Desiree Gharakhanian , MD, LCSW-C

Desiree Gharakhanian is a Maryland-based clinician with six years of professional experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and major life transitions. She holds the credentials MD and LCSW-C - the latter indicating a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical credential - and brings a strengths-oriented focus to work on motivation, self-esteem, and confidence.

Her practice centers on creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore current challenges and clarify goals. Desiree helps clients identify practical strategies and build on existing strengths to manage difficult emotions, improve relationships, and navigate changes.

Whether addressing coping during life adjustments, learning new ways to manage anger, or rebuilding self-worth after setbacks, she guides clients toward realistic, manageable steps. Desiree emphasizes collaboration, listening carefully to each person’s priorities and tailoring approaches to fit their needs and pace.

Across her practice, she focuses on clear, actionable support that encourages resilience and growth while attending to the emotional and practical aspects of recovery and change.

Evidence-Based Techniques for Online Care

Desiree uses practical, evidence-based approaches that focus on skill-building and real-life application. One approach centers on teaching coping and relaxation skills to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety - simple techniques are practiced and adapted to each person’s daily routine to improve emotional regulation and reduce overwhelm.

A second focus is working from a strengths-based, goal-oriented perspective to address depression, low motivation, and self-esteem concerns - this involves identifying personal values, setting small achievable goals, and tracking progress to rebuild confidence and momentum.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Desiree works collaboratively with each person to determine which techniques match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts strategies over time and involves clients in deciding next steps so treatment fits their life.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to maintain continuity during busy or transitional periods. These options help clients access consistent support from licensed professionals without disrupting daily responsibilities, making it simpler to try strategies between sessions and apply what is learned in real time.