I am licensed in California with more than 10 years of professional work experience. I specialize in helping clients with stress and anxiety, ADHD, motivation, self esteem, confidence, school & career difficulties. My approach is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy and tailored to fit individual needs. I provide a compassionate and supportive space where you can be heard and understood. Therapy is about building confidence, resilience, and healing. I will meet you where you are, with care and respect.
Additional areas of focus: Coping with life changes, Caregiver issues and stress, Multicultural concerns, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Women's issues, Workplace issues
CA LCSW 117978
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Maisha Haywood Smith. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my sessions with Dr. Haywood Smith. I booked my second session 6 months after our first meeting and she still remembered all the details that I had mentioned from before. I feel comfortable and confident in speaking with her and it’s great to have her as a non-invested third party to help process all the things I’m feeling. Dr. Haywood Smith has been a great resource to give me tools and tips to continue self-regulating. I look forward to more sessions when I need a little extra support.
Written on Jun 16, 2026 after therapy with Maisha for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, and coaching
She does an amazing job at keeping me grounded and keeping me accountable. I have made real progress since starting with her and feel the impacts in my day-to-day life.
Written on May 11, 2026 after therapy with Maisha for 7 months
She knows her stuff and was good listener
Written on Mar 16, 2026 after therapy with Maisha for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and anger management
She’s absolutely lovely. Great communicator and I look forward to speaking with her.
Written on Oct 28, 2025 after therapy with Maisha for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
Dr. Hayward Smith is compassionate and is a great therapist. I appreciate the visit recap and worksheets. Listens well to my concerns while being able to give good feedback and consideration points. I put them into use and noticed a change in mindset, which had helped me. I feel lucky to have found her.
Written on Jul 03, 2025 after therapy with Maisha for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
Dr. Haywood Smith, is a great therapist. Professional, yet warm and comfortable in personality. She listens and is able to make connections to help her patients. Thank you Dr. Haywood Smith!
Written on Apr 05, 2025 after therapy with Maisha for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes