“Be happy! Not because everything is perfect but because you choose to focus on life’s perfect moments”. This one of my favorite motivational quotes and one that I make every effort to live by every day.
I am a licensed clinical social worker/therapist with more than 25 years of experience in the health and behavioral health care field. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Morgan State University and my Master’s degree in Social Work from The University of Maryland at Baltimore with a specialization in Health. I am currently licensed in Maryland and in Florida as a tele-mental health therapist.
I have worked in various roles including an individual therapist, mobile crisis therapist, mental health director, case manager, program developer/program manager for a health insurer, home care social worker, counselor with seniors in home care and support group facilitator. I currently have a private practice supporting women with multiple sclerosis in adjustment, grief and loss related to their diagnosis and assisting them with living a life by their own design not their diagnosis.
Throughout my career, regardless of the role, I have been passionate about improving the health, mental health of my client. Addressing solutions to social determinants of health (barriers to care) and negative stigmas that often present to individuals with complex integrated healthcare needs. My goal is to empower individuals to live their best life and to have the strength to separate themselves from their illness. In other words, you are not your disease!
I have an extensive history working with individuals with adjustment disorders, grief/loss, chronic medical conditions, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, sleep disorders and other behavioral and social concerns.
Through virtual therapy sessions, live phone sessions and online messaging I work with clients to understand their current concerns, what lead them to make the often challenging decision to seek therapy, the desire to make a change and how they will identify that a successful change has been made. My clients are in the driver seat however with permission I will support them, help them identify areas of strength and resilience and areas where change may want to be considered. My approach is client centered, solution focused, collaborative, compassionate and non-judgmental. I start from where my client is. Since life is full of challenges that tend to wax and wean, my goal is to work with my client identify their own areas of strength and develop their own wellness tool box to help with daily wellness and to improve coping skills to aid in their own recovery. We will also identify areas that support their goals, areas where self-identified changes are needed and empower clients to live their best life. My therapeutic process is supportive but also evidenced based through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing and at times more eclectic in nature drawing on strategies that will lead to greater success.
I look forward to working with clients to build a happier today, an even brighter tomorrow and solutions towards a journey to health and healing.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Compassion fatigue
MD LCSW-C 10547
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Erica Zachary. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Erica is very thoughtful and considerate. She is very patient and offers great insight to the range of emotions you may be feeling.
Written on Aug 10, 2020 after therapy with Erica for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching
Erica Zachary has been wonderful to me over the last few months. She has helped me realize and confront a lot of pass issues and concerns. She has provided me with several tools that apply to my life when I have my feelings of anxiety. Erica Zachary is a wonderful counselor. I would highly recommend her.
Written on Jul 28, 2020 after therapy with Erica for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and sleeping disorders