Rated 4.3 stars out of 5, 11 ratings

Rachel Scharf

LCSW-C, 5 years of experience

Warm
Virtual
Next available on

About me

Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) based in Maryland. I earned my Master’s degree from the Catholic University of America and have been practicing for the past five years. I specialize in working with teens and young adults, and also have experience providing parenting support and coaching. My approach is grounded in neurodivergent-affirming care, creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals and families to feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, I’ll ask a number of background questions to help me get a fuller understanding of your life and experiences. This information is important for tailoring our work together in a way that truly supports your needs. We’ll also collaborate on creating a treatment plan and set meaningful goals to guide our work moving forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions and doing the important work that therapy often requires. I also bring creativity into our sessions and can incorporate art or music therapy techniques if that resonates with you. Above all, I’m here to sit with you in whatever feelings arise, and many clients have shared that they find my approach deeply validating and empathetic.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m passionate about working with young teens and young adults who are navigating the challenges of adolescence, college life, and the transition into adulthood. These phases can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and isolating at times. Whether it’s managing academic pressure, identity exploration, social struggles, or the stress of “adulting,” I offer a supportive space to process these experiences and develop practical, concrete tools to handle whatever comes your way.

Specialties

Top specialties

ADHDAnxiety

Other specialties

Child or AdolescentDepressionGrief

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Psychodynamic

I take a client-led, psychodynamic approach to therapy, which means you set the pace and choose the goals that matter most to you. You decide what you'd like to explore in our sessions—whether that’s a specific challenge or simply what's on your mind. My role is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly. Whether you need to process difficult emotions, share personal reflections, or just vent, this is your space to do so without judgment.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical and evidence-based approach that offers useful tools for breaking the cycle between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. CBT can help you develop concrete strategies to manage challenges, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and create meaningful change in how you feel and respond to situations.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 4.3 stars out of 5, 11 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

June 17, 2025

She really did not listen to my concerns and she was eating dinner during our session. Not very professional.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Rachel