Susan (Susie) M. Adams   PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN

Emerita Professor of Nursing

Bio

After directing VUSN's Psychiatric Mental Health Program for almost two decades, Dr. Adams transitioned to the newly created position of Faculty Scholar for Community Engaged Behavioral Health in 2014. In this position she mentors faculty and students in evaluation of evidence based health practices, program outcomes, and dissemination of findings. Dr. Adams' current research concerns include trauma-informed intervention strategies to reduce alcohol and drug related problems for individuals and families through professional education and integrated models of primary care and behavioral health care delivery. Dr. Adams influences mental health policy and APRN education through service on national expert panels and boards, including American Psychiatric Nurses Association Board Member (2012-2014) and Office of President (2014-2016), the Institute of Medicine Committee 2015 report on Psychosocial Interventions for Mental and Substance Use Disorders: A Framework for Establishing Evidence-Based Standards, the 2016 Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs, 5th Edition: A Report of the National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education, and the APRN Competency Based Education Work Group (currently convening 2016-2017) sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Education

  • PhD, University of Kentucky
  • Post Masters Certificate, Vanderbilt University (PMHNP Lifespan)
  • MSN, University of California, San Francisco
  • BSN, Valparaiso University

Certifications

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan)
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

Current Research/Scholarly Interests

  • Trauma-informed intervention strategies to reduce alcohol and drug related problems for individuals and families
  • Integrated models of primary care and behavioral health care delivery
  • SBIRT training for health and health-care related professions (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Alcohol and Substance Abuse)

Academic Interests

  • MSN PMHNP Student Supervision
  • DNP Student Advising 
  • Guest lectures on mental health and substance abuse across specialties and programs

Current Projects

  • Meharry SBIRT Training Grant -- directing and evaluating SBIRT initiative at VUSN
  • Center of Excellence, Department of Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, State of Tennessee -- Child Protective Services Training Academy
  • Vanderbilt Department of Psychiatry, Addictions Medicine collaboration with JourneyPure medical detox and recovery services
  • Partnership with The Next Door implementing continuous quality improvement and program evaluation

Grants

2020-2022. Renewal House, Pew Charitable Trust, Program Evaluation for women in community-based substance abuse treatment between 2010-2020. $500,000. (Subaward 20% workload buyout as PI, two 0.5 FTE RAs, biostatistician. Submitted 11-1-19.)

2019-2024. Meharry Medical College – Dept of Family Medicine: HRSA Grant T0BHP3312, Subaward #190618MK206, Integrated Addiction Medicine Project, $4.5 million. PI Medhat Kalliny. (Subaward 20% workload buyout as collaborator).

2019-2020. Renewal House, Purdue Pharma Foundation Grant, Career Renewal Project to enhance employment opportunities for women in community-based substance abuse treatment. $100,000 program development. Subaward for project evaluation.

2018-2023. Renewal House, SAMHSA TI080324-01, Service Grant Program for Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW), $2.6 million. Project evaluator. Subaward #190618MK206. Agency licensure did not meet SAMHSA requirements.

2015-2018. Vanderbilt Center of Excellence – Tennessee Child Protective Services Academy Develop and team-teach SBIRT; Develop and teach mental health overview, recovery principles, and psychopharmacology overview. (15% workload buyout subaward)

2015-2017. Meharry Medical College SBIRT Training grant: SAMHSA 5U79T1025396-03. Co-Director of Interdisciplinary SBIRT Training (20% workload buyout subaward). Direct school-wide integration of SBIRT across Vanderbilt School of Nursing.

2014-2018. Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, Community Engage Research Core faculty member. Supported by Vanderbilt-Meharry CTSA and VICTR grants. (5% workload buyout subaward).

2013-2015. Meharry Medical College SBIRT Training grant: SAMHSA 1U79T1025396-01. Co-Director of Interdisciplinary SBIRT Training (20% workload buyout subaward). Direct school-wide integration of SBIRT for targeted mid-south medical, nursing and social work schools.

2012-2013. Meharry Medical Center, Roger Zoorob, PI, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Regional Training Center-Midsouth Region, Screening and Brief Intervention in primary care settings. Contracted consultation role as SBIRT and FASD educator. CDC-RFA-DD11-11072CONT12. Contract Consultant role.

2010-2011. Meharry Medical Center, Roger Zoorob, PI, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Regional Training Center-Midsouth Region, Screening and Brief Intervention in primary care settings. Contracted consultation role as SBIRT and FASD educator. CDC-RFA-5U84DD000882. Contract Consultant role.

2007. University of Kentucky, Sigma Theta Tau – Delta Psi Chapter, National Nursing Honor Society, research grant for $1500 for dissertation study.

2007. Vanderbilt University, Sigma Theta Tau – Iota Chapter, National Nursing Honor Society, research grant for $500 for dissertation study.

2002-2004. HRSA/SAMHSA/CSAT/AMERSA “Project Mainstream” Faculty Fellowship Interprofessional Training in SBIRT curriculum integration and implementation as practice innovation with evaluation.          

Representative Publications

Journals

Walker, J., Vanderhoef, D., Adams, S., Fleisch, S.B. (2022). The impact of an educational intervention on
nursing staff attitudes toward patients experiencing homelessness and mental illness. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 28, 474-479, doi: 10.1177/10783903211011669.

Adams, S., Vanderhoef, D. (2021). The critical role of primary care providers in meeting mental health care needs in 2021. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 17(1), 3-4, doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.12.014.

Nelson, P.A. & Adams, S.M. (2020). Primary care provider’s role in suicide prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 16(10), Doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.07.015.

Brown, M.J., Adams, S.M., Vanderhoef, D., Schipani, R., & Taylor, A. (2020). Improving PHQ9 utilization rates in a primary care-mental health integration setting. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses undefinedAssociation, 26, 206-211. Doi: 10.1177/1078390319865331.

Alexander, L., Sullivan, C., Joosten, Y., Lipham, L., Adams, S., Coleman, P., Carpenter, R., Hargreaves, M. (2020). Advancing community engaged research through partnership development: Overcoming challenges voiced by community-academic partners. Progress in Community Health Partnerships, 14, 315-326. Doi: 10.1353/cpr.2020.0037

Sinclair, V., Adams, S.M., & Dietrich, M. (2020). Associations between changes in resilient coping and Post-Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Research in Nursing & Health, 43(3), 255-262. Doi: undefined10.1002/nur.2201

Cooper, R.L., Sullivan, D.J., Cappiccie, A.C., Edgerton, R., Watson, J., Guinn, T., & Adams, S.M. (2019). Social work education in SBIRT: Responding to the challenge of alcohol-related health disparities. Journal of Social Work Education, (Revision pending).

Jessup, M.A., Oerther, S.E., Gance-Cleveland, B., Cleveland, L.M., Czubaruk, K., Byrne, M.W., D’Apolito, K.D., Adams, S.M., Braxter, B.J., & Martinez-Rogers, N. (2019). Pregnant and parenting women with undefineda substance use disorder: Actions and policy for enduring therapeutic practice. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), undefined199-204. Doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2019.02.005.

Cockroft, J.D., Adams, S.M., Matlock, D., Dietrich, M.S. (2020). Reliability and construct validity of three psychometric trust scales for women seeking substance abuse treatment in a community setting. Substance Abuse Journal, 41(3), 391-399. Doi:10.1080/08897077.2019.1635967. (Pub online: 8/1/19)

Cockroft, J.D., Adams, S.M., Bonnet, K., Matlock, D., McMillan, J., & Schlundt, D. (2019). “A Scarlet Letter:” Stigma and other factors affecting trust in the healthcare system for women seeking substance abuse treatment in a community setting. Substance Abuse Journal, 40(2), 170-177. Doi: 10.1080/08897077.2018.1544184. (Pub online: 2/13/19).

Adams, S., Rice, M.J., Jones, S.L., Herzog, E., Mackenzie, L.J., & Oleck, L. G. (2018). Telemental health: Standards, reimbursement and interstate practice. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 24, 295-305. Doi: 10.1177/1078390318763963.

Richardson, L. & Adams, S.M. (2018). Cognitive deficits in patients with depression. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 14, 437-443, 443.e1-443.e3.

Adams, S., Morse, S., Choi, S., Watson, C., & Bride, B.E. (2017). Substance use and mental health treatment retention among young adults. Global Journal of Addiction & Rehabilitation Medicine. 1(3), 5555564.

Adams, S.M. & Black, P. (2016). American Psychiatric Nurses Association---Transitions in Practice
certificate program: Bridging the knowledge gap in caring for psychiatric patients within the general nursing workforce. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 40, 225-236. Doi: 10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000168.

Adams, S. (2016). Collaborating in an evolving health care system: Opportunities for
redesigning health care delivery. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 22, 62-69. Doi: 10.1177/1078390316629151.

Adams, S. (2015). Mental health care policy: Claiming our seats at the table. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 21, 428-430. Doi: 10.1177/1078390315621553.

Adams, S. (2015). The IOM report on Psychosocial Interventions for Mental and Substance Use Disorders: Opportunities for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses. Journal of the American
Psychiatric Nurses Association, 21, 1-5. Doi:10.1177/1078390315606107.

Adams, S. (2015). APNA's Transitions in Practice (ATP) certificate program: Building and supporting the psychiatric nursing workforce. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses
Association, 21, 279-283. Doi:10.1177/1078390315599169.

Adams, S. (2015). APNA's suicide competencies for inpatient psychiatric nurses: "Saving lives...one at a time." Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 21, 175-179. Doi:10.1177/1078390315588286.

Hudson, C.C., Adams, S., & Lauderdale, J. (2015). Cultural expressions of intergenerational
trauma and mental health nursing implications for U.S. health care delivery following refugee resettlement: An integrative review of the literature. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. Published online before print May 25, 2015, Doi: 10.1177/1043659615587591.

Adams, S. (2015). An organizational seat at the table: Advocacy based on science and education. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 21, 111-113. Doi: 10.1177/1078390315577202

Adams, S. (2015). Psychiatric mental health nursing: "A seat at the table." Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 21, 34-37. Doi: 10.1177/10783903145645.

Bernet, A., Warren, C., & Adams, S.M. (2015). Using a community-based participatory research approach to evaluate resident predictors of involuntary exits from permanent supportive housing: A retrospective observational inquiry using community-derived data. Evaluation and Program Planning, 49, 63-69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.11.011.

Choi, S., Adams, S.M., Morse, S., & Macmaster, S. (2015). Gender differences in treatment retention among individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. Journal of Substance Use and Misuse, 50, 653-663. Doi:10.3109/10826084.2014.997828.

Abanes, J. J. & Adams, S. (2014). Using a web-based patient-provider messaging system to enhance patient satisfaction among active duty sailors and marines seen in the psychiatric outpatient clinic: A pilot study. Nursing Clinics of North America, 49, 91-103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2013.11.005.

Zoorob, R.J., Durkin, K.M., Gonzalez, S.J., & Adams, S. (2014). Training nurses and student nurses about prevention, diagnoses and treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Nurse Education in Practice. 14(4):338-44. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2013.11.009. Epub 2013 Dec 21.

Rasch, R.F.R, Davidson, D., Seiters, J., Macmaster, S.A., Adams, S., Darby, K., & Cooper, R.L. (2013). Integrated recovery management model for ex-offenders with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders and high rates of HIV risk behaviors. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 24, 438-448.

Choi, S., Adams, S.M., Macmaster, S., & Seiters, J. (2013). Predictors of residential treatment retention among individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(2), 122-131.

Book Chapters

Adams, S. M. (2017). Psychiatric complications in the postpartum period. In D. J. Angelini and D. LaFontaine (eds.) Obstetric triage and emergency care protocols, 2nd ed., (in press).

Adams, S. M. (2015). Identifying research questions. In N. Schmidt and J. Brown (eds.) Evidenced based practice for nurses: Appraisal and application of research, 3nd ed., (pp. 70-93). Philadelphia, PA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Inc.

Adams, S. M. & Antai-Otong, D. (2014). Psychotherapeutic approaches for addictions and related disorders. In Kathleen Wheeler (ed.) Psychotherapy for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, 2nd ed.., (pp. 565-596). New York, NY: Spring Publishing Company

Representative Presentations

Adams, S.M. (2016). Mental Health Series for Nurse Practitioners: "Improving the Management of Depression in Primary Care: Insights into Diagnosis and Treatment." Online interactive multi-media produced by MCM Education, sponsored by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Jackson, W.C., Thase, M., & Adams, S. (2015). CME Roundtable Panel: Multidisciplinary Management of Bipolar Disorder: Accelerating Diagnosis, Achieving Remission, and Encouraging Adherence. Online CME module produced by Integritas Communications Group, Research Updates, 1/21/15.

Adams, S.M. (2015). "Managing Mental Health: A Comprehensive Curriculum for Nurse Practitioners / Schizophrenia." Online interactive multi-media case produced by the France Foundation, sponsored by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Clinical Practice

  • Private practice -- Susie Adams, PhD, PMHNP-BC -- Women & Family Mental Health Services, Brentwood, TN 
  • JourneyPure, Murfreesboro, TN in collaboration with Vanderbilt Addiction Medicine Services

Professional Organizations

  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Fellow - Inducted 2008
  • American Nurses Association / Tennessee Nurses Association
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center - Invited item-writer for initial PMHNP Exam; Instructor for PMHNP Review Seminars, 2006-present
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association: Board of Directors - Member at Large 2011-2013; President-Elect 2013-2014; President 2014-2015; Immediate Past President 2015-2016
  • Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse: Executive Board, Member at Large 2011-2014l; National Conference Planning Committee, Chair-Elect 2010, Chair 2011
  • National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties - Chair Psych Special Interest Group 2009-2010
  • Sigma Theta Tau

Honors/Awards

  • University of Kentucky College of Nursing Hall of Fame, 2020
  • Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, 2015 
  • Sarah K. Archer Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning Experience -- Vanderbilt University, 2015
  • Huegli Address - Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 2014 
  • Top 15 Psychiatric NP Professors - NP Education Blog, 2014 
  • Nashville, March of Dimes Nurse of the Year, Graduate Nursing Education, 2011 
  • International Nurses Society on Addictions, Excellence in Education, 2009
  • Fellow in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 2008
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association Excellence in Nursing Education, 2008
  • Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Centennial "100 Leaders" 2008

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