Jennifer Smith , LCSW

Jennifer Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 23 years of clinical experience, combining advanced training and hands-on practice across psychiatric, early intervention, and community mental health settings. After earning a BA in Psychology from Ithaca College, she gained early experience in a psychiatric hospital working with people of all ages on psychological testing, co-leading groups, and supporting the intake process for new patients. She later completed a Master of Social Work at Adelphi University and contributed to the New York City Early Intervention Program before moving into community mental health roles in New York and New Jersey. Those diverse settings informed her current role as Clinical Director of a small therapeutic school serving grades 6 through 12 in Central New Jersey.

Over the course of her career she has worked with a broad range of presenting concerns, including anxiety and social or school-related avoidance, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression and bipolar disorders, eating-related issues, questions about gender identity, attachment difficulties, personality disorders, self-injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation, anger management, and post-traumatic stress. She believes that no single treatment model fits everyone and draws from multiple modalities to match each person's needs and goals. Known for a flexible, nonjudgmental, and empathetic approach, she aims to help clients identify strengths, build confidence, and develop practical strategies for coping and growth. She typically responds to messages and emails in the afternoons through approximately 7pm and is not available on weekends.