Shashana Carter , MD, LCSW-C, LICSW

Shashana Carter is a licensed clinician in Maryland who brings a warm, compassionate approach to helping people work through life challenges. Holding the credentials MD, LCSW-C, and LICSW, she combines clinical training and social work expertise to support clients seeking practical solutions and personal growth. The LCSW-C and LICSW indicate advanced licensure in clinical social work, while the MD denotes a medical degree. Shashana’s background includes professional experience in settings such as the Department of Social Services, probation services for adults and juveniles, and opioid maintenance centers, where she developed skills working with diverse populations and complex needs.

In recent years she has focused on providing individual therapy aimed at empowering clients to identify obstacles, set realistic goals, and discover workable strategies for healthier living. Her counseling style emphasizes attentive listening, respectful and honest communication, and consistent supportive feedback. She encourages deliberate, intentional work toward healing and offers a space where people can be heard, practice new ways of communicating, and explore their truths.

Shashana works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family issues, trauma and grief, mood disorders, and challenges related to self-esteem, parenting, and life transitions. She blends evidence-based techniques with a client-centered stance to help clients move forward in a positive direction.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Shashana Carter uses client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy as core approaches to help people address emotional and practical concerns. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, empathetic space in which the therapist follows the client’s lead, fostering self-exploration and personal insight - this approach is helpful for relationship issues, self-esteem, and navigating life changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, skills-based method that helps clients identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and develop practical strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and stress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Shashana works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they assess progress and adjust methods as needed to support meaningful change.

Online therapy with Shashana is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for scheduling and communication styles. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home or work, and choose the format that feels most comfortable while working toward personal goals.