DG Portrait of Desiree Gharakhanian

Desiree Gharakhanian, MD, LCSW-C

Calm, practical support for tough moments

6 years in practice · based in Maryland · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Desiree

Desiree Gharakhanian is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical who supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, grief, and life transitions. She works with clients who want help managing emotions and rebuilding confidence. Her approach centers on practical steps and steady support so people can cope better day to day.

Desiree combines straightforward conversation with goal-focused planning. Sessions aim to identify what is most pressing, build small skills, and track progress over time.

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Background and approach

She keeps explanations simple and uses tools that clients can apply between sessions. Her background includes six years of professional social work experience. That time has included helping people navigate major life changes and manage symptoms like anxiety and depression.

She draws on that experience to offer clear options and realistic strategies. In the room she creates a non-judgmental space for people to talk through hard topics such as guilt, shame, loneliness, and relationship difficulties. Desiree pays attention to strengths and helps clients map small steps toward better coping and clearer communication.

Sessions may also address issues tied to veteran and armed forces experiences, post-traumatic stress, and women’s issues. She balances practical suggestions with emotional support so people leave with both relief and an action plan.

Approaches and how online sessions help

Desiree uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that emphasize practical skills and emotional understanding. One common approach she uses focuses on building coping skills to manage anxiety and stress, teaching concrete strategies like breathing, grounding, and step-by-step behavior changes that reduce overwhelm. Another approach centers on emotion work for issues like anger, grief, and shame, helping people name feelings, understand triggers, and practice new ways to respond.

Choosing the right approach often happens together. She collaborates with each person to identify goals, try different strategies, and adjust the plan based on what feels most helpful. That collaborative process helps tailor techniques to a person’s daily life and priorities.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs. Video calls work well for longer conversations and visual cues. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a short break. Live chat or text messaging can be useful for brief check-ins, skill coaching, or when typing feels easier than speaking. These options make it simpler to keep therapy consistent around work, family, or other responsibilities.
Book with Desiree Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does she help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, grief, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include communication problems, forgiveness, guilt and shame, loneliness, life purpose, veteran and armed forces issues, post-traumatic stress, and women’s issues.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is practical and respectful. She listens first, then helps set small goals and teaches skills clients can use between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has six years of professional experience as a social worker in clinical settings. That background informs her work with anxiety, life transitions, and mood concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) practicing from Maryland.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
What formats are available for sessions?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How do I begin working with her and what does it cost?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on therapist availability. Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
6 years
Licensed
Maryland
Languages
English

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