Karl Smith Psychotherapy

I'm a licensed psychotherapist in NY and NJ. Born and raised in Jersey City,  I received my BA in Psychology and MSW both from Rutgers University. I have accumulated over 12 years of mental health experience between community mental health settings and private practice, and now serve adult clients in New York City. 

Who I Work With
My practice is built around clients who are ready to do real, focused work. Given my intersection of identities as a Black man, many of my clients are men and masculine-identifying individuals, though I welcome clients of all genders who are looking for a therapist who understands the intersection of identity, ambition, and emotional wellbeing.

People I work with are high-achieving and passionate professionals who present as capable and composed on the outside while privately managing anxiety, perfectionism, relationship strain, or a persistent sense that something isn't quite aligned. If you've found success by most conventional measures, but still feel disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or your sense of purpose, you're the kind of client I most enjoy working with.

My Approach
From a clinical perspective, I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems theory through an identity-affirming, culturally responsive lens. While we are grounded in evidence-based techniques, sessions are shaped around your specific goals for therapy, your history, relationships, and the systems (family, professional, cultural) that have influenced how you think, feel, and relate to others. Sessions are structured, collaborative, and aimed at building towards your therapy goals.

I'm not a "tough-love" therapist, but I do approach therapy in earnest. You'll be asked what your goals are for therapy and to show up honestly. Whether we're working through anxious thought patterns, compulsions related to OCD, depressive episodes, or the complex dynamics of family and romantic relationships, my goal is to help you build durable, practical tools.

Education & Training
• Master of Social Work (MSW), Rutgers University
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, Rutgers University

Outside the Office
When I'm not in session, I'm usually deep into a fantasy novel, losing track of time in a board game, or hill walking with my partner and our dog, Professor. I bring the same curiosity, patience, and groundedness to my personal life that I bring to my work with clients.