Alyssa Smyth, PhD

I’m a licensed psychologist providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment for adults managing high levels of responsibility—whether in their career, personal lives, or both. My work focuses on helping people think clearly, function effectively, and sustain their capacity under ongoing pressure.

I work with individuals navigating burnout, attention difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and significant life or role transitions. In addition to addressing symptoms, we look at how patterns of thinking, feeling, and relationships play out in real-world conditions—especially when expectations are high and there’s little room to step back. The aim is not just short-term relief, but steadier functioning and a way of operating that holds over time.

Before entering private practice, I served for six years as an active-duty Navy psychologist, providing psychological support in a variety of challenging and dynamic environments, including the Navy’s largest fleet of nuclear submarines. During this time, I worked closely with commanders, executive officers, and senior leaders responsible for critical decision-making in high-consequence settings. This unique experience shaped my clinical perspective and deepened my understanding of responsibility, ethical strain, and resilience in complex systems.

In private practice, I bring the same focus, adaptability, and clinical expertise to my work with clients. Treatment is collaborative, goal-directed, and regularly reviewed with an emphasis on meaningful improvement and sustainable change.

Selected Articles and Presentations

Articles

• Merrill, B. M., Hare, M. M., Piscitello, J., Schatz, N. K., Fabiano, G. A., Wells, E. L., Robertson, E. L., Aloe, A. M., Pelham, W. E., Jr, Macphee, F., Ramos, M., Zhao, X., Altszuler, A. R., Javadi, N., Morris, S. S. J., Smyth, A., Ward, L., & Jones, H. A. (2024). Diversity and representation in ADHD psychosocial treatment research: A comprehensive synthesis with data from over 10,000 participants. Clinical Psychology Review, 112, 102461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102461
• Fabiano, G. A., Schatz, N. K., Aloe, A. M., Pelham, W. E., Smyth, A. C., Zhao, X., Merrill, B. M., Macphee, F., Ramos, M., Hong, N., Altszuler, A., Ward, L., Rodgers, D. B., Liu, Z., Karatoprak Ersen, R., & Coxe, S. (2021). Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Psychosocial Treatments Investigated Within Between Group Studies. Review of Educational Research, 91, 718-760. doi:10.3102/00346543211025092
• Schatz, N.K., Aloe, A.M. Fabiano, G.A., Pelham, W.E., Smyth, A.C., Zhao, X., Merrill, B., Macphee, F., Ramos, M., Hong, N., & Altszuler, A. (2020). Psychosocial Interventions for ADHD: Systematic Review with Evidence and Gap Maps. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 41, S1-S11. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000778
• Fabiano, G.A., Hulme, K., Sodano, S., Caserta, A., Hulme, K., Stephan, G., & Smyth, A.C. (2018). An evaluation of occupational behavior in individuals with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Human Performance, 31, 165-178. doi: 10.1080/08959285.2018.1489809
• Smyth, A.C. & Meier, S.T. (2016). Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales. Journal of Attention Disorders. Advance online publication. doi:10.1177/1087054715624230
• Smyth, A.C., Dipeolu, A.O., Davies, L., Hargrave, S., & Stevenson, A.R. (2015). Living with ADHD: The unique career development challenges facing women with ADHD. Career Planning and Adult Development Journal, 31, 44-53.
• Dipeolu, A.O., Davies, L., Smyth, A., Bahny, R., Leierer, S.J., & Hargrave, S. (2015). Cognitive information processing approach to career counseling and individuals with ADHD: A match made in empirical and clinical heaven! Career Planning and Adult Development Journal, 31, 12-24.
• Davies, L., Storlie, C.A., Dipeolu, A., & Smyth, A. (2015). Inclusive career counseling: Family of origin impact while working with individuals with ADHD. Career Planning and Adult Development Journal, 31, 80-88.

Presentations

• Sodano, S. M., Drake, A. S, Fabiano, G. A., Hulme, K. F., Caserta, A. M., Hulme, K. L., Stephan, G. R., & Smyth, A. C. (2019, June). Interpersonal Complementarity in an Employment Interview Setting for Young Adults With and Without ADHD. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Interpersonal Theory and Research, Grand Rapids, MI.
• DeLucia, J. & Smyth, A.C. (2018, February). Groups for adolescents: Leadership skills, interventions, and activities. Experiential Session presented at Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) Conference, Savannah, GA.
• Smyth, A.C., Davies, L.G., & Fabiano, A.G. (2017, November). Conditional probabilities of the ASRS in a clinical sample. Poster presented at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Annual Convention, San Diego, CA.
• Smyth, A.C., Campbell, E.L., Gary, K.M., Markley, R.M., & Sisk, K. (2014, May). Vocational planning strategies in college students. Poster presented at the Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA.
• Smyth, A.C., & Sullivan, R. (2014, April). Focused Forward: ADHD symptomatology, self-efficacy, and the perception of career barriers. Poster presented at the Western Psychological Association Conference, Portland, OR.
• Campbell, E.L., Sullivan, R., Markley, R.M., Gary, K.M., & Smyth, A.C. (2014, April). Mind the gap: What’s missing in college students’ career development. Poster presented at the Western Psychological Association Conference, Portland, OR.
• Smyth, A.C. & Sullivan, R. (2013, December). Focused forward: ADHD symptomatology, self-efficacy, and the perception of career barriers. Paper presented at Whitworth University Conference, Spokane, WA.