La Shekia Smith-Brown, LCSW

La Shekia Smith-Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). As an LCSW she is trained to provide psychotherapy and clinical assessment, and her trauma certification reflects specialized training in recognizing and treating the effects of traumatic experiences.

She brings extensive experience across Health and Human Services, having worked as a day treatment teacher supporting children with severe emotional disturbances and their families, and as a case manager in early intervention programs for infants and young children. She has also supported people with intellectual disabilities and related conditions, and in recent years has provided clinical and behavioral consultation to individuals, families, and community group home providers.

In clinical practice she offers psychotherapy and assessments for mood and thought disorders, including depression, anxiety, dissociation, schizophrenia spectrum conditions, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. Her work emphasizes compassion and close listening, aiming to help clients feel supported while developing practical problem-solving strategies.

La Shekia approaches care holistically, recognizing the many parts that shape a person. She tailors treatment plans to each individual and often integrates multiple therapeutic modalities rather than relying on a single technique. While she offers messaging options, she generally prefers live video conferencing for its greater engagement when working directly with clients.

She invites prospective clients to explore whether her experience and collaborative style fit their needs and appreciates the opportunity to work together toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

La Shekia Smith-Brown uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; this practical approach is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday challenges. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another part of her toolkit and offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships, which can be especially helpful for intense emotions and interpersonal difficulties. She also integrates Mindfulness Therapy to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity, supporting coping with stress and mood fluctuations.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. La Shekia works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods align with their goals, needs, and preferences, and she adapts plans over time as progress and circumstances evolve. Licensed professionals and therapists can combine these approaches to create a tailored plan that fits each person.

Online therapy with La Shekia offers practical flexibility - sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - so clients can choose the format that fits their schedule and comfort level. Remote sessions make it easier to access consistent care from home, work, or while managing caregiving and other responsibilities, while maintaining therapeutic continuity and engagement.