Kalisha Smith, DSW, LCSW, CASAC-M

Dr. Kalisha Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Master Counselor, in New York State. She has worked in the behavioral health field for the last decade, explicitly focusing on substance use treatment, mental health, integrative care and co-occurring disorders. Prior to Outreach, Kalisha held various leadership roles including overseeing two Opioid Treatment Programs as the Clinical Director at Start Treatment and Recovery Centers and in the role as Clinic Director of the Flatbush Addiction Treatment Center and CCBHC Program Director for Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens.

Kalisha completed her Doctorate of Social Work Degree at Simmons University, with a capstone focused on the impact of burnout on Black Women in Social Work Leadership Roles, and culturally responsive interventions to promote proactive self-care. Her research interests include the effects of racism on leadership, mental health and wellness equity, health advocacy, and maternal health equity. Kalisha also holds a Master of Social Work Degree from New York University, and a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Lehman College. Additionally, Kalisha has completed advanced trainings in online teaching and graduated from the Institute on Pedagogy and Technology for Online Courses at Columbia University.

Kalisha is currently an adjunct professor in the Bachelors and Master’s Degree Social Work Programs at Hunter College and Lehman College, subsidiary of the City University of New York. She is currently co-writing a book chapter entitled, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, for the 4th edition of Clinical Work with Substance Abusing Clients. Kalisha also owns a private mental health therapy practice serving women of color in New York.