My name is Mark Sams, and I am in private practice as a psychotherapist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Texas Lic. #60648), expires 8/22) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (Texas Lic. # 13043, expires 6 /3). I am sorry to hear you are having troubles and I’d be honored to help.
I have wide experience ranging from Psychiatric Inpatient treatment to Inpatient and Ambulatory Chemical detox, Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization, and private practice. I have been a provider of MH services since 2015. I graduated with a Master of Social Work Degree from The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work in 2014. My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Advertising from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
Specialized areas include but are not limited to addiction, depression, anxiety, lifestyle conflicts and feelings of alienation, couples/family issues, loss and grief, attention problems, learning to live with personality problems or chronic illness, Sexuality and gender concerns, and numerous other challenges.
My approach to the treatment of situational problems like anxiety, depression and substance abuse is to use psychoeducational tools (teaching), psychotherapeutic tools, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based approaches to create team-oriented, active, and as short-termed as possible treatment plans. Your role will not simply be patient, but an essential member of your treatment team, involved in all treatment planning, processes, interventions, and termination decisions.
As a provider I first complete a Bio-Psycho-Social Assessment that identifies areas causing what are unique difficulties which I’m sure are affecting your quality of life and, possibly, your ability to function. My job, if you decide to form a therapeutic alliance with me is to help you learn how to restore that quality and functionality as quickly and as painlessly as possible. We might even have some fun in the process. Therapy is not all doom and gloom.
My relationship with the companies I work with makes a private and confidential therapeutic relationship with my patients simple. They refer patients and handle the financial end so that those complications don’t distract from your therapy. We can begin once Better Help has determined you meet criteria for care, and has processed your insurance or payment arrangements, or as soon as you like if they have already completed that process.
I’m generally available for online video, phone, chat, or messaging sessions M-F 9-6 but can be flexible where needed. Currently, I do not have a clinical location for live sessions. If you have not tried online care before, I encourage you to. I have found it to be connective and therapeutic, and if we don’t mesh, I will never be offended by a request for a new therapist. This is about the improvement of your life, and it is part of my duty to you to find you a referral that will better fit your needs.
I feel that an essential part of growth, health and happiness is to always have interests and goals that challenge and inspire.
My interests include Luthiery (building and repairing stringed instruments ) and playing those instruments. My wife and I are musicians and play in several bands. We also are administrators of a charitable program providing qualified Zambian students with opportunities to earn PhDs in Speech and Communication Disorders. These graduates are creating the infrastructure to support sustainable care for those who suffer from disabilities in that eight poorest country in the world.
I hope to hear from you soon and, again, I am sorry you are going through tough times. There is empathy, care and help available, I assure you. I know because I’ve been a patient as well. Clean and sober since 2005.
Mark Sams LCSW LCDC
Sondermind Psychotherapist
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Military and Veterans Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Phobias, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Sex Addiction, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
TX LCSW 60648
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Mark Sams. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
In a very short period of time I have managed to build a rapport with Marc that I hope will lead me to other places. He's got an open an easy manner an informative outlook and is a great listener
Written on Jan 23, 2022 after therapy with Mark for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes
Mark has been very helpful and taught me some great things
Written on Jan 18, 2022 after therapy with Mark for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and addictions
It has only been about 5 weeks with Mark Sams and I haven't felt this content with myself in over 10 years. I have seen many therapists/psychologists in my mental health journey, but nothing has really been life changing; things take time I understand. This time around talking to Mark over these past few weeks have made a difference, I feel lighter, more confident in myself, and I am learning mindfulness to help reduce my overwhelming stress. Thank you.
Written on Nov 30, 2021 after therapy with Mark for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, and anger management
Great therapist
Written on Nov 21, 2021 after therapy with Mark for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, and coping with life changes
He’s honestly really great. Really is supportive but also gives hard but need to hear advice without overstepping. Would recommend to any of my friends looking for a good therapist.
Written on Nov 18, 2021 after therapy with Mark for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and relationship issues