Avianne Smith, Psy.D.

Avianne Smith is a forensic psychologist currently serving as a Forensic Postdoctoral Fellow at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital. With over eight years of experience in the field of psychology, she has held positions at Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center, Bronx Psychiatric Center, Rikers Correctional Facility, and EAC CRAN. Her expertise spans forensic psychological evaluations and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). Throughout her career, she has collaborated on interventions for patients with complex psychological needs, demonstrating a commitment to fostering inclusive, client-centered environments.

Avianne earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from William Paterson University of New Jersey. She also holds a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Master of Arts in General Psychology from The New School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Linguistics from the University of the West Indies. In addition to her clinical work, she has served as an Adjunct Lecturer at John Jay College (CUNY), contributing to the education and mentorship of emerging professionals in forensic psychology.

Her research interests focus on the intersection of culture, personality, and psychopathology, as well as the societal stigma surrounding sexual offenders and clinician attitudes toward working with this population. She is also passionate about exploring the impact of childhood abuse and neglect on long-term psychological outcomes. Committed to advancing mental health care within the criminal justice system, Avianne combines her clinical expertise, research insights, and advocacy to promote evidence-based practices and improve outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness.

• William Paterson University of New Jersey - Psy.D.

• Organization of American States (OAS) Scholar

• New York State Psychological Association
• American Psychology - Law Society (AP-LS)
• American Psychological Association
• American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS)
• National Register of Health Service Psychologists
• New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists (NJABPsi)
• New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA)
• New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA)
• Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology