Jerry Smith, LCSW, CSW

Jerry Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Georgia with 38 years of experience in mental health. He uses a client-centered approach and works with people on issues like stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, relationship and family concerns, and aging and geriatric issues. He asks clients what matters most and helps them set practical goals for change.

Over his career he has worked in many settings, including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, alcohol and drug programs, jails and penitentiaries, and assisted living facilities. He has also supported foster-care families and families with children who have developmental disabilities. That range gives him familiarity with many life situations and transitions.

Jerry emphasizes meeting people where they are. He helps clients identify what feels stuck and what they want to change. Sessions include collaborative planning and concrete tasks to practice between meetings, because he views homework as an important part of progress.

He also spent twelve years teaching psychology as an adjunct professor, which informs how he explains ideas and structures sessions. His background includes work with a wide range of mental health concerns, including trauma, substance use, and severe mood disorders.

People who come to him can expect direct conversation about goals, steps to reach them, and follow-up tasks. He aims to guide clients toward clearer choices and more manageable next steps in their lives.

How Client-Centered and CBT Work Online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following your lead. The therapist helps you name what matters, sets goals you choose, and supports your decisions. This approach works well for people facing life transitions, loneliness, grief, or relationship stress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact. It helps identify unhelpful thinking and teaches practical exercises to change behavior and mood. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating problems, and managing addictive behaviors.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Jerry will discuss goals, preferences, and what felt helpful in earlier sessions to decide whether a client-centered focus, CBT techniques, or a mix is best. That decision is collaborative and can change as needs evolve.

If you prefer online care, confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also supports regular homework review and practical skill practice between sessions to help steady progress.