I am a Johns Hopkins-trained, board certified licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in providing evidence-based treatment of depression, anxiety, mood, life adjustment & stress, and substance use in kids, teens, and adults of the highest quality. Many clients come to see me when they are struggling with life, self-worth, identity, relationships, and finding a sense of meaning and purpose through it all.
My deepest passion is to help people going through difficult times where you feel hopeless, confused — lost. It is in these times where it is important to have a clinician by your side who can help you make sense of such a time, in a way that moves you toward toward positive healing and growth. I am deeply committed to being that person, that clinician, that support for you.
I specialize in working with teens — many of whom are depressed, anxious, and highly stressed — struggling to find their true voice and identity in a world filled with more competing pressures and perspectives than ever. I am passionate about helping teens develop a genuine presence and authentic voice that they can rely upon in life’s challenges — one that serves as a source of resilience to launch a successful life with great meaning, alignment, and connection with personal values. Many parents bring their teens to me after searching for the right therapist for years — and there is often an immediate, genuine, relatable connection. I am a trusted advisor and consultant to pediatricians, providers, and schools throughout the Washington DC and Northern Virginia region.
My expertise also lies in working with people struggling with depression, mood concerns, bipolar disorder, suicidality or self-harm. I believe that everyone has an inner light within them — and that my role as a psychologist is to hold a sacred space to help you discover and connect to this light you have within you. So often depression and mood concerns can feel insurmountable and make us feel disconnected from life. I love helping people discover their deepest, innermost authentic selves and to connect with it again, to move toward greater healing and wholeness.
As a psychologist, I believe that it is important to passionately and intuitively tailor treatment specifically for you based on your unique, individual needs. I would describe myself as a psychologist who likes to take my time with each client, who genuinely cares. I bring a strong dedication and feel that trust, respect, and care for each client is the highest honor and great calling.
Across all of my work, I believe that within each person is a voice — one of deep knowing and intuition — that provides wisdom, guidance, and healing. I help people tune into this voice of inner truth within them to find grounding amidst the chaos and stressors of life — to find peace, joy, and healing.
Please note that my former name is Dr. Victoria Chialy Smith :).