Tara Smith, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Tara is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in California

More about Tara

11 years' experience
Female
LCSW

You've done what you know to do, exhausted your coping skills, and still find that anxiety, trauma, or difficult relationships are keeping you from the quality of life you know (or at least hope) is possible. It may be that it becomes too uncomfortable in your body to make the changes you'd like to or that you've lost sight of what you even want. I can help you find relief.

Even if your challenges are creative or social in nature: stage fright, audition anxiety, writer's block, public speaking dread, networking anxiety, dating fears. You don't have to live in fear!

Together, we will integrate evidence-based methods of therapy (especially EMDR paired with Internal Family Systems-inspired parts work, and Mindfulness) to heal the strong reactivity keeping you (and your nervous system) stuck. Then, things that "shouldn't" bother you won't trigger those strong reactions, and you will be free to live life on your own terms.

This approach nurtures lasting transformation by healing from the root. The sessions are experiential: that is we engage in a healing process rather than only talking about it. At times, this may flow more like a deep collaborative meditation. I create a safe, warm, nonjudgmental space to explore what’s not working and bring you into alignment with your potential for well-being. You already know what it means to take the first step, and that's worth celebrating. Now, you can trust yourself to take the next one.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Coping with life changes Family conflicts Intimacy-related issues Sleeping disorders Career difficulties Blended family issues Communication problems Guilt and shame Money and financial issues Multicultural concerns Panic disorder and panic attacks Phobias Post-traumatic stress Self-love Sexual assault and abuse Social anxiety and phobia Somatization Women's issues

Treatment Approaches

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Internal Family Systems

Licenses

Tara Smith's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1841700036.

LCSW · California · 80402 · Expires November 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.: Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.: Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.: There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, sometimes called teletherapy, refers to talk therapy delivered remotely through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or chat. It can be a great option for people who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions.

Teletherapy also offers greater convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that the treatment outcomes with online counseling are often just as effective as with traditional therapy, providing a viable alternative for individuals seeking mental health support.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Tara Smith offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Tara Smith works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Tara Smith speak?

Tara Smith speaks English.

How many years of experience does Tara Smith have?

Tara Smith has 11 years of experience.

Where is Tara Smith licensed to practice?

Tara Smith is licensed to practice in California.

Does Tara Smith accept clients outside of the United States?

Yes, Tara Smith accepts clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Tara Smith offer?

Tara Smith offers clients Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

How can I communicate with Tara Smith?

Tara Smith can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Tara Smith?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.