Shaquira Wakefield, LCSW-C

Shaquira Wakefield is the Lead Therapist at North Bethesda, where she brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to the mental health and well-being of her clients. Shaquira holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Social Work Degree. Her journey in mental health began during graduate school as an Intake Specialist at a Women’s and Children’s Shelter, which sparked her passion for working with individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders.

With over a decade of experience as a Social Worker in a hospital setting, Shaquira has developed exceptional skills in assisting patients during their most vulnerable moments. Her move to Sandstone allowed her to further focus on providing long-term support to clients, helping them to manage their mental health with effective strategies and supportive guidance. Shaquira is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) and specializes in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Shaquira’s expertise particularly shines in working with young adults, helping them navigate their unique challenges and encouraging them to develop healthier coping mechanisms. She is passionate about partnering with her clients to work toward the goals they set for themselves, believing strongly that everyone has a purpose to fulfill.

Outside of her professional life, Shaquira enjoys traveling to new places and watching documentaries. These hobbies not only broaden her perspective but also enrich her understanding of human experiences and cultures, which enhances her therapeutic practice.

Shaquira cherishes the time she spends with her family and friends, finding joy and rejuvenation in these personal connections. Her dedication to her clients, combined with her rich personal life and professional expertise, makes her a respected and effective leader at North Bethesda.