Douglas Smith, Ph.D,
Competent, Caring, and Confidential Counseling
and Psychotherapy
Thank you for your interest in my practice. People come to counselors or clinical psychologists for many reasons. I have been in practice for over 25 years and I have had the opportunity to meet with many individuals, couples, and families over those years. While their presenting concerns might vary, most people who seek help from a counselor or psychologist are in pain and are looking for tools and understanding in order to make positive changes in their lives.
I take pride in being a "general practitioner" in the field of psychology. I spent many years in training in my field and I continue to pursue continuing education every year. I believe that my education and training make me a better psychologist. I strive to be on the "cutting edge" of advances in my field.
I have several areas where I have some specific expertise such as in the areas of depression and anxiety, grief, substance abuse, high conflict divorce and child custody, I feel that my training and expertise are sufficiently broad that I can competently handle the concerns of the vast majority of the people who seek help. In those situations where I do not feel that I am best able to help, I am happy to provide a referral. I have a good working relationship with most of the physicians in the Santa Ynez Valley, and I often coordinate with these physicians regarding medication or other health concerns.
I am always open to discussing your specific concerns and whether I might be the best person to help you address those concerns. Feel free to call and leave a message and I would be happy to return your call and discuss your unique situation.
Education/Training
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley and I majored in psychology. I then attended graduate school for six years at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology where I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology. I had diverse training while I was an intern and trained at LA County/USC Medical Center, the VA Hospital in Long Beach, and at the Devereux Foundation in Santa Barabara. I also did training at the Pasadena Community Counseling Center and at Lanterman State Hospital. My graduate training and internships were all APA approved and I am listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. I am a member of the American Psychological Association and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
Bio
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, the youngest of three boys in my family. My father was a minister that later became a hospital chaplain. My mother was a teacher. I went to college at U.C. Berkeley where I met Linda who would later become my wife. I went to graduate school at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. After school, Linda and I moved to Santa Barbara where I began my practice. We had two children while living in Santa Barbara. I moved my practice to the Santa Ynez Valley in 1989 and have lived in the Valley ever since. Now my children are grown and out of college and living on their own. My wife Linda works at Dunn school where she was head of the middle school for ten years.
Memberships
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, insurance, and credit cards
Hours:Monday thru Thursday 8am to 6pm
License:CA PSY8353
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Loneliness
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Anger Management
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Men's Issues
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Body Image Issues
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Caregiver Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Chronic Illness
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Couples
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Psychological Evaluation / Testing
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Depression
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Relationship Issues
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Divorce
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Domestic Violence
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Stress Management
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Grief and Loss
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Trauma and PTSD
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Life and Wellness Coaching
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Work and Career Issues
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Life Transitions
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Licenses/Certifications
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Clinical Psychologist
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Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)
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Licensed Psychologist
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