Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Smith.
Hi Dena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always said nursing is in my blood. My mom was a nurse, and I grew up watching her pour her heart into caring for others. Following in her footsteps just felt right. Around that same time, life threw me a beautiful surprise — I met my husband while he was stationed with the United States Navy in Florida and I was in Houston. We spent months flying back and forth, sharing late-night phone calls and way too many airport coffees, and somewhere between the miles and the memories, we fell in love. Over the years, he’s become so much more than my partner—he’s been my greatest cheerleader, unwavering encourager, and the steady anchor who’s believed in me on the days I didn’t believe in myself.
I began my journey as a registered nurse and discovered a passion for psychiatry and mental health that completely lit me up. Over the years, I worked in both private and public sectors, spending more than five years alongside some of the most brilliant, compassionate professionals I’ve ever met. Those experiences shaped me profoundly, deepening my commitment to mental health and showing me, in the most human way, what it truly means to stand beside people in their most vulnerable moments.
For a long time, I doubted whether I could pursue a graduate degree. I wasn’t sure I had it in me — the time, the confidence, the ability to juggle it all. But then my first son was born, and motherhood lit a fire in me. It made me braver. I went back to school, balancing diapers and coursework, and welcomed another little boy in 2021. By late 2022, I had earned my graduate degree in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner—a milestone I once thought was out of reach.
Since then, I’ve worked in inpatient psychiatry, where I’ve seen firsthand the power of compassionate, evidence-based care. But over time, I felt a pull toward something more personal. I wanted to build ongoing relationships with my patients, to be their cheerleader and steady guide as they navigated life’s challenges.
That dream became reality when I created The Psychiatry Society — a virtual psychiatric mental health clinic I named to reflect my belief that care works best as a community effort, where patients feel truly supported and never alone. What began as a small virtual practice has grown into something deeply meaningful, and while I still balance my inpatient role, I’ve been able to dedicate more of my heart and time to growing this space and the relationships within it.
For me, this work is not just a career; it’s a calling. Every patient I meet reminds me why I started and why I keep going: to help people feel seen, understood, and capable of thriving even in the hardest seasons of life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and there are still days I question how I’ll manage it all. Balancing graduate school with being a wife and raising two young boys was one of the hardest seasons of my life—late nights, self-doubt, and moments of wondering if I was in over my head. And now, growing The Psychiatry Society while continuing to work in inpatient psychiatry comes with its own challenges. I’m still learning the business side as I go, often wearing every hat at once, but each step forward reminds me why I’m doing this work.
Every bump in the road has taught me something valuable: how to ask for help, how to give myself grace, and how to keep going even when things aren’t perfect. And in the end, my clients make every sacrifice worth it. Seeing their progress, their resilience, and their trust in me reminds me exactly why this work matters.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Psychiatry Society is a virtual psychiatric mental health clinic, created to make high-quality, compassionate mental healthcare feel accessible and personal. I provide evidence-based medication management paired with supportive therapy for adults across the lifespan. I work with individuals living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma and find special interest in maternal mental health, geriatrics, and supporting individuals navigating burnout or major life transitions.
A cornerstone of my approach is collaboration — I prioritize including clients in every step of their care. Treatment planning is never one-size-fits-all; instead, I work together with each person to find the right balance of support, lifestyle changes, and medication management that fits their goals and values. I also collaborate with therapists and other mental health professionals to make sure each client has a full circle of support around them.
I offer flexible evening appointments designed to accommodate busy, driven professionals who are juggling demanding careers, families, and personal growth — people who care for everyone else but often put their own needs last. What truly sets my clinic apart is its heart: I prioritize connection over quick fixes, creating a warm, judgment-free space where people can show up exactly as they are and feel genuinely cared for.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that The Psychiatry Society feels approachable, empowering, and deeply human. The name itself was chosen intentionally to reflect the idea that healing is not meant to be done alone, but within a supportive “society” of care. My goal has always been to create a space where clients feel seen, understood, and actively involved in building their own mental wellness — and I think that heart shines through in everything I do.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding mentors can feel intimidating, but I’ve learned it’s really about building genuine connections. I reach out to other mental health professionals simply to learn about their work, and those conversations often turn into supportive relationships over time.
Being open about my own journey — the messy parts as well as the wins — has also helped me connect with people who truly understand this field. Mentorship doesn’t have to come from one perfect person; it can be a collection of people who cheer you on and remind you you’re not alone.
Pricing:
- Insurance is accepted: Aetna, Ascension (SmartHealth), Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Cigna, Oscar (Optum), Oxford (Optum), Quest Behavioral Health, and United Healthcare (Optum)
- Cash Pay Pricing: Intakes $250 and Follow Up Appointments $150
- Sliding scale rates are available on an individual basis.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepsychiatrysociety.com
- Instagram: @thepsychiatrysociety
- Other: https://care.headway.co/providers/dena-smith?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=119916
Image Credits
Photographed at Haus on Hardy, Spring, TX.
