Desiree Gharakhanian , MD, LCSW-C

Desiree Gharakhanian is a Maryland-based clinician with six years of professional experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and major life changes. She holds an MD and is an LCSW-C - a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, which indicates specialized training and state licensure to provide clinical social work services. Desiree works with clients on building motivation, improving self-esteem and confidence, and addressing relationship concerns and grief.

Her practice emphasizes a supportive, non-judgmental approach that centers on identifying strengths and developing practical solutions. Desiree draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help clients develop coping skills, manage intense emotions, and make purposeful changes. She also focuses on related areas such as communication difficulties, forgiveness, guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, life purpose, veteran and armed forces issues, post-traumatic stress, and women’s issues.

Throughout her work, Desiree aims to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship in which clients feel heard and empowered to explore challenges and try new strategies. Her style is steady and goal-oriented, guiding clients toward clearer thinking, improved coping, and greater resilience when facing life transitions and emotional hardships.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Accessible Online Care

Desiree draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and emotional insight. One approach emphasizes skills for managing stress and anxiety - teaching tools to regulate emotions, reduce physiological arousal, and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns to improve daily functioning. Another approach centers on coping with loss, relationship strain, and life transitions - helping clients process grief, improve communication, and rebuild a sense of purpose after change.

Choosing the right therapeutic approach is often a collaborative process. Desiree works with clients to assess their needs, goals, and preferences and then tailors a plan that combines techniques most likely to support meaningful progress. This collaborative stance helps ensure interventions fit each person’s situation and comfort level.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for those navigating busy schedules or geographic limitations. Sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to engage in ways that match their daily routines and energy levels. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care, try different modalities, and access support when life feels particularly challenging.