Therapist profile
Michael Smith, LMHC
LMHC in New York - Mood and family concerns
Continue with MichaelAbout
- Mood disorders
- Parenting strain
- Mindfulness practice
About Michael
Michael Smith is a New York LMHC with 38 years of clinical experience. He works with adults on concerns such as mood disorders, anxiety, stress, addiction, grief, parenting strain, and relationship difficulties.
He keeps sessions straightforward and focused. He helps people talk through upsetting feelings, notice patterns that cause more stress, and try practical steps to change unhelpful habits. He uses a mix of client-centered listening and active techniques to address symptoms like panic, low mood, intrusive thoughts, or trouble sleeping.
Michael has long experience with neurodevelopmental and personality presentations. That includes autism spectrum traits, impulsivity, and issues sometimes labelled as personality disorders. He also has experience supporting people with bipolar mood shifts and substance use concerns, helping them manage day-to-day functioning and crisis prevention planning when needed.
He describes his work as combining clear structure with attention to the person in front of him. Sessions often include identifying patterns, testing small behavior changes, and practicing mindfulness or grounding skills. Motivational interviewing is used when clients want help making difficult changes, such as reducing substance use or improving routines.
People who come for help with parenting strain or family conflict will find an emphasis on practical coping, emotion regulation, and improving communication skills. Michael asks straightforward questions about what is working now and what the client wants to change next.
How sessions work
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Michael commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered therapy in his work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and trying small, practical changes to reduce symptoms like panic, low mood, or intrusive thoughts. Client-centered therapy prioritizes listening and reflecting so the client can describe what matters and decide the pace and direction of change.He also draws on motivational interviewing when someone is weighing big behavior changes. That approach uses guided conversation to explore mixed feelings and build a clearer plan. Deciding which approach to use is part of the work together; he will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful during early sessions so the method fits the person's needs.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins on a day off or between commitments. Therapists generally adapt exercises, thought records, and mindfulness practices to remote meetings so the same core techniques can be practiced and reviewed between sessions.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
38+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he address?
He works with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, grief, parenting strain, relationship concerns, trauma, and related issues listed in his profile.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He blends client-centered listening with structured methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, existential reflection, and motivational interviewing.
How much experience does he have?
He has 38 years of clinical experience as a practicing therapist in New York.
What credential and location are listed?
He is an LMHC licensed in New York and practices from that state.
Does he offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what is the cost structure?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.