
Christina Stanley
she/herLicensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate (LCSW-C)
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.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I bring over 20 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients, particularly those navigating women’s issues, mood disorders, and multicultural experiences. I specialize in helping individuals heal from stress, anxiety, and life transitions while addressing attachment challenges and promoting self-love. I earned my Master of Social Work from Howard University and my Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology from Washington Adventist University (formerly Columbia Union College).
My experience includes psychotherapy, crisis intervention, developing individualized treatment plans, and connecting individuals with resources that support recovery and well-being. I provide both individual and couples counseling, specializing in CBT and trauma-focused therapies.
My therapeutic approach is deeply compassionate and culturally responsive. I understand the impact of systemic challenges like prejudice and discrimination, creating a space for clients to explore their experiences authentically. Whether you’re experiencing depression, caregiver stress, or seeking self-understanding, I’m here to support your journey.

"As a woman of color I understand the difficulties navigating a world systematically designed to hold us back, I see our persistence, a quiet revolution that turns our barriers into stepping stones."
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I decided to become a clinician driven by a deep commitment to social justice and a profound belief in human resilience. Over my career—spanning more than 20 years in public behavioral health and community systems—I have consistently witnessed how systemic barriers, trauma, and life transitions can impact an individual's emotional wellbeing. I wanted to create a safe, culturally responsive space where people, particularly women and those navigating complex emotional landscapes, feel genuinely seen and empowered. Therapy is not just about addressing symptoms; it is about uncovering a client's inner strengths, building sustainable coping tools, and helping them transform past barriers into stepping stones toward authentic personal growth.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I work best with adult clients who are navigating complex emotional landscapes, life transitions, or the impact of chronic stress and trauma. My practice is especially wellsuited for individuals seeking a culturally responsive, empowering space—particularly women, those addressing mood disorders or grief, and anyone looking to cultivate self-love and resilient coping strategies in the face of systemic or personal challenges.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
"I wish everyone knew that taking care of your mental health is an act of courage, not defeat. The coping mechanisms you developed in the past helped you survive, but healing gives you the space to unlearn what no longer serves you and build sustainable tools to truly thrive."
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
I believe that the most important part of any therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist, Our first few sessions will be set to get to know one another. It is important to build that trust and offer safe space to open and honest communication.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
My practice is deeply informed by my lived experiences with personal loss—specifically the grief of losing my mother at 18 and navigating my brother's murder. Additionally I have the unique experience navigating the systemic oppression of moving through the world as a Black woman. These profound experiences have given me an authentic, compassionate understanding of how grief, trauma, and systemic barriers shape our lives, and how resilience is built. They anchor my commitment to providing a culturally responsive, deeply empathetic space where clients can feel truly seen, honored, and supported on their healing journey."
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I believe effective therapy begins with meeting a client exactly where they are. Because no two people share the same lived experience, I tailor my approach by deeply listening to a client’s unique story, cultural background, and personal goals. By blending evidence-based practices like CBT and trauma-informed care with a flexible, person-centered style, I co-create a dynamic treatment plan with each client. Whether adjusting the pace, incorporating mindfulness and creative expression, or focusing on practical coping tools, my priority is ensuring that every individual feels understood, respected, and actively empowered in shaping their own healing journey.
- Years in practice
- 24 years
- Graduating institute
- Howard University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work (MSW)