Megan Cser Smith, Ph.D.
about me
EDUCATION
I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and M.A. in Psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. I completed my B.A. in Architecture at University of California, Berkeley, before discovering my interest in psychology. I am licensed as a Clinical Psychologist (PSY 32567) by the California Board of Psychology.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
– C.S. Lewis
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
I am committed to helping clients formulate and realize their goals for their lives and relationships based on the values that are important to them. Grounded in research and clinical experience, I view the therapeutic relationship as an active partnership where I assist clients with better understanding themselves and the ways in which they relate to others and the world.
From there, I work with clients to identify opportunities and ways to pursue change in line with their distinct objectives. My clinical specialties include working with people who have experienced trauma, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety.
Prior to joining Santa Monica Therapy, I worked as a licensed clinical psychologist at Columbia VA Health Care System where I worked on an interprofessional team in the General Mental Health Clinic and in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program.
I completed an APA-accredited postdoctoral residency in the Trauma Recovery Services Clinic, Addictive Behaviors Clinic, and Insomnia Clinic at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center and Nursing Home. I completed my APA-accredited internship at Columbia VA Health Care System with an emphasis on trauma, severe mental illness, depression, anxiety, and identity and relationship concerns.
My experience includes providing neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessment at medical and mental health centers, including Casa Colina Hospital and Valenta Mental Health. I have also provided individual, group, and couples therapy at mental health clinics throughout the Los Angeles area, including Rose City Center and Valenta Mental Health.
Professional Affiliations
I am a member of the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, and Los Angeles County Psychological Association.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Certified Provider
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Provider
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program, Therapist and Team Lead
Motivational Interviewing (MI) for General Mental Health, Provider
RESEARCH
My doctoral research focused on Internet pornography use among college students. My dissertation included analyzing differences in Internet pornography use as a function of a variety of factors, including demographic variables, religious support, shame- and guilt-proneness, depression, life-satisfaction, and loneliness.
I presented results from my masters project at the APA Division 36 Mid-Year Research Conference. I have also assessed treatment engagement in an outpatient mental health clinic and outcomes of an intensive outpatient program for substance use.