Payton Smith, MSW, LSW

Schererville, Telehealth

Education

School:

Valparaiso University

Cleveland State University

Degree:

Bachelor of Social Work

Master of Social Work

Payton is a therapist committed to creating a welcoming and collaborative therapeutic space where children, teens, and adults feel safe, supported, and understood. She recognizes that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, and she strives to help clients feel comfortable from the very beginning while building a strong foundation of trust and connection. Her approach is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and strengths-based, honoring the ways that culture, identity, relationships, and life experiences shape well-being.

Payton works with clients navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, stress, trauma, emotional regulation, and neurodivergence. Her particular areas of focus include supporting autistic and ADHD individuals, as well as those living with chronic illness, chronic pain, or experiences of burnout. She strives to meet clients where they are, helping them identify strengths, navigate challenges, and develop meaningful skills that support growth, resilience, and lasting change.

Payton earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Valparaiso University and her Master of Social Work from Cleveland State University. During her graduate training, she completed her clinical internship at Pillars of Wellness before joining the team as a therapist. Her clinical approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She is dedicated to ongoing professional growth and tailoring therapy to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.

Issues Treated

Anxiety Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Behavioral Issues
Chronic Conditions
Coping Skills
Developmental Disorders
Eating Disorders
Gender-Specific Issues
Grief
Identity-Related Concerns
Impulse Control Disorders
Life Transitions
Psychological Assessment
Self-Esteem
Self-Harming
Stress Management
Suicidality
Trauma

Session Types

Individual

Age Specialties

Toddlers/Preschoolers (0 to 5)
Children (6 to 10)
Preteens/Tweens (11 to 13)
Teenagers (14 to 19)
Emerging Adults (18-25)

Types of Therapy

Art Therapy, Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Narrative Therapy
Play Therapy
Positive Psychology