Samantha Smith
Licensed Therapist, MS, LMHC
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I take a fun, respectful approach to OCD treatment: I try to make light of OCD while respecting each member's experience with OCD. I believe OCD may be a part of your life, but it doesn't have to be your life. I'll help you feel heard and safe while we pursue Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. I'm empathetic, open to new challenges, and aware that every individual needs to be heard differently. I have extensive experience with individuals who've been diagnosed with severe and persistent disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
I take a fun, respectful approach to OCD treatment: I try to make light of OCD while respecting each member's experience with OCD. I believe OCD may be a part of your life, but it doesn't have to be your life. I'll help you feel heard and safe while we pursue Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. I'm empathetic, open to new challenges, and aware that every individual needs to be heard differently. I have extensive experience with individuals who've been diagnosed with severe and persistent disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Location
Licensed in Florida, Massachusetts, Utah
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Children and Adolescents
LGBTQ+ affirming
Education
Carlos Albizu University
Insurance
Plans accepted by Samantha
Aetna, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Cigna, Curative, EMI Health, Florida Blue, Forest County Potawatomi, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Horizon BCBS, Independence Blue Cross, Partners Direct Health, Regence Blue Cross, Tufts Health Plan, United Healthcare,
Want to work with Samantha?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Samantha
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
I used to work with severe and persistent individuals-people with schizophrenia, bipolar, or who committed some form of crime-and transition them into the community. Me understanding severe mental illnesses gives me that empathy of, "Okay, I don't know exactly what you're experiencing. However, I've seen the broad spectrum of what is happening." I'm able to be more sensitive and understanding to someone's particular theme of OCD.
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
By being my authentic self. A lot of people come into therapy thinking it's, "I'm going to be interviewed. I have to tell my whole life story, and I just have to confess everything." And in reality, it's not even close to that. It's, "Hey, tell me about you, tell me about your life. Then you can trickle in why you're here. But it's never "tell me everything." Let's get to know each other because if you don't trust me as a person, you're not going to trust me as a clinician.
What I want to help you see in yourself
Confidence. A lot of people with OCD can struggle with confidence because there's so much self-doubt: "I'm having this thought. It's so convincing. Am I really this person?" And when you have that nagging voice, you have to lean into having confidence in yourself before you can lean into the uncertainty.
My message to you if you're struggling right now
You're not alone. I know that's the biggest fear-that thought of "How can I confess these intrusive thoughts to you?" So the first thing I would say is, I don't need to know everything, right away. I would like to know what's comfortable for you at first, now and then, once you get kind of the feel of who I am and who you are with me, then we could dive into the hard stuff.
Why our members love working with Samantha
S.H.
Samantha is amazing! I’ve been working with her for a few months now, and she’s really helped me stay on track. I’ve known I’ve had OCD and have been battling it for years, and really needed some guidance to get myself back on track after a very stressful period in my life. She’s helped me get it so much more manageable than it had gotten. It’s so comforting to be able to check in with someone who understands and can spot areas I need to improve on that I’ve missed or didn’t even realize I was doing. I’m at a point in my journey that I’m doing okay for the most part, but still get the occasional flare up. Our check ups really help me refocus and keep up with my exposures and treatment. I would not be doing as well as I am now without her!
A.S.
All of my appointments with Samantha are such positive experiences. In the beginning I could not get through a single session without crying through exposures - now less than 5 months later we have moved on to only 1 month sessions because my symptoms along with my reactions to my symptoms have decreased to completely manageable. Our sessions have truly changed my life :)
C.E.
It was great. Sam is so good at pushing me just to my limits without me breaking down. Today was the hardest session I’ve ever done and I’m so glad I had Samantha there to push me.
A.S.
Loving starting my therapy journey with Samantha! She takes the time to really go about it the right way
M.D.
Samantha is a great therapist! She has a wide range of knowledge about OCD, she listened to my specific symptoms and had explanations for each of them which really helped me to feel understood. OCD can be so confusing so having a therapist who understands it so well is vital.
D.B.
Was very knowledgeable about OCD treatment. I was worried my type of OCD might be hard to understand but she seemed very prepared to be able to tackle it.
C.B.
Life changed !
M.T.
I'm hopeful that we can find a resolution to this madness.
S.D.
Samantha is always so supportive and empathetic, while also being direct and giving really specific feedback. I am grateful for her as I navigate this journey.
S.D.
Samantha is compassionate and kind! I always leave a session with her feeling better (although we have to discuss hard things). She is a great balance of direct but empathetic.
S.D.
I always appreciate my sessions with Samantha! I feel seen and heard, and like she takes the time to get to know me as an individual.
S.D.
Samantha is always an amazing support and does a great job of making me feel comfortable while I’m discussing things that are pretty uncomfortable.
S.G.
Samantha is absolutely wonderful !
S.D.
I felt super comfortable with Samantha. She was kind and empathetic, but also direct. I am looking forward to working with her.
D.M.
Amazing!!!
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