Heather D. Smith, PsyD

School Psychologist

A psychologist whose specialty is concerned with the science and practice of psychology with children, youth, families; learners of all ages; and the schooling process. The basic education and training of school psychologists prepares them to provide a range of psychological diagnosis, assessment, intervention, prevention, health promotion, and program development and evaluation services with a special focus on the developmental processes of children and youth within the context of schools, families and other systems. School psychologists are prepared to intervene at the individual and system level, and develop, implement, and evaluate preventive programs. In these efforts, they conduct ecologically valid assessments and intervene to promote positive learning environments within which children and youth from diverse backgrounds to ensure that all have equal access to effective educational and psychological services that promote healthy development

Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist

Dr. Heather D. Smith is a Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist in Hingham, MA with special training and skill in diagnosing and treating mental disorders that affect young patients. As a Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Heather D. Smith, PsyD performs psychological assessment, therapy, and research regarding abnormal childhood mental health. Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology is medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and researching childhood mental disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologists include autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, eating disorders, and learning disabilities. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologists include mental health assessment, parent and child education, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), play therapy, psychotherapy, and referral to other medical specialists as needed.

A psychologist who develops and applies scientific knowledge to the delivery of psychological services to infants, toddlers, children and adolescents within their social context. Of particular importance to the specialty of clinical child psychology is an understanding of the basic psychological needs of children and adolescents, and how the family and other social contexts influence the socio-emotional adjustment, cognitive development, behavioral adaptation and health status of children and adolescents.