Julie Smithee, PhD

I have been a licensed psychologist for over 25 years. My education and training in the field of psychology began at Michigan State University (B.S. Psychology). I continued my education at the University of Rochester (M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology). My research focused on understanding information processing in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I completed an APA-accredited internship at Crestwood Children’s Center in Rochester, NY.

After completing my graduate studies, I moved to the Grand Rapids area and have been here ever since. I have over 20 years of experience working in outpatient mental health settings (Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services/Christian Counseling Center) where I specialized in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents. In addition to providing comprehensive psychological assessments and therapy to individuals throughout the life span, I held a faculty appointment at Michigan State University for over six years for my work providing supervision and didactic presentations to residents and fellows in the MSU/Pine Rest Psychiatry Residency Program.

I am excited to launch my private practice, Meliora Psychological Services, in order to provide more comprehensive and personalized assessment services to children and families in West Michigan. I enjoy the assessment process and helping people to understand themselves and their children better. As a commitment to meliora, I prioritize my own continuing education in order to stay up-to-date on the latest research and findings in the field of clinical psychology.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two adult children, traveling (especially to places where I can snorkel or scuba dive), participating in Bible study and other church activities, and playing with my dog, Remi.

Education/Training:  

• APA Accredited Internship - Crestwood Children’s Center | Rochester, NY

• Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology - University of Rochester (APA Accredited) | Rochester, NY

• Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology - University of Rochester (APA Accredited) | Rochester, NY

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology
  Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI