Nikita Smith

she/her

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Anger Management, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety

Individual therapy

In Person & Online in Chesapeake, VA

6 years in practice

Ages served: 6-65+

Nikita accepts 26 insurers

Aetna

Anthem

Cigna | Evernorth

Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

Carelon

Compsych

First Health Network

HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage

JP Farley Corporation

Medcost VA

Multi Plan PHCS

Optum Serve

Oscar Health

Poppins Health

Quest Behavioral Health

UMR

United Healthcare | Optum

United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage

Uprise EAP

Self pay costs

Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.

$220

first session

$160

subsequent sessions

I am Nikita Smith, LPC. My career in mental health began as an intern at a nursing home, working with individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, which inspired my passion for this work. After earning my bachelor's degree, I worked as a QMHP providing Intensive In-Home services to children, adolescents, and families. During my master's degree, I worked as an RBT providing ABA services to individuals with autism. After graduate school, I completed my residency in counseling, specializing in trauma-informed therapy. As an LPC, I provide therapy for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and autism.

My method of treatment is influenced by a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. I specialize in reframing automatic negative thoughts and utilizing unconditional positive regard.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and clientcentered. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, build effective coping skills, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

"My work with neurodivergent clients has taught me that healing begins with feeling seen and accepted, so I offer a collaborative, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and affirming space where we can build on your natural strengths and create meaningful change together. "

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I had a spiritual calling.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with client's with a trauma history.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

One thing I wish all clients knew about therapy is that it is collaborative and it's going to take dedication from the client and the clinician to reach the goals.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

The first session with me and the early stages of therapy will be focused on me getting an understanding of your worldview.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My core values of integrity, respect, patience, empathy and growth inform my practice as a therapist.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

The way that I tailor therapy to meet each client's unique needs is by learning what interests them and incorporating their interests into treatment.

SpecialtiesAnger Management, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Women’s Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Seniors & Geriatric, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Sleep / Insomnia, Social Anxiety, Spirituality, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Mood Disorders, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Neurodiversity, Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Panic Attack, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Performance Anxiety, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Racial Identity, LGBTQIA+, Life Transition, Men’s Issues, Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Dual Diagnosis, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, First Responders, Gambling, Gender Identity / Transgender, Grief, Hoarding, Impulse Control Disorders, Infertility, Infidelity, Internet Addiction, Caregivers, Codependency, Coping Skills, Adoption, Behavioral Issues, Body Image Issues

ApproachesTrauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic, Strength-Based Therapy, Trauma-Focused, Prolonged Exposure (PE), Psychoanalytic, Multicultural, Narrative, Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Gottman Method, Humanistic / Rogerian, Existential Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Bibliotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)