About Me

David M. Levin, LCSW-C, is a Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical in the state of Maryland with over 30 years of clinical experience working with adolescents, young adults, and their families. He specializes in supporting teens and emerging adults navigating ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, substance use, and complex behavioral or emotional challenges.

David works extensively with adolescents and young adults who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or misunderstood—including those who are treatment-resistant or experiencing “failure to launch.” His work is grounded in a deep understanding of developmental transitions, family systems, and the real-world pressures young people face as they move toward independence.

Approach

David’s approach is direct, relational, and deeply compassionate. Therapy is rooted in cognitive behavioral techniques, combined with meaningful, authentic connection. He prioritizes helping clients feel heard, understood, and supported while also receiving honest feedback and practical tools to move forward.

Many of the young people David works with have been through multiple levels of care or have struggled to find approaches that truly meet their needs. He brings a calm, steady presence to complex situations and focuses on building trust, insight, and skills that support lasting change.

David works collaboratively with parents, caregivers, educators, and other providers, recognizing that meaningful progress often happens when everyone is aligned. He partners closely with families to reduce shame and blame, clarify next steps, and create realistic, coordinated treatment plans that support both the individual and the family system.

Specialized Experience

In addition to private practice, David has held leadership and clinical roles across a wide range of treatment settings. He previously owned Adolescent Intervention Services for over 16 years, accompanying more than 1,500 adolescents and young adults to therapeutic programs nationwide and building long-standing relationships with residential and therapeutic boarding school programs.

In 2014, David co-founded and served as Clinical Director of North Star Academy, a day treatment program supporting adolescents transitioning from wilderness programs, residential treatment, and partial hospitalization settings. This work further deepened his expertise in complex cases and continuity of care across treatment levels.

David also provides crisis intervention services in home and school settings and offers home visits when appropriate. He is known for his responsiveness and commitment to supporting families during periods of acute stress.

Areas of Expertise

• ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Anxiety, depression, and oppositional behaviors

• Treatment-resistant adolescents

• “Failure to launch” young adults

• Individual therapy, family therapy, and parent coaching

• Crisis intervention (home and school settings)

• Residential placement consultation and therapeutic boarding schools

• IEP and 504 advocacy and implementation

• Academic, career, and transitional planning for young adults

Training

• Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Pennsylvania

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, University of Maryland

• Postgraduate Training, Miami Children’s Hospital

• Clinical Training, Addiction Research Center, Philadelphia

• Clinical Training, Veterans Administration Hospital (PTSD, depression, substance use)

• Co-Founder and Clinical Director, North Star Academy (Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program)