Shanita Burch, MD, LCSW-C

Shanita Burch, MD, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinician in Maryland who has dedicated 22 years to supporting individuals and families through life transitions and emotional challenges. She holds an MD - Doctor of Medicine - and an LCSW-C, which indicates licensed clinical social work training and clinical practice. Her practice emphasizes steady progress and the belief that meaningful change takes time and patience, with measurable steps toward each client's goals.

Using a systemic lens, Shanita works with adults, seniors, teenagers, couples, groups, Active Duty Service Members, and Veterans. She has experience assisting people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, relationship and family concerns, sleep difficulties, anger, self-esteem issues, career challenges, and compassion fatigue. Her background includes helping clients navigate coping with life changes and exploring life purpose while addressing related issues such as caregiver stress, blended family dynamics, codependency, and substance use concerns.

Shanita blends client-centered methods with evidence-informed strategies to create practical, person-focused plans. She invites collaboration so clients can identify realistic objectives and build toward an internal sense of peace. Her approach aims for positive outcomes through patience, persistence, and a focus on each client’s unique strengths.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Shanita Burch integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into her online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person from their own perspective and building a collaborative, respectful relationship so clients feel heard and empowered to set their own goals. CBT involves identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and practicing practical strategies to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.

She also draws on motivational interviewing when readiness for change is a focus - this approach helps people explore their own values and motivations to move toward healthier choices, often useful for addiction and habit change. Throughout care Shanita works collaboratively with clients to determine which approaches fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Shanita is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and mobility limitations. These options support consistent access to licensed professionals and allow therapy to continue across changing life circumstances while tailoring communication style to each client's comfort and goals.