Jerry Smith

Jerry Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with decades of experience in mental health. He describes his style as client-centered, meaning he meets people where they are and helps them set goals they actually want to work toward. He offers practical, straightforward guidance and gives homework to support progress.

Over 38 years in practice, he has worked across many settings. That includes foster-care families, clients with developmental disabilities, and geriatric residents in assisted living. He has also worked in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health and substance use programs, and correctional facilities with people facing a range of diagnoses and substance use concerns.

Jerry often helps people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief, relationship and family issues, parenting strains, career concerns, and life transitions. He also lists support for eating and sleeping issues, anger, self-esteem, intimacy questions, and ADHD among his focus areas. He frames work on these topics as collaborative problem-solving rather than a lecture.

His teaching experience includes twelve years as an adjunct professor of psychology, which informs his clear, educational style in sessions. He uses Client-Centered Therapy as the foundation of his work and draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques when helpful to change thinking and behavior patterns.

People who choose him can expect direct feedback, homework assignments, and a focus on achievable steps. He emphasizes that therapy follows the client’s goals and pace, and he helps people identify and move past what keeps them stuck.

How his approaches shape online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding each person's perspective and priorities. It means the therapist listens without judgment and helps the client set goals that matter to them. This approach is helpful for people navigating life changes, relationship stress, or low self-esteem.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. It uses concrete techniques to test unhelpful thinking and build new habits. CBT can be useful for anxiety, depression, addictions, sleep problems, and managing strong emotions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and help choose what fits a client's needs and preferences. Decisions about methods and pace are collaborative and revisit progress along the way.

Confirm which session formats are offered before booking, since formats were not specified in the provided profile. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also makes it possible to keep therapy consistent during transitions or when daily routines change.