Douglas K. Smith, Ph.D.

Welcome to Beachside Psychology.  I have been a licensed clinical psychologist for over 40 years and relocated to San Clemente to be closer to family.  I am currently accepting new patients.

I have had extensive training and experience and feel competent to deal with most issues that bring people to seek help.  These include the following:

• depression
• problems with sleep or appetite
• challenges with aging
• fears that impact your daily life
• panic attacks or periods of intense anxiety
• fears of social gatherings
• repetitive thoughts or excessive worrying
• addictions including alcohol, drugs, smoking, or eating
• anger management
• feeling stressed or overwhelmed
• reoccurring thoughts or feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• understanding or coping with a loss or trauma

I support families and couples and explore how to improve relationships in these areas:

• conflicts, disagreement, and other complex issues related to marriage
• behavior of children and adolescents
• divorce and child custody litigation
• adjusting to the challenge of retirement

I am always open to discussing your specific concerns and whether I might be the best person to help you address those concerns.  Feel free to call and leave a message and I would be happy to return your call and discuss your unique situation.

I received my undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley and I majored in psychology.  I am a member of Phi Beta Kappa.  I then attended graduate school for six years at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology where I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1982.  I had diverse training while I was an intern and trained at LA County/USC Medical Center, the VA Hospital in Long Beach, and at the Devereux Foundation in Santa Barbara.  I also did training at the Pasadena Community Counseling Center and at Lanterman State Hospital.  My graduate training and internships were all APA approved and I am listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.  I am a member of the American Psychological Association and the California Psychological Association.

I have been married to my wonderful wife for over 45 years.  We have two adult children,  and two grandsons.  I enjoy spending time with family, enjoy daily walks with my wife, and love the game of golf.  I prefer a good book to most television.  I feel fortunate to be able to continue to practice this unique helping profession.