity to experience all that possibility can give to you. Our journey in therapy will not be easy, but it is an alliance that is unforgettable and rewarding.

"As a Black woman, I understand how systems impact and limit marginalized groups. My commitment to wellness has a profound impression on how I empower others to balance their emotions, critical thinking, spirituality and authenticity."

Get to know Dereka

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I decided to become a therapist because it is the most effective way to receive holistic healing.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with clients who are open-minded, committed to growth, and consistent.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

I wish that all clients knew that they have capacity and that their fears don't dictate that.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the early stages of therapy, clients can expect to be more aware of any cognitive dissonance.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My core values center in my spirituality. However, consistency, accountability and respect have been a driving force in how I show up as a therapist.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I tailor therapy to meet client's by listening, being curious, and acceptance.

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesAnxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Grief, LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Life Transition, Relationships, Self-Harming, Codependency, Emotional Disturbance, Marital & Premarital, Mood Disorders, Neurodiversity, Performance Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Gender Identity / Transgender, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management, Career Counseling, Spirituality, Family Conflict, Parenting, Racial Identity, Divorce, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

ApproachesHumanistic / Rogerian, Feminist, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Jungian, Positive Psychology, Existential Therapy, Any / Eclectic, Coaching, Family / Marital, Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma-Focused, Strength-Based Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, Faith-Based Counseling, Integrative, Multicultural, Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, Somatic