Expert Psychiatric Care for Every Stage of Life
Johns Hopkins trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and board-certified in Adult Psychiatry since 1992, Dr. Smita Patel delivers compassionate, integrative mental health care for adolescents and adults — combining expert psychopharmacology with mindfulness-based techniques. Available in-office in Washington, DC and via telemedicine.
Academic Rigor. Heartfelt Compassion. Whole-Person Care.
Dr. Patel's practice is built on three foundational commitments that set her apart in Washington, DC's psychiatric landscape.
The Importance of a Compassionate Approach to Mental Health Care
Credentials & Expertise
Dr. Smita Patel is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience. Trained at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, she is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Personal & Clinical Approach
Patients consistently describe Dr. Patel as warm, responsive, and genuinely invested in their well-being. She doesn't just prescribe — she listens, educates, and partners with each patient toward lasting wellness. Her approach combines clinical expertise with heartfelt compassion.
Integrative Philosophy
Dr. Patel treats the whole person, not just symptoms. Her integrative model combines evidence-based psychopharmacology with mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and relaxation practices to promote optimum wellness of mind, body, and soul. Each treatment plan is individualized and carefully monitored.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don't have to navigate mental health challenges alone. Dr. Patel and her team are here to listen, support, and guide you toward lasting wellness — for yourself or your child.
✉️ office@drsmitapatel.com · Appointments by phone or email · New patients welcome
Medical Education & Academic Experience
Medical Education
- Medical School
Dr. Smita Patel graduated from Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India, in 1984.
- Adult Psychiatry Residency
She completed her Adult Psychiatry Residency at St. Elizabeths Hospital, Washington, D.C., from 1985 to 1988.
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
She completed her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, from July 1988 through June 1990.
Academic and Medical Education Experience
Following her medical education and fellowship training, Dr. Patel has continued her involvement in medical education and academic psychiatry. She has served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Since 1990, Dr. Patel has been actively involved in educating medical students and has participated in the interviewing and evaluation of prospective medical students as a member of the admissions process.
Philanthropic Support
Dr. Patel has supported a scholarship fund through the Adopt-a-Doc program for medical students at The George Washington University for four years.
She has also supported the overall well-being and resilience of medical students through the George Washington University Resilience and Well-Being Center.
Dr. Patel remains committed to medical education, mentorship, student well-being, and supporting the next generation of physicians.
A Career Built on Rigorous Training and Ongoing Professional Leadership
Training
- 1988
Completed General Psychiatry Residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital
- 1990
Completed Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- 1992
Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Memberships & Affiliations
- Member of the Board of Advisors, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)
Academic Rigor. Heartfelt Compassion. Whole-Person Care.
Dr. Patel's practice is built on three foundational commitments that set her apart in Washington, DC's psychiatric landscape.
🎓 Unmatched Credentials & Experience:
Dr. Patel completed her specialty training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and has been board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 1992. As a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, she brings over 30 years of private practice expertise to every patient relationship.
🧘 An Integrative Approach to Mental Health:
Dr. Patel doesn't just treat symptoms — she treats the whole person. Her integrative model combines evidence-based psychopharmacology with mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and relaxation practices to promote optimum wellness of the mind, body, and soul. Each treatment plan is individualized and carefully monitored.
🌐 Accessible, Flexible, Insurance-Friendly Care:
Dr. Patel offers both in-office appointments at her centrally located Washington, DC office and telemedicine sessions for patients who prefer care from home. She accepts major insurance plans — including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and Aetna.
Real Stories. Real Results. Real Care.
"I consider myself so very fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Patel. She has big brown eyes that look directly into yours with understanding, care and concern — making me feel safe. Her practice includes her own approach to breathing and relaxation, which is so vital to mental health and overall well-being. I am excited to see what she will do as she expands her horizons in psychiatric medicine."
Jeanne
Montgomery County
"I tried many psychiatrists who were located closer to my new home and place of work. None of them had the compassion or holistic support offered by Dr. Patel. Dr. Patel is a key member of my support network."
Kristen
Anne Arundel County
"Dr. Patel genuinely cares about me. Whenever I reach out to Dr. Patel, she responds and works with me to fix whatever the issue may be. She is extremely responsive — and I cannot tell you how valuable and unusual this characteristic is in her field. She even reaches out to me to see how I am doing on a fairly regular basis."
R.U.
Montgomery County, MD
"I have been a patient of Doctor Patel for several years. I really appreciate how much she cares. Thank you Dr. Patel."
Edward
Montgomery Village, MD