Deanna P. Sams, Ph.D.

Professional Background

Dr. Sams has extensive experience in the clinical treatment of children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, and disruptive behavior disorders in children and adolescents. She has extensive training and clinical experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and in Collaborative and Proactive Solutions approach (developed by Ross Greene, Ph.D.) in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Dr. Sams is the Co-Director of the Psychological Testing Service, and is responsible for all Child & Adolescent testing referrals and Adult Inpatient testing referrals. She is heavily involved in the training and supervision of pre-doctoral interns, as well as medical students and residents in psychiatry.

Dr. Sams' research evaluates the impact of psychological interventions on Inpatient Psychiatry Units. Specifically, she has examined the impact of mindfulness, narrative therapy, and Collaborative & Proactive Solutions in the child & adolescent inpatient unit at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Research Focus and Interests - Inpatient psychiatry / child and adolescent / mindfulness / Acceptance & Commitment Therapy / Collaborative & Proactive Solutions