Deanna P. Sams, Ph.D.

Professional Background

Dr. Sams has extensive experience in the clinical treatment of children, adolescents, and families. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, and disruptive behavior disorders in children and adolescents. She has extensive training and clinical experience in use of the Collaborative Problem Solving approach (developed by Ross Greene, Ph.D.) in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Sams also has training and experience in the therapeutic treatment of children with medical conditions, especially Type 1 diabetes.

Dr. Sams' current research focus is evaluating the impact of the implementation of the Collaborative Problem Solving approach on the Child Inpatient Unit. Specific factors being examined include the impact of length of stay, diagnosis, age, and sex on use of seclusion and restraint, as well as patient and parent satisfaction following an inpatient stay.

Dr. Sams is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Genesee Valley Psychological Association.

Research Focus and Interests - Inpatient child psychiatry, reduction of seclusion / restraint, assessment of the implementation of the Collaborative Problem Solving model on the child inpatient unit