Jennifer Smith , LCSW

Jennifer Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 23 years of clinical experience supporting people through anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. She combines extensive training and hands-on work across settings to offer thoughtful, individualized psychotherapy tailored to each person’s needs.

After earning a BA in Psychology from Ithaca College, Jennifer gained early clinical experience in a psychiatric hospital working with all age groups on psychological testing, co-leading group therapy, and assisting with intake for new patients. She later completed a Master of Social Work at Adelphi University and provided services in the New York City Early Intervention Program before moving into community mental health roles in New York and New Jersey. Those roles paved the way to her current position as Clinical Director of a small therapeutic school serving grades 6-12 in Central New Jersey.

Jennifer has experience addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, social and school avoidance, OCD, depression, bipolar disorders, eating and food-related issues, gender identity questions, attachment-related disorders, personality disorders, self-injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation, anger management, PTSD, grief, caregiver stress, parenting and family problems, and more. She believes that one approach does not fit all and draws from multiple treatment modalities to meet changing needs.

Known for a flexible, non-judgmental, and empathetic style, Jennifer sees her role as helping clients recognize strengths, build coping skills, and increase confidence. She typically responds to messages and emails in the afternoons through approximately 7pm and is not available on weekends.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Jennifer Smith integrates evidence-informed methods to guide therapy in ways that match each person’s goals and situation. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then clarifies personal values to guide meaningful action - it is often helpful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns in early and current relationships to improve trust, closeness, and emotional regulation, which can benefit those working with abandonment, attachment issues, or family difficulties. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, offering practical strategies for depression, anxiety, and mood symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Jennifer works collaboratively with clients to assess needs, try different methods, and adjust the plan so the work feels relevant and effective for each person.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - add flexibility for busy schedules and for people who prefer remote care. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, maintain continuity of support, and access licensed professionals from different locations.