KEVIN SMITH, LSW

Kevin Smith (pronouns: he/him) is an experienced licensed social worker who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. His specialty interests include: children, adolescents (to include “at risk youth”), severe and persistent mental health issues, substance use disorders, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) issues, person-centered community inclusion, trauma informed care, and positive psychology. He utilizes treatment approaches that are evidence-based and uniquely tailored to each client.

Kevin completed his advanced education at The University of Akron, earning a master’s degree in social work. He took specialized coursework in mental health and addiction.

Prior to private practice Kevin served in the United States Army during the Persian Gulf War era. Additionally, he has worked in the direct care field with diverse clients in a variety of residential mental health settings, both inpatient and outpatient.

Over the last 10 years, Kevin has had many unique opportunities to include: developing wellness support groups; working in the Baltimore, MD city public school system as a special education teacher assistant; serving as a home interventionist with foster care families; and being a certified peer support specialist the Department of Veteran’s Affairs outpatient psychosocial rehabilitation recovery program. Kevin currently holds certifications in chemical dependency counseling, S.M.A.R.T recovery.

Kevin’s approach to counseling is person-centered, family oriented, relational, and emotion-focused because he believes that personal growth is the result of empowering connections that are rooted in safety, authenticity, vulnerability, and mutual respect. In addition to being a non-judgmental, compassionate listener he is a collaborative strength-builder and problem-solver. He is known for using humor, psychoeducation, metaphors, and the creative arts in sessions.

His strengths include: kindness, empathy, social intelligence, diversity and cultural competence, and the ability to see the bigger picture in life from a holistic perspective.