Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Smith.
Hi Ray, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
During the pandemic, I decided to sit for my clinical license. I created a virtual zoom study group to prepare and when I obtained my license. With so much time available, I began the process of building a small private practice. It started in 2022 as a few cases and has since blossomed into a solo practice and has advanced in 2025 to being self-employed with more than 50 cases. Working for myself, it is my hope to build to a small group practice where we can care for more clients in need of services. I am also enrolled at Delaware State University pursing my doctorate degree.
I opened my practice in Maryland but have since moved to Virginia. Married to an active-duty military service member, often makes the family move.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest challenge was trusting myself enough to grow from a part-time private practice that I worked in the evenings, to being completely self-sufficient and not reporting to someone or somewhere for work. Things have been much better than I had ever anticipated.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
CSW Services, LLC is a small solo private practice that works with a myriad of populations. A specialty in Anxiety, also work with individuals who have life transition issues, relational challenges, and also couples. I’ve also provided Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and work closely with individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. What sets me apart from other therapist’s is my approach in that I am very direct, but even in my directness my client’s respect it and does not feel threatened by it because they feel connected to me. I am most proud of the fact that as a therapist I push my clients to do the work that they need in order to find fulfillment in life. Anyone who receives services from CSW Services will be met with care and compassion but will motivate them to the change that they are seeking in life.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Currently I am in the place of working to build out and hire at least five other therapists to help guide them in the field while working toward meeting the needs of many other in need of mental health care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cswservices.org
