Mika Smith-Low
LCSW-S, LCDC • Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor
About
With a direct yet encouraging approach, Mika Smith-Low brings a unique blend of expertise to her therapy practice. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Mika specializes in tackling some of the most challenging mental health issues, including OCD and related disorders, PTSD and trauma, severe anxiety disorders, and phobias. Her practice is notably LGBTQ+ affirming, providing a safe and supportive environment for clients across the spectrum of gender and sexual identities.
Mika's therapeutic style is characterized by its casual and informal feel, coupled with a commitment to education and challenging clients to step outside their comfort zones. She welcomes questions and skepticism, pushing against avoidance while providing a supportive framework for growth. Her therapy dog, Bentley, often assists in tougher sessions, adding an element of comfort and unconventional support to the therapeutic process.
With a robust educational background, including a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hendrix College and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, Mika has built a diverse and comprehensive skill set. Her professional journey began in inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, where she gained valuable experience working with acute crisis stabilization, chronic schizophrenia, psychosis, and geriatric issues such as dementia and Alzheimer's. This foundation was further enhanced by her work in outpatient settings, including running an intensive outpatient program for individuals with substance use issues involving the legal system.
Mika's expertise is grounded in evidence-based practices. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and CBT for Insomnia. As a Certified EMDRIA clinician and a Mediator in the state of Texas, she brings additional specialized skills to her practice. Her advanced training in OCD through the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) further solidifies her expertise in this area.
Currently serving as one of the owners of Dallas Therapeutic Services, Mika provides individual therapy to older adolescents and adults. Her approach is holistic, drawing from multiple training modalities to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs. She emphasizes the collaborative nature of therapy, viewing clients as the experts in their own lives while providing the education, skills, tools, and understanding needed to achieve sustainable symptom reduction and improved coping with life's challenges.
Mika's passion extends beyond traditional mental health concerns to include working with the LGBTQ+ community, assisting with medical and legal transitions, and addressing body-focused repetitive behavior disorders such as skin-picking and hair-pulling. Her experience also encompasses depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use, insomnia, and relationship issues. Through her work, Mika aims to empower clients to become better adjusted and more independent in managing life's stressors, always emphasizing that the client sets the goals and pace of their therapeutic journey.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Social Work
Certifications, Memberships & Training
- Certified EMDRIA Clinician
- Mediator in the state of Texas
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Exposure and Response Prevention
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
- Advanced Training in OCD through BTTI
State Licenses
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Specialties & Expertise
Specializations
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- PTSD
- Substance Abuse
- Trauma
State Licenses
- Texas
Race, Gender & Sexual Sensitivities
- LGBTQ+ Allied
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Locations
Dallas Therapeutic Services - Irving
1175 Kinwest Pkwy, 100
Irving, TX 75063