Shatika Smith

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with graduate training from New York University, and I chose this path because I believe everyone deserves compassionate, judgment-free care. My journey has taken me through emergency departments, inpatient hospital units, and outpatient clinics, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting people at some of the most difficult and transformative times in their lives.

Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders. I also specialize in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for addiction and bring a deep sense of respect and compassion for people navigating recovery.

I am especially dedicated to providing trauma-informed and inclusive care for the LGBTQ+ community and for anyone who has felt unseen or misunderstood in mental health settings.

My framework is collaborative and person-centered blending medication management with coping strategies, stress reduction, and holistic supports always tailored to fit your unique story and goals. Most importantly, clients can expect to be treated as a whole person, not a diagnosis. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to build resilience, restore balance, and move toward healing at your own pace.

My perspective towards providing care is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and respect for each individual’s unique journey. I believe that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity, free from judgment or stigma. I take time to understand not just symptoms, but the full story life experiences, challenges, and strengths so that treatment is truly personalized.

I combine evidence-based medication management with supportive guidance, coping strategies, and self-care practices to help patients feel empowered and hopeful. Whether someone is navigating a crisis, working through trauma, living with a substance use disorder, or managing ongoing mental health needs, I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where they can heal at their own pace. My goal is always to walk alongside patients, offering consistent support and encouragement, while helping them build the tools and confidence they need to achieve stability, resilience, and well-being.

During our first session together, my priority is to create a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you feel comfortable sharing whatever is on your mind. I know that taking the step to seek mental health support can feel overwhelming, so I take time to move at your pace, there is no pressure, and no “right or wrong” way to begin. I’ll start by getting to know you as a person: your story, your struggles, your strengths, and what has brought you here. We’ll talk about your current concerns, your mental health and medical history, and your goals for the future, but the conversation will feel more like a compassionate dialogue than a formal interview.

I want you to feel that this is your time, a space where you are truly heard, respected, and supported. My role is to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and begin to understand not just your symptoms, but the bigger picture of your life and experiences. Together, we’ll start building a collaborative treatment plan that may include medication, coping strategies, lifestyle supports, and ongoing therapy all tailored to your unique needs. By the end of our session, my goal is for you to leave feeling a little lighter, with a sense of clarity, reassurance, and hope, knowing that you don’t have to walk this journey alone and that we will navigate it side by side.