Desiree Gharakhanian, MD, LCSW-C

Desiree Gharakhanian is a Maryland-based licensed clinician with six years of professional experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, anger, depression, grief, and major life changes. She holds an MD (Doctor of Medicine) and the LCSW-C credential, which indicates Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical status and clinical social work licensure in Maryland. Her combined clinical training supports a practical, person-centered approach to therapy that balances lived experience with evidence-based techniques.

Desiree focuses on strengthening motivation, self-esteem, and confidence while supporting clients through relationship challenges, coping with transitions, and issues related to isolation, guilt, or shame. She also assists veterans and members of the armed forces, and addresses topics often faced by women, including life purpose and post-traumatic stress. Her work includes communication skills, forgiveness, and rebuilding connection after loss.

Known for creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment, Desiree collaborates with clients to explore challenges, identify strengths, and develop practical solutions tailored to each person s goals. Her practice emphasizes clear, compassionate guidance aimed at measurable progress over time.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Flexible Online Care

Desiree uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on building practical skills and insight. One approach emphasizes skills-based coping strategies that teach tools for managing stress, anxiety, and anger - such as emotion regulation, grounding, and problem-solving techniques that can be applied in daily life. Another approach centers on behavioral activation and structured support to address low motivation and symptoms of depression - helping clients re-establish routines, set achievable goals, and increase meaningful activity to improve mood and functioning.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Desiree works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and adjusts techniques over time so the therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single method.

Online therapy with Desiree offers practical flexibility - sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life transitions, support access for veterans or caregivers, and allow therapy to fit into a client s everyday routine.