Brenda Mejia-Smith, Ph.D.

Pronouns
she/her/hers/ella
Title
Psychologist
Office Phone
Office
McCosh Health Center, Third Floor
Bio/Description

Education

Teachers College, Columbia University, Ph.D.

Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A.

Trinity University, B.A.

Certification

Licensed Psychologist, New York & New Jersey

Internship

Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY

Bio

I am passionate about helping students cultivate their strengths, self-compassion, and authenticity. I believe that life’s obstacles and transitions are opportunities for growth and healing.  As an immigrant from El Salvador, I especially enjoy working with marginalized, first-generation, and low-income students who are navigating the challenges and opportunities of higher education.

My psychotherapeutic approach is warm, culturally responsive, and rooted in social justice.  I integrate techniques from various psychological frameworks to provide individualized therapy for emotional struggles and mental health disorders.

I lead the Latinx Tigers therapy group for undergraduate students and I am a member of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee at UHS. My volunteer activities include serving as a Role Model at HISPA (Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement).

Professional Interest
Advocacy and social justice
Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Couples counseling
Depression
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Disordered eating
Diversity and inclusion
Education/Training
First-generation student experience
Graduate students
Group therapy
Identity
LGBTQIA+ experiences
Mind/Body health
Relationships
Social influences on health
Trauma
Language
Spanish