Meet the Clinician

Hi there and Welcome! I’m Larriesa Smith, LCSW. I am an NJ native and knew I wanted to help people since I was in High School. It wasn’t until my first year of community college at Middlesex County College that I became more interested in Family and Consumer Sciences. After completing one year at MCC and realizing I wanted more out of my college education, I transferred to the Big Apple. I became a St. John’s University student and studied Human Services in Queens, NY. I learned so much about myself and my passions during those three years as a Johnnie. After earning my Bachelor’s of Science with a major in Human Services in 2012, I knew Graduate School was the next step. So I made a decision in 2013 to apply to Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ and I was accepted for the Fall 2013 semester. I went on to complete two years of Post Graduate education and worked alongside some amazing colleagues, who I still keep in contact with to this day. After earning my Master’s of Social Work in 2015, I began studying for my Licensure of Social Work making me then an LSW and then went on to my current status of Licensure of Clinical Social Work making me an LCSW.

I have worked extremely hard to get to this place in my life where I am qualified to help others along with having the maturity and knowledge to successfully provide clinical services and applicable life experience. I know this is only the beginning to the work I will complete partnering up with women, adolescents and blended families.

I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Supportive Therapy, Logotherapy, Faith Based Therapy and Family Therapy. My past clients have described my sessions as non-judgmental, empathetic, safe space, engaging, consistent, fun and the list goes on. I take pride in bringing a real approach along with professionalism and complete understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics. Some areas I have helped clients navigate through have been Anxiety, Depression, Childhood Trauma, Work Related Stress, Family Dynamic Stress, LGBTQI+, etc. Please feel free to contact me to ask if there are other areas I am familiar with specific to your needs.

Enough about me, I want to know about you! I look forward to seeing you grow during sessions and accomplish goals you set for yourself. I believe in you and hope to get to know you and provide any assistance that I can. The arms are open you just need to come in.

Larriesa Smith, MSW, LCSW

Founder/ Clinical Director of Open Arms Therapy Services, LLC