Lisa Smith, Ph.D.

Dr. Lisa Smith is the Director of the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) at Boston University and the Founding Director of the Boston University Psychological Services Center (PSC).

As a clinician and supervisor, I specialize in evidence-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for a wide range of anxiety, depression, and emotional problems. I have been directing anxiety clinics that specialize in CBT to improve emotion regulation for over 30 years, with more than 20 years at Boston University.  My professional journey began in a culturally diverse town in rural Ohio.  I am a graduate of Middlebury College, VT (BA) and St. John’s University, NY (PhD). I began my career leading mental health clinics at Kings County Hospital Center/ SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY.  These experiences have allowed me to develop familiarity with a wide range of people across backgrounds, income levels, and identities.  It has shown me the importance of fostering a culture at CARD in which all clinicians access the most effective evidence-based interventions and tailor them to maximize the results of each individual in our care.  Treatment at CARD prioritizes gaining insight into patient concerns, ensuring that patients feel supported, and progressing to active coaching through a new way of managing emotions by using experiential exercises and exposure therapy.  As Clinic Director, I treat patients; train graduate students and psychiatric residents; and run the clinic in a personal way that allows me to make sure every patient and trainee is well cared for.