Shanita Burch , MD, LCSW-C

Shanita Burch is a licensed mental health professional with 22 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, career concerns, and life transitions. She brings both medical and social work training to her practice, holding an MD (medical doctor) and an LCSW-C (licensed clinical social worker). Her approach is grounded in patience and consistency - she emphasizes steady progress as a meaningful form of success and works collaboratively with clients to set realistic goals and build sustainable coping strategies.

Over two decades she has worked with individuals, couples, families, groups, seniors, teenagers, active duty service members, and veterans, supporting those facing addiction, bereavement, and a wide range of life difficulties. Her clinical interests include trauma and abuse, compassion fatigue, caregiving stress, blended family dynamics, and issues around isolation, self-esteem, and purpose. She uses a systemic perspective to identify patterns that affect well-being and to create interventions that promote positive outcomes.

Shanita aims to meet clients where they are, helping them move toward a greater sense of internal calm and practical progress through tailored therapeutic strategies and compassionate guidance.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Shanita uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive space where the client s priorities guide each session - this approach focuses on empathy, active listening, and building self-directed insight, which can be helpful for issues like grief, self-esteem, and life transitions. She also applies cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and reshape unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors - CBT is effective for anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, and many stress-related concerns. Motivational interviewing is another tool she uses to help people resolve ambivalence and strengthen motivation for change, particularly useful for addictions and behavior change goals.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Shanita works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they explore options and adjust strategies as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call, by phone, or through live chat and text-based messaging - making it easier to fit care into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access licensed professionals from different locations.