Stacy Ciano, MD, LCSW-C

Stacy Ciano is a Maryland-based therapist with 20 years of professional experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem challenges, depression, and major life transitions. She combines clinical training and practical skill to support individuals who are ready to make changes and find greater balance in day-to-day life.

Stacy approaches therapy with the belief that each person is the expert of their own story and brings strengths that can be used to overcome challenges. She focuses on building on those strengths while offering evidence-informed techniques to manage symptoms and improve coping. Her background includes work with trauma and abuse, motivation and confidence concerns, and a broad range of mood-related issues.

Stacy holds an MD, indicating medical doctor training, and an LCSW-C, a clinical social work license, and she draws on that combined perspective to tailor treatment to each person. Taking the first step toward change can feel daunting, and Stacy aims to provide steady, respectful support as clients explore goals, try new strategies, and move toward more fulfilling and sustainable well-being.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Stacy Ciano uses approaches that combine practical skills with compassionate support to address common challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life changes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify personal values and build psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and focus on meaningful action - it is often helpful for stress, chronic worry, and navigating major transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to distress and teaches concrete strategies to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning - it is frequently used for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathic, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship that gives the individual space to explore feelings and goals while the therapist follows the client’s lead.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Stacy works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and may blend techniques from different approaches as appropriate. Licensed professionals adapt plans over time so the work stays aligned with what is most helpful.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access support from home or other convenient locations.