Lauren M. Smith, PhD

Health Psychologist

Dr. Lauren M. Smith is a Health Psychologist in Durango, CO with special training and skill in understanding the economic, social, emotional, and mental influencers that might cause illnesses. As a Health Psychologist, Lauren M. Smith, PhD performs therapies to help patients overcome lifestyle issues that could impact their physical well-being. Health Psychology is the psychology branch that focuses on how a patient's physical health is affected by social, emotional, and mental factors; and their emotional and mental reaction to sickness and recovery. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Health Psychologists include psychosomatic illnesses like phobias, emotional eating, smoking, and self-control challenges. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Health Psychologists include physical and psychological assessments.

A psychologist who specializes in clinical health psychology that investigates and implements clinical services across diverse populations and settings to promote health and well-being and to prevent, treat, and manage illness and disability. Clinical health psychology sees health as the confluence of psychological, social, cultural, and biological factors and applies this understanding to professional activities including:
* Research
* Clinical service
* Consulting with, educating, and supervising other health care providers and psychologists
* Advising organizations, institutions, the public, and policymakers