Luretha Kelly, LICSW, LCSW

Luretha Kelly, LICSW, LCSW, helps people facing trauma, anger, depression, anxiety, and the daily stresses that wear people down. She works with concerns like self-esteem, relationships, parenting strain, and the ways life changes can unsettle routines. Her approach is straightforward and focused on practical steps a person can use right away.

Kelly emphasizes the client’s voice and strengths. She treats each person as the expert on their own life and supports them in building skills that fit their goals. Sessions aim to identify what matters to the client and find small, achievable steps toward those values.

Her background includes 16 years of clinical practice across the District of Columbia and Mississippi. She draws on several evidence-informed methods to shape therapy in ways that match each person’s needs. This includes techniques for managing intense emotions, changing unhelpful thinking patterns, and increasing present-moment awareness.

In a typical meeting she helps people learn new coping strategies, practice communication skills, and set realistic goals for change. She also addresses complex issues such as addiction, bipolar challenges, grief, and caregiving stress through clear, goal-oriented work. The tone is encouraging and practical, with attention to the client’s pace.

For those coming from service or civilian life transitions, she recognizes how role changes and stress can affect mood and relationships. Prospective clients are encouraged to describe their situation so sessions can be tailored to personal priorities and real-world demands.

How her approaches guide online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters most to a person and taking small actions toward those values. It can help with depression, anxiety, and life transitions by shifting attention from unwanted thoughts to meaningful steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical techniques to change unhelpful patterns. It is often useful for anxiety, mood concerns, and sleep problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills for managing intense feelings and relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and which methods seem most helpful. That collaborative process helps tailor sessions so techniques match what a person needs and how they prefer to learn.

The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a weeknight, a lunch break, or a busy caregiving schedule. It also lets people use audio-only check-ins when bandwidth or comfort with video is a concern. Talk with the therapist about practical arrangements and which format will best fit your routine.