Dr. Rita Smith, MD, LCPC, LPC
Practical, person-centered support for strong emotions
Explore online therapy optionsWorks with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
How Rita works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- MD, LCPC, LPC
- Licensed in
- Georgia, Maryland
- Years in practice
- 25
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Rita
Dr. Rita Smith blends a person-centered approach with practical skills work to help people manage strong emotions and restore balance. She uses clear, down-to-earth language and focuses on what can change now.
Dr. Smith has 25 years of experience supporting adults through stress, anger, relationship strain, grief, and life transitions. Her practice emphasizes listening first.
She creates space for people to say what matters most and then suggests tools that fit each situation.
Background and approach
That can include thought-focused techniques to shift unhelpful patterns, brief problem-solving steps to handle immediate challenges, and simple mindfulness practices to reduce reactivity. Dr. Smith has worked in a range of settings over her career, including community agencies, university programs, independent practice, and military installations.
That varied background shaped a practical style that blends empathy with actionable steps. She often helps people address communication problems, commitment doubts, workplace stress, and issues around intimacy or parenting. People who come for support with anger or relationship conflict typically leave with clearer plans for next steps.
Sessions are conversational and goal-oriented, with time spent practicing new approaches between meetings. Her stated aim is to help people move toward a life that feels more meaningful and manageable. Dr.
Smith holds an MD and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. She conducts sessions in English and offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging for flexible access.
What Rita works with
Everything Rita lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Rita's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Self-love
- Workplace issues
Approaches Rita lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approach-driven care online and by phone
Dr. Smith combines Client-Centered Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide online work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship so people can explore what matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns.Choosing the right approach is treated as a team effort. She will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before, then recommend a mix of methods to try. That collaborative process lets the plan change as progress is made.
Online options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs. Video works well for face-to-face conversation and role practice. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and messaging let people send updates, try short reflections, or get ongoing coaching between sessions. These formats make it easier to access licensed professionals when life is busy or travel is difficult.
Questions people ask about Rita
What concerns does she address related to anger?
She helps people who struggle with anger as part of stress, relationship strain, or life transitions. Work focuses on reducing reactivity and improving communication.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style starts with listening and then moves to practical skills. She blends Client-Centered Therapy with CBT and Solution-Focused methods to create simple, usable tools.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 25 years in the helping professions, with work in agencies, universities, independent practice, and military settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds an MD and is listed as an LCPC and LPC in Georgia. Her practice is located in Georgia.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available online?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.