Empowering Minds

Welcome to the New You via a Unique Experience

Smith Clinic leading care in psychology, neuropsychology, and emotional wellness. Based in São Paulo, we support Brazilians and expats on their individual path of growth—because everyone has the potential resilience, and courage for transformation. Discover hope, resilience & endless possibilities with us!

Table Of Contents

Our Offerings
How It Works
Why Choose the Smith Clinic Experience?
The Story behind Smith Clinic
Meet some Our Team
Experience the Smith Clinic's Mission
Company Values
Frequently Asked Questions

Our Offerings

We provide a broad array of services, from one-on-one counseling to group therapy, and our skilled team of psychologists, tutors, and support staff are all committed to delivering tailored care to each of our clients.

01.

Neuropsychological Evaluations

Comprehensive assessments and testing, for all ages

02.

Therapy Services

Personalized counseling and psychotherapy sessions for individuals, couples and families.

03.

Educational Support

Specialized programs, tutoring and intensive workshops

Our Services Page

two cartoon characters with lots of thoughts — Our Process

Match

We meticulously match individuals, couples, and families with the best therapists for you.

Transform

Fostering a therapeutic bond that propels transformative growth.

Guiding

Guiding individuals on a courageous journey towards their best selves.

Why Choose the Smith Clinic Experience?

Personalized Care

Each individual is diligently matched with the most suitable therapist for personalized care.

Comprehensive Services

Foremost provider of psychological care, education support, and evaluations.

Transformative Growth

Belief in the inherent transformative power within every individual.

At Smith Clinic, we believe that everyone merits access to top-tier mental health care, and the Smith Clinic Experience is our endeavor to foster an inviting and supportive atmosphere for all.

Here we view guiding individuals to their best selves as a courageous journey embraced by all. Everyone of all ages, couples, families are carefully matched with the most suitable therapist, fostering a therapeutic bond that propels transformative growth.

Our philosophy is simple yet profound, every seemingly small movement holds the potential for monumental shifts in perspective and mental well-being. Each session at Smith Clinic is a gateway to this transformative power.

Through the therapeutic bond, we envision everyone through the lens of their best self and untapped potential. This approach enables us to focus on reframing perspectives and cultivating positive bonds, steering away from a fixation on shortcomings or perceived brokenness.

At Smith Clinic, we reject the notion that anyone is fundamentally broken and in need of fixing. Our paradigm shift encourages the examination and adjustment of behaviors that have become ineffective, with a focus on introducing new tools and strategies for personal growth. Embrace the journey of transformation with Smith Clinic, where every session is a step towards a more empowered and fulfilled self.

The Story behind Smith Clinic

A story of passion and resilience

Founded by Stephanie Smith, Smith Clinic is a foremost provider of psychological care, education support, and evaluations in São Paulo and beyond.

At Smith Clinic, we guide individuals, couples, and families to their best selves.

We have a Handpicked Team united by a Shared Belief, showcasing the power of dedication & humor.

Cultural understanding is essential, therefore our therapists understand and have experience in the culture, as well as speaking the language fluently.

Smith Clinic was founded on a serendipitous encounter.

Year 2009

JS family therapy was the forerunner of what would became Smith Clinic São Paulo.

Year 2017

In 2017, JS family therapy became Clinica Stephanie Smith, expanding psychological and educational evaluations. Now reaching more individuals and making a significant impact in the community.

Year 2019

In 2019, Finally becoming Smith Clinic just in time to celebrated a decade of empowering individuals, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of hope and transformation. And expanding with excellent professionals going.

Meet some Our Team

Stephanie Smith
Neuropsychologist

CEO

Jeremy Smith

COO

TWO PEOPLE and together they make Mr and Mrs Smith

Together they make
Mr & Mrs Smith

Smith Clinic and more

What sets us apart?

Experience the Smith Clinic’s Mission

Our Mission

Standing as a beacon of hope, providing invaluable support for individuals and families, particularly those challenged by the interplay of diverse languages and cultures, we understand expats & third culture, and the unique challenges that these bring.

Company Values

Authenticity Courage Competence Creativity Respect

CEO Smith Clinic, Stephanie Joy Smith, Neuropsychologist inSão Paulo, Brazil, sitting on her favorite armchair. — CEO

Authenticity |

We prioritize authenticity in all our interactions, creating genuine connections and fostering trust.  Authenticity involves sincere care for patients, honest communication, and a commitment to ethical practices.

Creativity |

We embrace creativity in our approach to psychological solutions, exploring innovative techniques and personalized strategies to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Competence |

Our team of hand-picked experienced psychologists and therapists demonstrate proficiency, profound expertise, and the skill to cultivate an empathetic and nurturing atmosphere within a safe and secure therapeutic space. They effectively communicate in various languages, incorporating pertinent cultural nuances to deliver top-quality care.

Courage |

Guiding others to be the best version of themselves demands courage from both therapist and patient.  We approach every challenge with courage and resilience, embracing innovation and taking bold steps to push the boundaries of psychological care.

Respect |

At the core of our practice. We honor the dignity and autonomy of each individual, valuing their unique experiences and perspectives.  No one is broken and needs fixing.  By identifying strengths and weaknesses, this then allows the focus to be on empowering individuals to promote growth in order to reach full potential, using effective tailored tools and strategies. 

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What are some signs that I may need professional help for my mental health?

There are several key indicators that you may need professional help for your mental health.
‣ Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily activities and responsibilities
‣ Decreased productivity, difficulty concentrating, or feeling drained and exhausted
‣ Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, or a weakened immune system
‣ Struggling with intense and prolonged emotions like sadness, anxiety, anger, or irritability
‣ Turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking, drug use, or self-isolation

Is seeking professional help a sign of weakness?

No, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness. It is a brave and courageous step towards taking care of your mental health.

What resources are available for getting professional mental health support?

There are many resources available for getting professional mental health support:
‣ Seeing a therapist or counselor for in-person sessions
‣ Using apps like Headspace and Calm for guided meditation and mindfulness exercises
‣ Trying online therapy through platforms like Talkspace and Betterhelp
‣ Developing life skills and healthy coping strategies through self-care, boundary setting, and emotional management

How can I maintain good mental health in the long-term?

To maintain positive mental well-being over the long-term, it’s important to:
‣ Develop life skills and coping strategies
‣ Practice regular self-care
‣ Set healthy boundaries in relationships and responsibilities
‣ Learn how to express and manage emotions in constructive ways

Why is it important to prioritize mental health?

Your mental health is just as important as physical health. By recognizing signs of mental health concerns and seeking professional help when needed, you can take control of your well-being and live a fulfilling, healthy life.

Practical tips

What’s the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?

‣ To prepare, consider writing down your goals for therapy.
‣ List any symptoms you’re experiencing.
‣ List the questions you have for the therapist.
‣ Be ready to provide some background about yourself and the issues you want to address.
‣ Write down the time and address of your appointment! Even if its just the zoom room address.
‣ Be prepared to fill out some forms.

Can I bring a friend or family member to my therapy session?

Generally, therapy sessions are one-on-one between you and your therapist. However, in some cases, your therapist might agree to include a loved one for a session or two if it’s beneficial to your treatment. Always discuss this with your therapist first. But we have family and couples therapists available.

What are the exact lengths of sessions? How long to they last for?

‣ Typically, therapy sessions last about 45-50 minutes.
‣ However depends on your therapist
‣ Individual | Couples | Families are different lengths of time.
‣ Sometimes longer sessions are more beneficial and therefore that will be analyzed with you.

Online | Remote | In Person | hybrid modality format?

Research suggests that for many conditions, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy.
‣ However, the effectiveness can depend on the individual.
‣ The specific issue being addressed
‣ The type of therapy being used.
‣ It’s a case by case.
‣ There is a whole blog post I wrote about this. Click here to read.

What paperwork do I need to fill out?

Everyone will be asked to fill out basic information form, billing information, confidentially agreement, and if needed, an informed consent form to share information with specific professionals.

What languages is therapy available in?

‣ English
‣ Portuguese
‣ Korean
‣ Spanish
‣ German
‣ Dutch

Clinical queries

What’s the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?

The short answer is it depends on where you are from in the world but typically this is the difference:
‣ Counseling often focuses on specific issues and is typically short-term.
‣ Psychotherapy tends to be more in-depth, addressing underlying patterns and may be longer-term.
‣ However, these terms are often used interchangeably, and the distinction can vary depending on the practitioner.
‣ To prepare, consider writing down your goals for therapy.‣ To prepare, consider writing down your goals for therapy.

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists typically have a degree in psychology and focus on talk therapy.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication.
Both can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, but their approaches and training differ.

What’s the best therapeutic approach?

While different therapeutic approaches may emphasize certain needs over others, most forms of therapy aim to address multiple core psychological needs.
The effectiveness of therapy often depends on how well it helps clients satisfy these fundamental emotional requirements.

Can therapy help with physical health problems?

The short answer is yes and no.
‣ It can also be beneficial for managing chronic pain.
‣ Coping with illness.
‣ Improving overall well-being.
‣ The mind-body connection means that mental health can significantly impact physical health.

What’s the best type of therapy for Anxiety? There are many but here is a few!

Research suggests that for anxiety many approaches are effective.
‣ Clinical psychology
‣ CBT
‣ DBT
‣ Analytical Behavioral Therapy
‣ Psychoanalysis
Read about these approaches on our Services Page

What’s the best type of therapy for Depression? There are many but here is a few!

‣ Analytical Behavioral Therapy
‣ Psychoanalysis
‣ Systemic therapy
‣ CBT
‣ DBT
‣ Clinical Psychology
‣ Neuropsychology
Read about these approaches on our Services Page

What’s the best type of therapy for ASD? There are many but here is a few!

‣ Analytical Behavioral Therapy
‣ CBT
‣ Psychoanalysis
Read about these approaches on our Services Page

What’s the best type of therapy for ADHD? There are many but here is a few!

‣ Executive functions training
‣ Analytical Behavioral Therapy
‣ CBT
‣ Systemic therapy
‣ Cogmed
Read about these approaches on our Services Page

What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?

It’s important to have a good rapport with your therapist.
‣ If you don’t feel comfortable after a few sessions, it’s okay to discuss this with your therapist and reach out to either the adminstration team or Stephanie herself.
‣ Your therapist or Stephanie will help in finding you a new one, whether it be within Smith Clinic or outside the clinic.
‣ A strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for effective treatment.

How do I know if therapy is working?

Signs that therapy is working include feeling more self-aware, having improved relationships, developing better coping skills, and noticing positive changes in your thoughts and behaviors. However, progress can be gradual and may not always feel linear

What if I’m only looking for educational | academic | tutoring support?

We have you covered with various types of support
‣ Lindamood Bell
‣ Math Tutoring including for College students
‣ General educational support
‣ Cogmed
‣ In person or online tutoring
Read about these on our Services Page

What if I’m looking for evaluations | assessments | neuropsychological testing | testing for academic issues?

We also have you covered, follow to our Testing and Evaluations main page or go directly to Our Services page to read about the tests themselves

Empowering Minds

Welcome to the New You via a Unique Experience

Our Offerings

We provide a broad array of services, from one-on-one counseling to group therapy, and our skilled team of psychologists, tutors, and support staff are all committed to delivering tailored care to each of our clients.

Neuropsychological Evaluations

Therapy Services

Educational Support

How It Works

Match

Transform

Guiding

Why Choose the Smith Clinic Experience?

Personalized Care

Comprehensive Services

Transformative Growth

At Smith Clinic, we believe that everyone merits access to top-tier mental health care, and the Smith Clinic Experience is our endeavor to foster an inviting and supportive atmosphere for all.

The Story behind Smith Clinic

A story of passion and resilience

Smith Clinic was founded on a serendipitous encounter.

Year 2009

Year 2017

Year 2019

Meet some Our Team

Experience the Smith Clinic’s Mission

Our Mission

Company Values

Authenticity Courage Competence Creativity Respect

Authenticity |

Creativity |

Competence |

Courage |

Respect |

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What are some signs that I may need professional help for my mental health?

Is seeking professional help a sign of weakness?

What resources are available for getting professional mental health support?

How can I maintain good mental health in the long-term?

Why is it important to prioritize mental health?

Practical tips

What’s the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?

Can I bring a friend or family member to my therapy session?

What are the exact lengths of sessions? How long to they last for?

Online | Remote | In Person | hybrid modality format?

What paperwork do I need to fill out?

What languages is therapy available in?

Clinical queries

What’s the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

What’s the best therapeutic approach?

Can therapy help with physical health problems?

What’s the best type of therapy for Anxiety? There are many but here is a few!

What’s the best type of therapy for Depression? There are many but here is a few!

What’s the best type of therapy for ASD? There are many but here is a few!

What’s the best type of therapy for ADHD? There are many but here is a few!

What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?

How do I know if therapy is working?

What if I’m only looking for educational | academic | tutoring support?

What if I’m looking for evaluations | assessments | neuropsychological testing | testing for academic issues?