About Dr. Smack

Dr. Avanté Smack is a licensed clinical psychologist who founded Courageous Counseling and Consulting, LLC in 2020 to help others commit to courageous actions that will create meaningful changes within their own lives. Dr. Smack has a range of expertise that spans from early childhood through adulthood. She has experience working with clients in a wide variety of settings including outpatient mental health clinics, substance abuse treatment facilities, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and private practices.

 

Dr. Smack primarily uses a cognitive-behavioral approach which focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She also integrates other evidence-based treatment modalities including mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family systems. Dr. Smack strongly prioritizes the therapy relationship to spark meaningful change and tailors her approach to each individual's goals. 

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Educational Background

Dr. Smack graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Spelman College and a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology from the University of Houston. She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Northwestern University. Dr. Smack completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Kennedy Krieger Institute. 

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Licensure

• Maryland

• District of Columbia

• Virginia​​