Dr. Paul Smetko, PhD, WA | Psychologist

What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.81

Average wait time

4.98

Bedside manner

4.78

“Paul is a very good listener and a great conversationalist. This makes it easy to open up about yourself. I have only had my first appointment so far, but I am looking forward to my next session. Highly recommend seeing him to determine if it will be a good fit. :) ”

Lillian M.February 9, 2023

“Dr Smetko was a great listener and obtained my history and a good understanding of my needs very efficiently. I appreciate his sense of humor and anticipate a very good future experience in helping me meet some of my current life challenges.”

Holly C.March 5, 2022Video visit

About Dr. Paul Smetko

Clientele seen

Children (<13)

Adults (25-64)

Couples

Teenagers (13-17)

Seniors (65+)

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Identity

Gender

Male

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Dr. Paul Smetko

I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families for over 30 years. The decision to enter counseling is often a difficult one, but the rewards from a positive and productive experience are abundant. There are challenges at every stage of life that are difficult to manage without support and good information. My goal is to help every client discover what will work best for their situation in the most efficient and respectful process possible. All of us function best when we know what we want and manage our behavior to reach those goals. Good therapy is worth the investment. I hold a PhD in Psychology from Northwestern University, which informs my approach and understanding of human behavior. I work from a problem-solution model. Problems are identified and potential solutions explored in the context of what we know works. Therapeutic interventions are chosen that have the best chance for positive and enduring change. I work with my clients on evaluating progress in achieving the desired behavioral changes.

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In-network insurances

Dr. Paul Smetko has 50+ in-network plans.

Areas of expertise

This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Education and background

Practice names

Paul Smetko, PHD

Education and training

Northwestern University, PhD in Psychology

Professional memberships

Association for Play Therapy

NPI number

1568560282

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

4.81

Wait time

4.98

Bedside manner

4.78

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here

62 reviews

Most relevant

The primary thing that stood out was how easy it was to talk with and I'm not a talker.

December 15, 2020Joleen M.Verified patientVideo visit

It was ok. Not sure we are a good fit. Will have to think about if I want to continue.

February 10, 2021Kay J.Verified patientVideo visit

Dr. Paul is very personable and easily grasps the situation at hand.

May 24, 2022Barbara F.Verified patientVideo visit

First appointment. Felt comfortable and in good hands.

November 7, 2021Mike P.Verified patientVideo visit

Paul is a very good listener and a great conversationalist. This makes it easy to open up about yourself. I have only had my first appointment so far, but I am looking forward to my next session. Highly recommend seeing him to determine if it will be a good fit. :)

February 9, 2023Lillian M.Verified patient

Dr Smetko was a great listener and obtained my history and a good understanding of my needs very efficiently. I appreciate his sense of humor and anticipate a very good future experience in helping me meet some of my current life challenges.

March 5, 2022Holly C.Verified patientVideo visit

Paul is a great listener. I've greatly enjoyed my time and look forward to spending more time with him. Paul has guided me along through my own thought process, teasing out the important bits that ultimately help me understand myself better.

June 2, 2021Ethan L.Verified patientVideo visit

Compassionate & insightful. Easy to share with.

February 15, 2021Marcy K.Verified patientVideo visit

My 18 year old nephew has not had good luck with a psych provider, until now. He says unlike other doctors or counselors, Dr Smetko is quite engaging. This seems like a great fit for my young nephew and I am quite pleased.

December 11, 2020Initials hiddenVideo visit

I really loved Paul. He has this fantastic way of providing a personal yet professional approach and is very empathetic. Moreso, the dude knows what he's talking about. Not only an accomplished author, but having seen other professionals in his field before, I could immediately tell Paul stands out. Looking forward to continuing to see him.

August 14, 2019Steven M.Verified patient