Susan Abrams LCSW in Baltimore: Individual Therapy for Adults with Structured Treatment Plans

Susan Abrams is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) running an individual therapy practice in Baltimore focused on adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. She works by appointment in an office-based setting and operates independently rather than as part of a larger group or hospital system, which means clients book directly with her and build continuity with a single clinician.

What This Practice Actually Is

Abrams holds the LCSW credential, which in Maryland requires a master's degree in social work, supervised clinical hours, and state licensure. An LCSW is trained in clinical assessment and evidence-based talk therapy; they are distinct from psychiatrists (who prescribe medication) and from therapists without clinical licensure. Abrams offers talk therapy for adults, not couples work, group therapy, or medication management. The practice operates on a per-session basis without a required long-term contract, allowing clients to continue or pause as their situation changes.

Services and Pricing

Individual therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes and cost between $90 and $140 per session, depending on the client's insurance plan and whether they pay out-of-pocket. Verify current rates directly with Abrams before scheduling, as insurance reimbursement rates are set between her and individual plans. Many insurance plans in Maryland cover licensed clinical social work services at 60 to 80 percent of the fee, meaning a client's out-of-pocket cost often runs $25 to $50 per session after insurance. Uninsured clients should confirm the exact out-of-pocket fee before booking an initial appointment.

How Abrams Compares to Other Baltimore Therapists

Baltimore has a mix of independent LCSW practices, group therapy offices, and therapists affiliated with hospital systems like Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical System. An independent practitioner like Abrams typically offers faster appointment scheduling than a large clinic because there is no wait for an intake coordinator, though she may have a waiting list if her caseload is full. Group practices often have more therapists available and sometimes accommodate urgent requests by assigning a colleague, while Abrams works solely with her own clients, eliminating that option. Hospital-affiliated clinics may offer psychiatric services and medication management under one roof, reducing the need for multiple providers; Abrams does not provide psychiatric care and may refer clients to a psychiatrist if medication seems appropriate. Choose an independent clinician like Abrams if continuity with one therapist is important to you and your schedule allows flexibility in appointment timing. Choose a large practice if you need backup therapist coverage or same-system psychiatric care.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

Abrams is well-suited for adults who have a consistent schedule and can commit to weekly or biweekly sessions, as individual therapy works best with regularity. Clients with commercial or Maryland Medicaid insurance typically have coverage; verify your plan covers LCSW services before booking. The practice works for people managing depression, anxiety, or past trauma through talk therapy; it is not the right fit if you are in psychiatric crisis, actively suicidal, or require urgent psychiatric medication adjustment (go to the emergency department instead). Abrams is not equipped for couples therapy, family work, or child therapy; adults seeking those modalities should contact Baltimore couples therapists or community mental health centers separately.

What the First Visit Involves

The initial appointment is a 50-minute intake session in which Abrams will ask about your presenting concern, mental health history, current medications or psychiatric care, and relevant life circumstances. She will explain her approach and what therapy with her would look like, discuss confidentiality and its exceptions (mandated reporting), and clarify insurance billing if applicable. You should bring your insurance card and photo ID. At the end of the first session, Abrams will typically propose a treatment plan and schedule a second appointment; this is also your chance to ask questions about her credentials, experience, and approach before committing to ongoing work.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Abrams's office is in Baltimore and is accessible by appointment only during regular business hours. Confirm her exact address, parking availability, and current appointment availability directly with her, as small private practices sometimes shift locations or adjust schedules. There is no walk-in availability; all care is by prior booking.

Susan Abrams fills a straightforward role in Baltimore's mental health landscape: she is a single clinician offering talk therapy with no corporate structure or long waitlist, which suits adults who value consistency and can plan ahead for their appointments.