Janet Hughes , MD, LCSW-C, LICSW

Janet L. Hughes is a licensed clinical social worker with 21 years of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship and family challenges, grief, trauma, and other life transitions. She earned her Master of Social Work in July 2001 and completed undergraduate studies at the University of Florida. She is licensed to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia and holds credentials listed as MD, LCSW-C, and LICSW - with MD indicating a medical degree and LCSW-C and LICSW representing advanced clinical social work licenses. She is also certified in addiction treatment and has extensive experience working with depression, substance use, trauma, and concerns related to intimacy, sexual orientation, and non-monogamous relationships.

Janet approaches therapy as a collaborative process that recognizes the client as the expert in their own life. She blends evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques with motivational interviewing to support behavior change, manage difficult emotions, and build coping skills. In individual sessions she emphasizes empathy, transparency, and practical support while helping clients set achievable goals and develop strategies for growth. Janet aims to create a working relationship that fosters empowerment, resilience, and meaningful change, and she welcomes contact from those ready to begin that process.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Janet uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; this approach is frequently used for anxiety, depression, and problems with coping. She also incorporates mindfulness therapy to help people develop present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity to stress, which can support emotional regulation and overall well-being. Motivational interviewing is used when people are ambivalent about change - it focuses on building internal motivation and practical steps toward goals.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work together. Janet collaborates with each person to explore which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques over time as progress is made. The process is guided by clear goals and shared decision making.

Online therapy with Janet is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited local options. These remote options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into daily life, and access a licensed professional from different locations.