Susann Adams , MD, LCSW-C

Susann Adams brings 25 years of clinical experience to her work with individuals, families, groups, and teens, drawing on both clinical and military perspectives. She is a medical doctor (MD) and a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) authorized to practice in Maryland - the LCSW-C denotes a clinical social work license that qualifies her to provide therapeutic services. As a veteran, she has particular experience supporting other veterans and has served as a treatment provider within the legal system.

Her clinical focus includes addictions and substance use, post-traumatic stress and trauma, stress and anxiety, and depression. She centers treatment on each person's goals and strengths, operating from the belief that individuals are the experts on their own lives. That means she often tailors care to the client's circumstances - for example, working toward addiction goals without requiring immediate abstinence, or offering shorter initial sessions for someone who is very anxious.

Susann meets clients where they are and builds collaborative plans that reflect their needs and readiness for change. Beginning therapy is acknowledged as a courageous step, and she emphasizes practical, goal-oriented work to help people address the challenges they bring to treatment.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Susann Adams

Susann Adams integrates Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her online practice, selecting methods that align with each client's needs. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship and supports people in finding their own solutions by recognizing their strengths and preferences. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. She may also draw on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques when clients need practical skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, particularly in cases involving intense emotions or patterns that impair relationships.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. Susann works with clients to explore which methods fit their goals, circumstances, and comfort level, adjusting the plan as progress is made and needs evolve. The emphasis is on practical, goal-focused work that respects where each person is in their journey.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options can reduce barriers such as travel time and scheduling conflicts, allowing clients to connect with licensed professionals from locations that work best for them. Susann uses these modalities to make consistent, engaged care more achievable for people managing busy lives or mobility limits.