My name is Mika Smith-Low (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I offer individual therapy through my private practice, Dallas Therapeutic Services (DTS), both in-office in the DFW area and virtually across Texas. My primary areas of specialty are OCD and PTSD, and while I generally work with adults, I am trained to work with individuals aged 15 and older.

I utilize a range of therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention, and CBT for Insomnia. I am a Certified EMDRIA clinician and have completed advanced training in OCD through the IOCDF’s BTTI. Additionally, I have completed multiple OutCare trainings in LGBTQ+ mental health, child & adolescent mental health, and trauma-informed care. My professional development also includes extensive training through the Center of Excellence in LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity, the National SOGIE Center, and the Gender Health Training Institute. In 2023, I served on the NASW TX SOGIE committee, where I contributed to the development of social work best practice guidelines in response to discriminatory legislation against trans and nonbinary minors in Texas.

As a gay woman, I take immense pride in my identity and feel privileged to provide LGBTQ+ affirming therapy to my community. Having navigated my own journey to coming out in my mid-twenties, I understand the personal and collective challenges involved in embracing and expressing one’s identity. I recognize the privilege I hold as a white, cisgender, femme-presenting individual and the relative ease with which I have been able to celebrate my identity compared to many others in our community. My clinical career reflects a deep passion for supporting the LGBTQ+ community at all stages of identity and transition. I offer affirming care, assist clients with social, medical, and surgical transitions, and provide therapy for LGBTQ+ youth and adults navigating societal pressures and mental health challenges unique to our community.

My therapeutic style is direct yet encouraging, with a casual, informal approach. I emphasize education, welcome questions and skepticism, and challenge avoidance. I often assign homework and encourage clients to step outside their comfort zones, particularly through exposure tasks. My approach is collaborative—clients are the experts in their lives, and together, we set goals that reflect their values and experiences. My aim is to create an affirming, safe space where individuals can explore their identity, heal from trauma, and gain the skills necessary to manage life’s challenges independently.