LGBT therapists in Abingdon, VA

My name is Courtney Kadish-Smith and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked in both mental health and addiction throughout my career. I have a passion for therapy and at the end of the day I am aware this is not an easy thing to commit too. Exploring into ourselves and working to get better is something that takes courage. I applaud you for reaching out in the first place and now we can take the step together towards making your life better.

As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in rural Virginia, as well as, a decade abroad managing health programs, my experience includes acute crisis management, addiction medicine, community health, and maternal and child health. Medication management, therapy, and holistic care for depression, anxiety, adjustment challenges, traumatic experiences, and bipolar disorders are my main areas of focus. Particular interest and expertise in working with children and families in foster care.

As your therapist, I create a space where you can slow down and reconnect with yourself. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in belief that meaningful change begins within. Whether you’re managing anxiety, relationship challenges, identity shifts, or past experiences that still affect you, we move at your pace with practical tools and honest conversation.

I’ve been working in the mental health field for nearly a decade and bring a deep commitment to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. I hold a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. These academic foundations, combined with years of hands-on experience, have shaped my compassionate, informed, and client-centered approach to therapy.

Most recently I was serving as a Licensed Clinical Therapist where I provided individual and group therapy in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adults facing complex mental health and substance use challenges. I am currently working at a small group practice treating adults with stress, anxiety, depression, ptsd, and more. I hold sessions on the weekend and in the morning one a week.

At the heart of my practice is a belief in the power of authentic connection. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore difficult emotions, build insight, and take meaningful steps toward lasting change.

I apply a holistic and person-centered approach to therapy. I recognize that by creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment, clients can learn to redefine dysfunctional boundaries, to reconnect with a sense of meaning for their lives, and to ultimately make lasting changes in their lives and relationships. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in navigating life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexual identity, trauma, OCD, narcissistic abuse, adult children of emotionally immature parents, and relationship strain.

I help to create a safe, collaborative space where you will feel seen, not judged. Our relationship is one where you can let your guard down and show up as your full self. It is my goal to use a warm and compassionate relationship to walk alongside you, offering reflection, compassion, and challenge when needed to help you reach your goals.