Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Partner in Broward County
Smith Community Mental Health is a nationally accredited mental health center dedicated to providing client-centered, culturally competent services for individuals and families. Founded in 1999 in honor of Dr. Christina G. Smith, our organization delivers evidence-based interventions tailored to address emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges across all age groups. Our trauma-informed clinicians utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and other proven methodologies to empower clients toward improved coping skills and quality of life. Accredited by CARF, we maintain rigorous standards while offering accessible care through Medicaid acceptance, sliding fee scales, and grant-funded programs. Our community-focused approach has positively impacted Broward County residents for over two decades through specialized services like the HEAL Trauma Program and Comprehensive Child & Adolescent Treatment.We prioritize individual strengths and natural supports, collaborating with local agencies such as the Children's Services Council of Broward County. Our leadership team, co-founded by Joanne Correia-Kent and Donna Lavalle, brings decades of experience in children's mental health to guide our mission-driven work. Through continuous clinical training, we integrate emerging practices like CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality) to maintain treatment effectiveness. Our multidisciplinary team provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and both in-home and telehealth therapy options to ensure comprehensive care accessibility.
Services
Outpatient Therapy
Family Strengthening Program
HEAL Trauma Program
Psychiatric Evaluation
Case Management
Telehealth Services
Medication Management
Trauma Therapy
Adolescent Treatment
Peer Support Services
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Nationally accredited by CARF for service excellence
- Specialized trauma-informed care programs for youth
- Sliding fee scale for uninsured clients
- Community-focused approach with local partnerships
- Evidence-based treatments including TF-CBT and CAMS
Associations and certifications
- CARF
What people say
Great light at the end of the tunnel
Good-hearted people
Improved academic performance
No hidden fees
Trauma specialists
Services
Outpatient Therapy
Our Outpatient Therapy program delivers evidence-based mental health treatment for adults and youth through individual, family, and group sessions. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and other proven methodologies, our clinicians create personalized treatment plans addressing depression, anxiety, and behavioral challenges. Services are available in-office, home-based, or via telehealth with options for Medicaid recipients and sliding fee scale eligibility.
HEAL Trauma Program
The HEAL Trauma Program connects Broward County youth and families with coordinated trauma recovery services through community mental health workers. Specializing in central east Broward regions, this program provides system navigation, family advocacy, and trauma-specific interventions to address complex challenges. Our team facilitates access to behavioral health resources while empowering families to develop self-advocacy skills for sustained recovery and community integration.
Family Strengthening Program
This evidence-based program utilizes Alternatives for Families CBT to address family dynamics contributing to emotional distress. Through three-phase treatment including psychoeducation, skills training, and family applications, we help parents and children develop healthier communication patterns. The program incorporates Emotional Freedom Technique and Active Parenting strategies to reduce family conflict and prevent system involvement for at-risk households.
Comprehensive Child & Adolescent Treatment
Designed for youth aged 5-14 with severe emotional disturbances, this intensive program combines psychiatric services, academic instruction, and therapeutic interventions. Our multidisciplinary approach includes Trauma Incident Reduction and Brief Strategic Family Therapy to stabilize mental health crises. The program focuses on transitioning participants to community-based services while addressing co-occurring behavioral and academic challenges through structured therapeutic environments.
Peer Support Services
Our Peer Support Services connect individuals with trained specialists who share lived experience with mental health challenges. These support groups and one-on-one sessions provide practical guidance for managing symptoms, navigating healthcare systems, and building recovery skills. The program emphasizes mutual understanding and empowerment through shared experiences while complementing clinical treatment plans with real-world perspective.
People
Joanne Correia-Kent
Co-Chief Executive Officer
With over three decades of mental health experience, Joanne co-founded Smith Community Mental Health in 1999 following Dr. Christina Smith's passing. She previously worked in South Florida psychiatric hospitals and maintains leadership in clinical operations and strategic planning.
Donna Lavalle
Co-Chief Executive Officer
As co-founder and CEO, Donna brings extensive expertise in children's mental health from her prior hospital work and two decades leading agency operations. She focuses on maintaining Dr. Smith's values while expanding community-focused programming.
Michael Houghtaling
Outpatient Program Manager
Michael oversees outpatient services delivery, managing referrals and program coordination. He ensures access to mental health care through various funding sources while maintaining quality standards across adult and youth treatment programs.
Daphenie Joseph
HEAL Trauma Program Manager
Daphenie leads the HEAL Trauma Program, connecting families with trauma recovery resources. She coordinates community mental health workers and advocates for systemic support while implementing evidence-based interventions for trauma-affected households.
Debbie Morgan
Comprehensive Child & Adolescent Treatment Director
Debbie manages the intensive youth treatment program, overseeing psychiatric services, academic instruction, and therapeutic interventions. She specializes in creating structured environments for stabilizing severe emotional disturbances in children aged 5-14.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer for children?
We provide outpatient therapy, trauma-focused treatment, family strengthening programs, and intensive youth services for ages 5-14 with severe emotional disturbances.
Do you accept Medicaid or offer sliding scale fees?
Yes, we accept all Broward County Medicaid plans and offer sliding fee scales based on income and family size for uninsured clients.
How can I refer someone to your programs?
Contact Michael Houghtaling at 954-321-2296 ext. 220 for general referrals or specific program managers for specialized services.
Are your therapists CARF accredited?
Yes, our entire organization maintains CARF accreditation, ensuring our therapists meet rigorous national standards for mental health care quality.
Do you provide telehealth therapy options?
Yes, we offer telehealth therapy sessions when appropriate, providing accessible mental health care while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Broward County, Florida, with specialized programs targeting central east region communities.
