Valerie Smith, LCSW, LMSW, NY | Psychotherapist

About Valerie Smith

Focus areas

Adolescent / Teen Issues

Depression

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Bereavement / Grief Counseling

Dissociative Disorder

Women's Issues Therapy

Childhood Trauma

EMDR Therapy

Clientele seen

Children (<13)

Adults (25-64)

Teenagers (13-17)

Seniors (65+)

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Eclectic

Compassion Focused

EMDR

Dialectical (DBT)

Humanistic

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Valerie Smith

Hi there. If you are seeking support for grief and bereavement, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, adjusting to motherhood, or other significant changes, or if you simply feel like you need somewhere to unpack the burdens you have carried, let's chat. I accept you openly, including all the shadows of yourself you try to hide away. Therapy is beautiful because it allows those parts of ourselves an opportunity to be seen without judgment. This, in turn, helps you feel recharged while working toward healing and planning for the next steps. I hold a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University and a Bachelor's degree from Adelphi University, which inform my compassionate and thoughtful approach to care.

What should a new client know about working with you?

I aim to foster a nurturing, trusting, impartial connection as the foundation of our work together. Sometimes you may need to vent, other times it may be you want to write or dive into skills-building. I bring an eclectic approach to my work. If you need to figure out the "why" to the things which trouble you, I am here. Connecting with a therapist when you are having a hard time already can be tiring. Exhausting, even. But be proud you are taking this first step in getting help - it is the hardest step of them all. Trust that you already have the answers deep within yourself, and know that in our work together, you will be okay. My goal is for you to be happy and fulfilled.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

As a holistic therapist, I customize treatment by the needs of the client while following evidence-based approaches. I always discuss treatment options with my clients so they can feel fully involved in their care, able to express themselves. I am trained in EMDR and TF-CBT, both which are proven effective for the treatment of trauma. Additionally, I use CBT and DBT for skills management.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

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In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare Oxford

150+ more in-network plans

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

Initial session: $150 for 50 minutes

Ongoing session: $125 for 45 minutes

Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork

Popular visit reasons

Hoarding Disorder

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Psychosexual Evaluation

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

Hoarding Disorder

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Education and background

Practice names

Empowering Minds Psychotherapy, PLLC

Education and training

Fordham University, Master's in Social Work
Adelphi University (Bachelor's)

NPI number

1902312598

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Valerie Smith?

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

Is Valerie Smith accepting new patients?

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

Does Valerie Smith accept my insurance?

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

Can I make an appointment with Valerie Smith online?

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

What practice does Valerie Smith work with?

Valerie Smith works with Empowering Minds Psychotherapy, PLLC.

What are common reasons for patients to see Valerie Smith?

Valerie 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 Valerie Smith on their profile.