Christian Smith, LMSW, MI | Psychotherapist

About Christian Smith

Clientele seen

Teenagers (13-17)

Seniors (65+)

Families

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Groups

Adults (25-64)

Couples

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Existential

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Humanistic

Dialectical (DBT)

Interpersonal

Identity

Gender

Male

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Christian Smith

My clients tend to arrive carrying something heavy: depression that has outlasted a parade of treatments, thoughts of suicide, trauma, OCD, or chronic pain. Others arrive simply worn down by being human, which is a harder job than we give ourselves credit for. I've spent my career with the struggles most therapists refer out, and here's what I've learned: you don't have to hate yourself for your challenges. You're a human just like the rest of us, and it takes practice. We'll practice together, honestly, collaboratively, with science, philosophy, and, when you're ready, some genuine laughter. I specialize in treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and ketamine treatment. My approach doesn't fit in just one box: an eclectic mix of CBT, DBT, ACT, ERP, and exposure, with humanistic and existential depth. Warm, candid, curious, science-y, philosophical, and I'd like to think I'm pretty funny. If you've rehearsed what you'd say to a therapist and never called, I get it. Reaching out is its own act of courage, maybe the first practice. If you've seen a million therapists and don't know whether to try again, I get that too. But here you are. Strategically hoping, planning, finding your way forward. That's heartbreaking, and inspiring. That's human.

What should a new client know about working with you?

People do not fit neatly into diagnostic or therapeutic boxes. Neither should good psychotherapy. My approach is integrative, evidence-informed, and responsive to the person in front of me. I draw from several established forms of psychotherapy, but I don’t expect you to arrive knowing which modality you need or to contort yourself to fit into one style. Different people need different kinds of work. Sometimes we need structure, practice, and direct behavioral change. Sometimes we need to slow down and understand what is happening between us. Sometimes we need acceptance, exposure, emotional regulation, philosophical reflection, practical problem-solving, or room to grieve. Sometimes we need to be challenged. Sometimes we need to be validated. Sometimes we need both, neither or the in-between.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

Alongside depression, trauma and PTSD, and OCD, I work with suicidal thoughts, treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, and ketamine treatment support. A typical plan: weekly sessions, goals we set together, evidence-based methods, and personalized adaptability when something isn't working. Together we'll make humaning easier and more meaningful.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

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In-network insurances

Christian Smith, LMSW has 150+ in-network plans.

More information on payments and coverage

I accept BCBS, Blue Cross, Blue Sheild, Anthem BCBS and Priority Health. BCN and Aetna are in process.

Popular visit reasons

Agoraphobia

Hoarding Disorder

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Psychosexual Evaluation

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

Agoraphobia

Hoarding Disorder

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Education and background

Practice names

Humaning Psychotherapy

Education and training

University of Michigan, Master's in Social Work

NPI number

1114639465

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Christian Smith?

Generally, Christian Smith has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Christian Smith's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Christian Smith accepting new patients?

Christian Smith generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Christian Smith's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Christian Smith accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Christian Smith is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Christian Smith online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Christian Smith using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Christian Smith work with?

Christian Smith works with Humaning Psychotherapy.

What are common reasons for patients to see Christian Smith?

Christian Smith frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Christian Smith on their profile.