Monica Dada (Barham), LCSW-C

Monica Dada (Barham) is a licensed clinical social worker with two decades of experience helping people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, and major life changes. She offers steady support for relationship strain, grief, trauma and abuse, and concerns about intimacy or self-esteem. Her work also covers practical issues like parenting stress, caregiver burden, and managing chronic illness alongside emotional struggles.

She keeps sessions straightforward and focused on what matters to each person. Monica listens first, then helps clients set realistic goals and try small, achievable changes. Her style blends empathy with practical tools so people can notice progress between meetings.

Monica uses methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered approaches, along with Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused ideas. That mix helps with both longer-term patterns and short-term decisions, such as changing habits around substance use or improving communication at home.

Her background emphasizes cultural awareness and respect for each client’s story. Monica has worked with people dealing with identity questions, gender dysphoria, HIV/AIDS, and LGBT-related concerns, while also addressing co-occurring issues like eating and body-image struggles.

Based in Maryland, she brings 20 years of clinical practice to her work and speaks English. People who choose to work with her get collaborative, goal-oriented care aimed at clearer choices and small, steady steps forward.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice their thoughts and values, then take actions that match what matters most. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and making changes around addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers practical exercises to shift unhelpful patterns. That approach often helps with mood, worry, and habit changes. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person in the room by offering warm, nonjudgmental listening and support while the client sets the pace and goals.

Finding the right mix is a team effort. Monica will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then try approaches that fit those needs. She adapts tools as progress unfolds and checks in regularly to see what helps most.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into daily life - for example, by cutting travel time, allowing a brief check-in during a busy day, or letting someone speak without being on camera. Licensed professionals can use these options to keep therapy consistent with a client's schedule and needs.