I am entering this review at 5:00am after not sleeping all night. I answered a few questions incorrectly with Strongly disagree instead of Greatly Agree. I have no negative feelings toward Marcella. She is a compassionate, knowledgeable, and helpful therapist. I greatly appreciate her help and will continue with her.
Marcella Smithson, LMFT
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Marcella is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 4.5 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Marcella. View 6 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
Recent reviews
Marcella is a great listener and very knowledgeable about Mental Health. I plan to continue to talk with her. After two appointments she really gave me a lot to think about and different ways of therapy to consider. Very happy to randomly get paired with her!
More about Marcella
- 7 years' experience
- Female
- LMFT
There are times when we need to explore some growth & healing work. Thankfully the ability to grow & heal is built into our human-nature, a nature that comes alive when receiving the support we need. Therapy is for receiving this support, and in a way that fits with you. And so I trust in this: Creating in your own expressive way a better life is what I know you are able—and meant—to do. Supporting you in discovering this for yourself will be a heartfelt privilege for me.
I am trauma-attachment focused and informed. I am trained in EMDR by Curtis C. Rouanzoin,Ph.D. under EMDR Institute, Inc., EMDRIA; Couples - Trained by Susan Johnson, PhD, Emotion-Focused Therapy. I am a certified mindfulness teacher (by Tibet House & Dharma Moon).
I am experienced in the field of mental health with over 15 years experience at the public health level, and on the front lines as a therapist. I am trained in evidenced-based techniques. My approach: Unconditional Positive Regard, Humanist, Trauma-attachment focused informed care. You Can Expect From Me: Honesty, Empathy, and an Ally.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Self esteem
Depression
Addictions
Family conflicts
Grief
Sleeping disorders
Anger management
Coping with life changes
Abandonment
Aging and Geriatric Issues
Attachment issues
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain illness and disability
Co-morbidity
Dissociation
Divorce and separation
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Emptiness
Family of Origin Issues
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Military and Veterans Issues
Mood disorders
Post-traumatic stress
Self-love
Sexual Assault and Abuse
Women's issues
Treatment Approaches
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Marcella Smithson's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1497388136.
- LMFT · California · 111164 · Expires January 2025
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, sometimes called teletherapy, refers to talk therapy delivered remotely through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or chat. It can be a great option for people who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions.
Teletherapy also offers greater convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that the treatment outcomes with online counseling are often just as effective as with traditional therapy, providing a viable alternative for individuals seeking mental health support.
Reviews for Marcella Smithson
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
I am entering this review at 5:00am after not sleeping all night. I answered a few questions incorrectly with Strongly disagree instead of Greatly Agree. I have no negative feelings toward Marcella. She is a compassionate, knowledgeable, and helpful therapist. I greatly appreciate her help and will continue with her.
Marcella is a great listener and very knowledgeable about Mental Health. I plan to continue to talk with her. After two appointments she really gave me a lot to think about and different ways of therapy to consider. Very happy to randomly get paired with her!
I’m enjoying my sessions with Marcella. She is very sweet and understanding.
Marcella is patient and understand, but also honest. She uses her outside yet professional perspective to offer advice and strategies to cope you through. Additionally, she provides homework to complete on your own time to help you be accountable and serious about making the change you are striving towards!
Marcella listened, provided great advice, and taught me valuable skills to independently think through my problems and make decisions that are right for me
First session went great. I felt comfortable talking to her and the great tips she has provided to me.
Frequently asked questions
Does Marcella Smithson offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Marcella Smithson works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Marcella Smithson speak?
Marcella Smithson speaks English.
How many years of experience does Marcella Smithson have?
Marcella Smithson has 7 years of experience.
Where is Marcella Smithson licensed to practice?
Marcella Smithson is licensed to practice in California.
Does Marcella Smithson accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Marcella Smithson does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Marcella Smithson offer?
Marcella Smithson offers clients Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Marcella Smithson?
Marcella Smithson can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Marcella Smithson?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.