Professional Background
Kristin Smyth, Ph.D., LCSW-QS, BCD is a licensed and board-certified advanced clinical social worker. Kristin has 20 years of experience working with adults and adolescents to address clinical diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety & OCD, personality disorders, and self-Injury/self-defeating behaviors; as well as relationship & family stressors, and significant life changes/transitions.
Kristin completed her Ph.D. at the University of South Florida (2017), her Master of Social Work at the University of Central Florida (2007), and her Bachelors degree at Florida State University (2004). Kristin earned her clinical social work license (LCSW) in 2010 and became a Board Certified Diplomate in (BCD) Clinical Social Work in 2025.
Kristin's professional experience includes direct clinical practice in psychiatric hospitals, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, outpatient community mental health clinics, and private practice. In addition to clinical work, Kristin has more than ten years' experience in higher education as a university instructor, researcher, and author. Kristin's research explored stigma, interpersonal support, and identity development in young adults with bipolar disorder.
Clinical (Therapeutic) Specialties:
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders
• Personality disorders
• Stress management
• Stigma and self-stigma
• Self-Injury/self-defeating behaviors
• Relationship and family stressors
• Significant life changes and transitions
• Self-esteem
Kristin provides qualified clinical supervision to candidates working toward state licensure (LCSW) and board certification (BCD).
Kristin is a member of the Clinical Social Work Association, American Board of Clinical Social Work, and the National Association of Social Workers.
Therapeutic Approach
Since 2005 I’ve had the privilege of working as a therapist and clinical social worker. I’ve had the honor of walking alongside my clients and bearing witness to some of their most life-changing and difficult experiences. These experiences are often accompanied by changes in sense of self, relationships, and quality of life that can be equally difficult to navigate. Most people seek out therapy when the situation exceeds their ability to cope or level of understanding - we look for help or insight when we're unsure, or when we feel lost, or when we don't know what to do.
An important part of therapy is realizing that while challenges and symptoms associated with mental health are difficult, individuals and families often experience changes in sense of self, relationships, and quality of life that are equally difficult. Therapy isn't just about managing symptoms or fixing problems - it's about finding a path to remember (or discover) who we are and living authentically as ourselves.
As a therapist, I've worked with individuals and families impacted by a wide range of significant situations - from severe mental illness to life changes and stressors. The ability to build a trusting relationship with the client is the most important factor, and that only requires that the client has questions, or is open to considering/discussing their situation. In other words, just the space to begin.
Therapy begins within a safe space for expression, processing and problem-solving, and growth. Every person has the strength and abilities to work through the challenges they face. My role is to promote empowerment and provide clarity, insight, and support as clients master these challenges. I am a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ clients and families and racial and social justice.
Every therapeutic intervention I use is centered around the client's strengths and is tailored to their current situation, supports, and goals. I frequently use psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT), mindfulness based, solution focused, and narrative therapeutic approaches.
**I reserve a limited number of appointments at a reduced rate for students and individuals with limited financial means who do not have insurance. For more information, send me a message below or email me at atlanticpsychotherapy@outlook.com.
Cooley, M. E., Crichlow, V., Cesar, G., Colvin, M., Best, C., Smyth, K., & Jimenez-Bean, R. (in press). Evaluating the Authentic Family Engagement and Strengthening Approach. Journal of Justice-Informed Social Work Practice and Research.
Smyth, K. (2019). Coding the Twilight Saga: Using Pop Culture to Teach Qualitative Data Analysis. The Qualitative Report, 10th Annual Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Featured teaching workshop.
Smyth, K. & Salloum, A. (2018). Secrecy, adaptation, and liminality: The experience of identity development in early-onset bipolar disorder. International Society of Bipolar Disorders 20th Annual Conference, Mexico City, Mexico.
Smyth, K. & Salloum, A. (2018). The phenomenology of early-onset bipolar disorder. Society for Social Work and Research, 22nd Annual Conference, Washington D.C.
Salloum, A. & Smyth, K. (2012). Social Workers' and Interns' Experiences of Podcasts of a Manualized Treatment. Council on Social Work Education, 2012 Annual Program Meeting, Washington D.C.