Sheila Askins, MD, LCSW-C
Experienced clinician for mental health and addiction recovery
- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction and recovery
- Family and relationship support
About Sheila Askins
Sheila Askins is a seasoned mental health professional with 28 years of experience helping individuals and families address a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Holding an MD - a medical doctor degree - and an LCSW-C, which identifies her as a licensed clinical social worker, she combines medical knowledge with social work expertise to support clients facing stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem struggles, ADHD, and drug and alcohol addiction.
Her career began in social services focused on families with children, where she provided case management and counseling aimed at stabilizing the family unit and supporting underserved populations. Over time she expanded into roles as a mental health specialist, delivering counseling and practical resources to social service recipients who encountered barriers to employment because of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In those roles she emphasized identifying and removing obstacles to work through targeted counseling, case management, and family-focused interventions.
Sheila’s experience also includes work addressing substance addiction and serving in school counseling capacities. She has long utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a core method while integrating client-centered and solution-focused techniques to help clients set goals, build coping skills, and move forward toward a more functional and fulfilling life. Sheila looks forward to partnering with individuals to identify, address, and work through the issues that limit their daily functioning and life satisfaction.
Her career began in social services focused on families with children, where she provided case management and counseling aimed at stabilizing the family unit and supporting underserved populations. Over time she expanded into roles as a mental health specialist, delivering counseling and practical resources to social service recipients who encountered barriers to employment because of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In those roles she emphasized identifying and removing obstacles to work through targeted counseling, case management, and family-focused interventions.
Sheila’s experience also includes work addressing substance addiction and serving in school counseling capacities. She has long utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a core method while integrating client-centered and solution-focused techniques to help clients set goals, build coping skills, and move forward toward a more functional and fulfilling life. Sheila looks forward to partnering with individuals to identify, address, and work through the issues that limit their daily functioning and life satisfaction.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Drug and alcohol addiction
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sheila Askins have?
Sheila Askins has 28 years of experience in the helping professions.
Is Sheila Askins a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds an MD and an LCSW-C. License details: MD LCSW-C 18865.
In which languages does Sheila Askins provide therapy?
Sheila Askins provides therapy in English.
Where is Sheila Askins located?
Sheila Askins is located in Maryland.
How can I work with Sheila Askins as my therapist?
You can work with Sheila Askins through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Sheila Askins work with international clients?
Sheila Askins does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sheila Askins cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Sheila Askins
Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client’s lead, helping them explore feelings and identify personal strengths. This approach supports people working through relationship, self-esteem, and life transition issues by emphasizing empathy and collaboration.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, centers on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is practical and skills-based, often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and problems that interfere with daily functioning. Solution-focused therapy narrows the conversation to goals and workable steps, helping clients build on what is already working and move toward concrete change.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Sheila Askins works collaboratively with each person to determine which combination of methods best fits their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress and circumstances evolve.
Online therapy offers flexibility in how services are delivered. Video calls and phone sessions allow for real-time conversations that resemble in-person visits, while live chat and text-based messaging provide options for shorter or more frequent check-ins. These remote formats make it easier for busy adults, caregivers, and those managing transportation or scheduling challenges to access consistent support from licensed professionals and therapists.