CBT Therapist Directory

The therapy listings are provided by BetterHelp and we may earn a commission if you use our link - At no cost to you.

Dr. Lance Smith, LMFT

Experienced family and couples therapist
  • 25 years experience
  • LMFT credential
  • Works with families

About Dr. Lance Smith

Dr. Lance Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with more than 25 years of experience working with youth, individuals, couples, and families in California, Oklahoma, and Utah. He has worked with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, family conflict, parenting challenges, autism spectrum disorder, anger management, and ADHD, and has supported couples through premarital and marital counseling.

Known for a thoughtful and compassionate approach, he aims to create an environment in which people feel valued and respected so they can speak openly about the issues that brought them to therapy. His work often blends practical strategies with empathic listening, tailoring interventions to each person's needs and circumstances.

Depending on client goals, his counseling can draw from cognitive-behavioral techniques, client-centered principles, solution-focused methods, experiential and narrative elements, or family systems perspectives. This flexible model allows him to address both individual symptoms and relational patterns, helping people develop clearer coping skills, improved communication, and stronger connections. He focuses on collaborative goal-setting and supporting clients as they pursue meaningful change.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also Specializes In

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Gottman Method Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Dr. Lance Smith have?

Dr. Lance Smith has 25 years of experience.

Is Dr. Lance Smith a licensed therapist?

Yes. He holds the credential LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. License details include CA LMFT 158469 and OK LMFT 10117.

In which languages does Dr. Lance Smith provide therapy?

Dr. Lance Smith provides therapy in English.

Where is Dr. Lance Smith located?

Dr. Lance Smith is located in California.

How can I work with Dr. Lance Smith as my therapist?

You can work with Dr. Lance Smith through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Dr. Lance Smith work with international clients?

Dr. Lance Smith does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Dr. Lance 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

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape expectations and emotional bonds. It helps clients explore patterns of attachment that affect current relationships and offers ways to build greater security and trust in partnerships and family connections.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental stance in which the therapist listens closely and supports the client in finding their own solutions. This approach can be especially useful for people seeking greater self-understanding, self-esteem, and emotional processing.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers structured techniques to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is commonly used for issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and problem-focused goals where practical strategies are desired.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work itself. Dr. Lance Smith collaborates with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the focus as progress is made. Online therapy makes this collaborative process more accessible by offering multiple ways to connect. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide flexible options that accommodate different schedules, comfort levels, and life circumstances, allowing clients to engage in therapy in ways that suit them best.

Ready to start therapy with Dr. Lance Smith?

Take the first step toward a better you.