Dr. Smitha Rau

I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about helping others feel supported, in control, and at peace as they navigate life’s challenges. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and major life transitions, using evidence‐based approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness. My background spans emergency behavioral health, outpatient psychiatry, and telehealth, giving me a deep appreciation for the many ways people seek care and the importance of meeting clients where they are. I have specialized training in providing culturally sensitive support to diverse clients. I strive to create a warm and nurturing therapeutic space where clients feel safe to explore, heal, and grow.

I work from a relational and holistic perspective, helping clients understand how their experiences, identities, and environments shape their emotional lives. My style is warm, curious, and attuned, and I integrate evidence‐based therapies with insight‐oriented exploration. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and stress. I support clients in developing both self‐understanding and practical tools for daily life. I value cultural nuances and strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe exploring difficult emotions, feel empowered, and move toward healing and growth.

Your first session will focus on clearly understanding your concerns and identifying the most helpful direction for treatment. I’ll conduct a collaborative diagnostic assessment, explore your symptoms, stressors, and strengths, and discuss what approaches—such as CBT, DBT, ACT, or mindfulness‐based therapy—may best support your goals. We’ll outline initial objectives and talk about what progress might look like.

I aim to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and not rushed. Clients often leave the first session feeling heard, hopeful, more understood, and with an understanding of a plan that feels both achievable and meaningful.