Sheherazade (San) Smith is a provider at our North Bethesda clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She is a graduate of Master of Social Work from University of Southern California. She completed her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from University of the City of Manila-Philippines. She is licensed to practice in Maryland.

San believes that is the primary role of therapist is to empower each individual and it starts by providing a safe, supportive, thoughtful, and therapeutic relationship/environment. As a previous civilian employee of DOD and with multiple family members who served, she has insight of the military community. While her hospital experiences provided her insight about the best in people despite the worst circumstances.

San believes that the solution to everyone’s challenges lies within the innate strength of the person. Utilizing various psychoanalytic approach to therapy, paired with individually (case) applicable evidence-based practices, and empathy, she believes everyone will eventually find the strength to get up, build hope, and thrive.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” -Desmond Tutu