(No ratings)
Dr. Mark Spencer Smith, PHD., LCSW is a social worker in Wilton Manors, FL specializing in social work. Dr. Mark Spencer Smith, PHD., LCSW is affiliated with BetterHelp.
“I am licensed in Florida and North Carolina with 34 years of professional clinical experience. I have extensive experience in helping clients undergoing major life transitions, finding ways to cope with stress and anxiety, dealing with LGBTQ+ and other identity related issues, with family conflicts, sexual struggles, & depression. I work with clients to collaboratively create an open and safe environment where difficult thoughts and feelings can be shared, explored, and faced without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to gaining better understanding about ourselves takes courage, but can usually lead to a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support you in that process.”
Connect with this therapist via:
Online messaging - send messages throughout the day as you have time; relax and give yourself opportunity to fully ponder each step of the conversation
Video Visits - connect over video conferencing software for a virtual session -- almost as if you're there in person
Phone Visits - good old-fashioned technology for those who don't want to worry about appearance or who have might have internet bandwidth limitations; a little bit like connecting with an old friend, but with a counselor instead
Instant Message (IM) Visits - real-time chat -- like a phone call, but over text
Connecting with a therapist can be difficult. BetterHelp can help with that. They have an online network of licensed and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and counselors. You can connect with their therapists via online video, phone, real-time chat, or asynchronous messaging. Easily switch therapists until you find one that fits you. Sign up through DocSpot for a discount on your first month's subscription.
Depression
Everyone knows what it feels like to get the blues once in a while. But depression is a serious illness that is more severe than a bad day and lasts much longer. Symptoms of depression stop a person from being able to function and enjoy daily activities for weeks or months at a time. It can happen to anyone, and it isn't something that people can control by force of will or "snap out of it."
Some common symptoms of depression include:
We don't yet know what causes depression, but it's thought that it is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social influences. Because of this, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication with psychotherapy. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be extremely helpful in resolving the negative thoughts and feelings that come with depression. It gives patients new tools that they can use themselves to cope when their depression is making them feel down.
Some of the common medications used to treat depression include antidepressants such as SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or atypical antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin). It's important to remember that these medications have different effects on everybody, and no one medication works right for everyone. Patients may have to try a couple before finding the one that works just right for them. If the first medication they try doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about trying something else. In extreme cases where medication is not enough, electro-convulsive therapy and hospitalization may be the answer to keeping a severely depressed person safe.
Depression is a difficult illness to deal with, but it is more common than believed and there are many people who can help. With the right treatment, individuals with depression can get back to fully enjoying life again.
He has a state license in Florida.
Licensed In: Florida
Dr. Mark Spencer Smith, PHD., LCSW is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Mark Spencer Smith, PHD., LCSW does not have any reviews yet, be the first to leave a review of Dr. Mark Spencer Smith, PHD., LCSW here: Leave a Review
(No ratings)
Dr. Mark Smith works as a social work specialist in Wilton Manors, FL. Dr. Smith obtained a license to practice in Florida.