Katie Smith, LCMHC
DBT-trained counselor focused on trauma recovery
- DBT and CBT expertise
- Trauma informed care
- Flexible online sessions
About Katie Smith
An important note before getting started: Katie Smith is currently living overseas and is offering messaging-only services to new clients because of the time difference. In the future there may be opportunities for phone or video sessions if schedules allow.
Katie Smith is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) practicing in North Carolina with five years of clinical experience. She has worked with adults, teens, and families in both individual and group settings, and brings experience supporting survivors of trauma, domestic violence, and sexual assault, as well as military spouses and people managing anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. Intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she has extensive experience working with clients who struggle with chronic suicidal thoughts and chaotic interpersonal relationships.
Her approach draws on person-centered principles and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In practice this means she respects each person’s individuality and believes clients are the experts on their own lives. She works collaboratively with clients to identify goals, explore thought and behavior patterns, and build practical skills that support change. Her aim is to empower clients to take charge of their narratives while offering steady professional support rooted in unconditional positive regard and a strong therapeutic relationship.
Katie encourages development of more productive ways to manage the obstacles that interfere with personal goals. She often shares Jon Kabat-Zinn’s observation: "It's not a matter of letting go - you would if you could. Instead of 'let it go' we should probably say 'let it be.'"
Katie Smith is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) practicing in North Carolina with five years of clinical experience. She has worked with adults, teens, and families in both individual and group settings, and brings experience supporting survivors of trauma, domestic violence, and sexual assault, as well as military spouses and people managing anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. Intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she has extensive experience working with clients who struggle with chronic suicidal thoughts and chaotic interpersonal relationships.
Her approach draws on person-centered principles and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In practice this means she respects each person’s individuality and believes clients are the experts on their own lives. She works collaboratively with clients to identify goals, explore thought and behavior patterns, and build practical skills that support change. Her aim is to empower clients to take charge of their narratives while offering steady professional support rooted in unconditional positive regard and a strong therapeutic relationship.
Katie encourages development of more productive ways to manage the obstacles that interfere with personal goals. She often shares Jon Kabat-Zinn’s observation: "It's not a matter of letting go - you would if you could. Instead of 'let it go' we should probably say 'let it be.'"
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
Blended family issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Katie Smith have?
Katie Smith has five years of clinical experience.
Is Katie Smith a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LCMHC credential and is licensed in North Carolina as NC LCMHC 13314.
In which languages does Katie Smith provide therapy?
Katie Smith provides therapy in English.
Where is Katie Smith located?
Katie Smith is located in North Carolina.
How can I work with Katie Smith as my therapist?
You can work with Katie Smith through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Katie Smith work with international clients?
Katie Smith does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Katie Smith cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Katie Smith uses evidence-informed approaches to help people manage symptoms and build meaningful change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thought and behavior patterns; it is often useful for anxiety, depression, and day-to-day coping skills. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes practical skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, and is especially helpful for people facing intense emotions or chaotic relationships. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and acceptance techniques that support stress reduction and improved emotional balance.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Katie collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts the work over time as progress unfolds.
Online therapy with Katie is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats can make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals and to integrate therapeutic work into a busy life.