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Headshot of Denise Smith, LCSW

Denise Smith

Therapist
19 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Substance use / addiction, Trauma, PTSD
  • Individual therapy, Child or adolescent therapy, Family therapy

Great to meet you!

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with children, adolescents, adults and Native American youth and families. I take a warm, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach, creating a safe space where my clients feel heard and supported.

I help clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, and life transitions using evidence-based, trauma-informed care. My goal is to support my clients in building confidence, resilience, and practical skills for everyday life while honoring their identity and community.

My approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel supported and understood.

I specialize in trauma, domestic violence, attachment-related and behavioral issues. I use EMDR to help process and heal from distressing experiences, CBT to build practical skills for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for a more experiential, connection-based approach that supports self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed lens, my goal is to help you heal, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

What you can expect from me

I approach my work with clients from a place of curiosity, respect, and genuine care. I believe that each person’s story is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path to healing or growth. My role is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported as we explore what’s bringing you in and what you hope to change or better understand.

In your first session, you can expect a relaxed, judgment-free conversation. We’ll talk about what brought you in, what you’d like to get out of therapy, and any questions or concerns you may have. There’s no pressure to share everything at once—we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. By the end of the session, we’ll begin to outline goals and discuss how we can work together moving forward.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I’m here to make that process as comfortable and supportive as possible.

About me

  • I identify as
    Native American, Woman
  • My style is
    Solution Oriented, Open Minded, Humorous

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    19 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at California State University, Sacramento
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (California)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network

Cost

Care details

  • More specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, Stress management, Anger management, Identity issues
  • Therapy methods
    Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Art Therapy, Attachment Based, Strength-Based, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused CBT, Behavior Modification, Play, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Child or adolescent therapy, Family therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults, Seniors, Children, Adolescents
  • Languages
    English
  • Location
    3531 Columbia Avenue
    Corning, CA 96021