Susann Adams, MD, LCSW-C

Susann Adams is a licensed clinician in Maryland with 25 years of experience. She holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and depression and writes plainly about practical steps people can use right away.

She centers work on each person's goals and strengths. Sessions start where someone is - for example a person may still be using substances while also working on addiction goals. Shorter sessions are a reasonable option when anxiety makes longer meetings hard.

Her approach includes cognitive behavioral techniques, client-centered care, and skills from dialectical behavior therapy. She also uses motivational interviewing and narrative ideas to help people change patterns and tell their story in new ways. These are offered to help manage symptoms and build daily routines that feel achievable.

Susann has long experience with trauma and post-traumatic stress and with problems linked to codependency, communication struggles, guilt and shame, and personality challenges. She has also supported people facing aging and hospice or end-of-life concerns, isolation and loneliness, and issues related to military service.

Work is collaborative and straightforward. Susann helps people set clear, doable goals and practices concrete skills during sessions. She encourages a steady pace and adapts methods to fit each person's needs and life circumstances.

How CBT, Client-Centered Work, and DBT Translate Online

Susann blends cognitive behavioral techniques with client-centered care and dialectical behavior therapy skills to address everyday problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and working from the client's priorities to guide sessions and set goals. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) provides concrete skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and better communication when feelings feel overwhelming.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. She collaborates with each person to decide which tools fit their goals, needs, and life situation. That partnership shapes whether sessions focus more on skill practice, problem-solving, motivational interviewing techniques, or reworking personal narratives.

Online therapy makes it easier to get consistent support through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and skills practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or camera use is an issue. Live chat and text messaging are useful for short check-ins, homework support, or when a quick exchange fits into a busy day. These options give flexibility so therapy can fit work, caregiving, or other responsibilities.