geometry-shapes iconRelationships, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD
7 years in practice
Ages served: 14-64
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Desiree doesn't accept any insurers.
Check-out the out-of-pocket rates below.
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Desiree

Hello, and welcome. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am passionate about helping adults navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and life transitions with compassion and evidence-based care. I often work with individuals who feel overwhelmed by worry, burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or the lasting effects of difficult experiences. Together, we'll build practical coping skills, increase self-understanding, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward the life you want. 

My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to your unique needs. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and Attachment Theory, I help adults manage anxiety, ADHD, trauma, burnout, and life transitions by building practical coping skills, improving self-esteem, and emotional regulation to create the life you want to live. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Healing and growth are possible, and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. When you’re ready, I welcome you to reach out and take the next step toward a more grounded and fulfilling life.


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"I believe meaningful, lasting change happens through authentic connection, a collaborative approach and evidence-based care. "

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Get to know Desiree

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

My journey into mental health began during my time as a Family Case Manager with the Indiana Department of Child Services. In that role, I witnessed the weight that so many families were carrying—not only in navigating systems and accessing resources, but in managing the emotional and mental health challenges that often went unseen. I was deeply moved by the resilience I saw in individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, and I came to understand how powerful it can be when someone feels truly supported and understood. Over time, I found myself drawn to the moments of connection, growth, and change that emerged when people began to recognize their own strength. That experience ultimately led me to become a therapist, and it continues to ground my commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and capable of meaningful healing and change.

What types of clients do you work best with? 

I work best with adults who feel overwhelmed internally despite appearing high-functioning externally. Many of my clients are managing anxiety, ADHD, burnout, perfectionism, peoplepleasing patterns, or stress related to major life transitions. I also work with individuals impacted by trauma and early relational experiences, including attachment wounds and family conflict.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process? 

One thing I wish clients knew about therapy, mental health, and the healing process is that it isn’t a magic wand. It takes real work and time. But it’s work you don’t have to do alone. You don’t have to have it all figured out or be at your best or even know where to begin; showing up as you are is enough, and we can work from there together.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy? 

In your first session, you can expect a welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental space where we begin getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions about what brings you to therapy, your current challenges, and what you hope to gain from our work together. We may also explore relevant history, patterns, and stressors to better understand your experience as a whole. You don’t need to prepare anything or have the “right” words. Just come as you are. My goal is to make the process feel comfortable and paced in a way that works for you. We’ll also talk about what therapy might look like moving forward and begin identifying initial goals so you leave with a sense of the direction you want to go and clarity. 

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My experiences as a Family Case Manager and service provider with the Indiana Department of Child Services, as well as my work as a therapist in a residential facility for youth with intellectual disabilities, trauma, and mental health disorders, have shaped my practice and perspective as a clinician. Through this work, I’ve come to understand the challenges individuals and families face in navigating systems, trauma, and a culture that often promotes perfectionism and the pressure to “always have it all together.” I am passionate about helping people feel supported as they move through these challenges, and about creating space where they can show up as they are. My goal is to help clients recognize their strengths, reconnect with their values, and make meaningful changes in their lives that align with the future they desire for themselves.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I tailor therapy to meet each client where they are. I take time to understand what brings them to treatment and collaborate with them to identify the most effective approach to support their goals. Together, we determine the focus and pace of therapy in a way that feels comfortable, supportive, and aligned with their needs.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesRelationships, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Domestic Abuse, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Life Transition, Self-Harming, Codependency, Developmental Disorders, Learning / Intellectual Disabilities, Neurodiversity, Peer Relationships, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Family Conflict, Racial Identity
ApproachesMotivational Interviewing, Narrative, Attachment-Based, Family Systems, Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused, Strength-Based Therapy, Culturally Sensitive
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Education and training

Years in practice
7 years
Graduating institute
Indiana Wesleyan University
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1124973789
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State of practiceIN
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License number34012736A
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
Video
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Desiree Carter

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)she/her