Toya Smith
Welcome. I’m Dr. Toya Smith, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, a family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who believes healing begins with feeling heard. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, major life changes, stress or psychiatric consults for surgery. My approach is warm, supportive, and free of judgment. I want you to feel comfortable talking openly about what you are going through. Together, we will explore your concerns, recognize your strengths, and create a plan that fits your needs and goals. Your care may include therapy, medication management, lifestyle changes, and practical coping skills. I believe mental health care should feel like a partnership. My goal is to help you better understand what you are experiencing and feel supported as you work toward greater balance and well-being.
First session
Starting therapy or psychiatric care can feel overwhelming, so I work to make our first appointment comfortable and clear. We will spend time getting to know each other and talking about what brought you to care. We may discuss your current symptoms, health and mental health history, family history, stressors, and personal goals. I will ask questions to better understand your experience, and you will have time to ask questions too. Together, we will begin creating a treatment plan based on your needs. If medication may be helpful, we will talk about your options, possible benefits, and side effects so we can make decisions together. My goal is for you to leave knowing what comes next and feeling comfortable with the plan.
Strengths
I believe trust, honesty, and teamwork are important parts of mental health care. I provide a compassionate space where you can talk openly without fear of judgment. I listen closely while also offering practical guidance that can help you move forward. When helpful, I will gently challenge patterns that may be getting in your way while supporting you as you build confidence and healthier ways of coping. My background in primary care, bariatric medicine, and palliative care also helps me consider the connection between your physical and emotional well-being. I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. My goal is to provide care that fits your needs and gives you useful tools for lasting growth.
Ideal clients
I work well with adults who are ready to make their mental health a priority and work toward meaningful change. I support people experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, stress, burnout, grief, relationship concerns, mood difficulties, and major life transitions. Many of the people I work with are professionals, caregivers, parents, healthcare workers, or students who are managing many responsibilities and feeling overwhelmed. You may be looking for therapy, medication management, or a combination of both. Wherever you are starting, I aim to provide a supportive space where we can find practical ways to reduce stress, restore balance, and work toward the goals that matter to you.
Treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
I use cognitive behavioral therapy strategies to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions can affect one another. Together, we can notice patterns that may be making life harder and practice healthier ways to cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and other challenges. I also use motivational interviewing to help you explore what matters to you and build confidence in making changes. Rather than telling you what you should do, I help you identify your own reasons for change and take realistic steps toward your goals. Mindfulness can also be part of our work. I can teach you simple ways to notice your thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions without judging yourself. These skills may help you manage stress, improve focus, and feel more grounded during difficult moments.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- LouisianaLicense 203877