Shirley Smith Psychotherapy, LCSW

Shirley Smith specializes in individual counseling in the areas of anxiety, depression, and grief. She has training in domestic abuse, trauma, and addiction and prefers to work with clients 18 and over. Her clients can expect a seasoned psychotherapist who is compassionate, strong, truthful, and willing to help a client uncover what is causing the problems in his or her life.

Specialties

Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Depression
Parenting
Domestic Abuse and Violence
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Pay with insurance

UnitedHealthcare
Oxford Health Plans
Aetna
Medicare
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
including BlueCard Network access

Have coverage through another Blue Cross Blue Shield plan? You may be eligible to see this provider if you have BlueCard Network access. Check if this applies to your plan
UMR
Oscar
UHC Student Resources
Emblem Health
Beacon Health Options
NYSHIP

Pay with a program

Optum Live & Work Well (EAP)

Pay out-of-pocket

$ $ $ $ $

$140-200
Sliding scale

A sliding scale is a range of out of pocket fees that providers accept based on financial need.

Locations

East Elmhurst
Rego Park
Offers virtual sessions

Licensed in

New York

“I like collaborating with clients who do not speak up for themselves or who suffer from low self-esteem.”

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

Families, friends, co-workers, and strangers have always felt comfortable telling me about their problems. They have been grateful for the support and information that I provided to them. My grandparents raised me and instilled their knowledge and belief that there is a higher power, which is the basis of my humanity. My training is in domestic abuse and grief counseling and I have lived around people who were addicted to a variety of drugs and alcohol and helped them work through those problems.

What should someone know about working with you?

I do assign homework. For example, if a client has a shopping addiction, I suggest that they produce a replacement task they can do when the desire to shop arises. I ask them to write down what happened before the desire to shop occurred. An example of progress is when a client finally gets their GED after procrastinating for years. The approach I use involves building their confidence and self-esteem and allows the client to believe in themselves and pass the test. I like collaborating with clients who do not speak up for themselves or who suffer from low self-esteem. Collaborating with them helps develop confidence and, once this is achieved, there are no limits to what they can do.

What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?

I engage with other clinicians for assistance when needed. I continue to take classes to keep myself abreast of any contemporary trends in the field of psychotherapy.

How do your core values shape your approach to therapy?

Every person is worthy and I try to help clients realize that they are valuable. When we treat people with respect, it shows up in how we treat our clients.

What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?

I love telehealth. It is important for people who may not be able to make it to the office to know that there are other options for receiving assistance. I am excited about the positive message that social media can have on social society.

What can society do early on to help a child break the cycle of not completing high school and socializing with peers who may not have their values?

The child may lack self-value and have low self-esteem because of what is happening in the home. The school counselor should be aware of the child’s talent and help the child realize that there are different paths they can take to achieve their goals.

“Collaborating with them helps develop confidence and, once this is achieved, there are no limits to what they can do.”