Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Rupert.
Hi Kimberly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I was brought up in a two-parent household alongside my older brother. My father served as a minister for more than 20 years and now holds the title of Minister Emeritus at the Central Church of Christ in Baltimore City. From an early age, I was actively involved in church events, community outreach programs, and volunteer work at local homeless shelters.
Witnessing the challenges of poverty, homelessness, substance use, and mental illness in the inner city of Philadelphia inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to service and healing. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Mississippi State University and later obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2015.
My professional journey began in healthcare, where I worked in a hospital setting providing medical discharge planning and support to patients and families. Since 2020, I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Certified (LCSW-C).
In January 2025, I founded The Counseling Institute of Baltimore, an organization dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health services. Our areas of specialization include mood disorders, grief therapy, crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), couples and marital counseling, and Christian faith-based therapy.
The Counseling Institute of Baltimore also serves as a field placement site for Master of Social Work students and a clinical training site for nursing students enrolled in psychiatric nurse practitioner programs. Through this dual focus on care and education, our mission is to strengthen communities by nurturing both healing and professional growth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most significant challenges I have faced in life was being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Coping with a chronic illness affected not only my physical health but also my self-image and confidence. Learning to manage symptoms while maintaining motivation required patience, self-compassion, and adaptability. In addition to health challenges, I also encountered financial stressors, which made it difficult to focus fully on my goals at times.
When I decided to start my own business, these personal struggles were compounded by the practical challenges of entrepreneurship. I faced difficulty securing startup funds, renting a facility, purchasing essential furniture and equipment, implementing an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, and hiring qualified staff. Each step demanded careful budgeting, persistence, and creative problem-solving.
The greatest sacrifices I made in this journey were time and rest. I often gave up quality time with loved ones and lost sleep in order to keep the business moving forward. Despite these sacrifices, the experience taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of balance between personal well-being and professional ambition.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Counseling Institute of Baltimore?
The organization’s purpose is to create a safe and inclusive space where mental wellness is accessible, stigma-free, and centered on hope and healing. We aim to nurture healing and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives through professional, culturally sensitive, and compassionate mental health care. Our vision is to build a community where every individual feels empowered to prioritize their mental wellness and live a life of balance, resilience, and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.counselingbaltimore.org
