Child and Family Psychologist providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy and comprehensive Autism and ADHD assessments for children ages 0–12.
Offering in-person services near Montclair, Glen Ridge, Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wayne, and nearby New Jersey communities + surrounding areas and virtual support throughout New Jersey, New York, and (coming soon) Pennsylvania.
About Early Branches Child & Family Psychology NEAR MONTCLAIR, NJ & SURROUNDING AREAS
EXPERT IN EARLY Childhood Mental Health PSYCHOLOGY
Early Childhood Mental Health PSYCHOLOGIST Serving Families Across New Jersey, New York, AND (SOON) PENNSYLVANIA.
Early Branches Child & Family Psychology was created with one purpose: to give children and caregivers access to developmentally informed, evidence-based mental health support during the years when it matters most.
Young children are often misunderstood, mislabeled, or overlooked in traditional mental health settings. Many families are told to “wait and see” or are unsure where to turn when their child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, socially, or developmentally.
I built this practice so families no longer have to navigate this alone. Here, you’ll find warmth, expertise, and guidance grounded in science and compassion.
Where understanding
takes root
and children
grow with
hope
Meet Your EXPERT INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD Psychologist
Hi, i’m SAMANTHA
Child Psychologist and Infant Mental health Specialist
I’m a licensed psychologist with specialized training in infant and early childhood mental health, trauma, attachment, and child assessment. For more than a decade, I’ve supported children ages 0–12 and their families in healing, growing, and building hopeful futures.
MY PRACTICE IS BUILT ON
Warm, relational care
Deep developmental expertise
Evidence-based treatments designed specifically for young children experiencing stress or neurodivergence
A culturally informed, trauma-responsive lens
My goal is to make families feel welcomed, understood, and empowered from the very first interaction.
AN EXPERT PSYCHOLOIST in Early Childhood Mental Health, Trauma, and Development
Specialized early childhood focus (ages 0–12)
Over a decade of dedicated training and clinical work specifically with infants, toddlers, and young children.
Unlike most clinicians who work across a broad range of ages, my background is highly specialized in early childhood development, trauma, and neurodivergent diagnosis in young children.
Trauma-and culturally-responsive care
Every aspect of my work is rooted in understanding each child’s history, culture, identity, and environment.
Evidence-based treatments few providers offer in New Jersey
I am one of the only clinicians in the state trained in multiple early childhood EBTs, including: Attachment & Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), Child–Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Other attachment- and trauma-informed, developmentally specific models
National leadership in early childhood mental health
Current President of the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health.
Former Psychology Training Director for a nationally accredited doctoral internship specializing in ages 0–7
Reflective supervision and consultation experience across training levels and disciplines
Connected with national and state organizations (Zero to Three, National Alliance for Infant Mental Health, NCTSN, American Psychological Association, New Jersey Psychological Association)
Gold-standard assessment training
I am trained in the ADOS, the gold standard tool for assessing autism in children. I also use neuropsychological assessment tools to ensure I am capturing how a child’s brain is functioning.
A TRACK RECORD OF EXCEPTIONAL CARE
Families consistently feel understood, supported, and hopeful, under my care and services and I bring that same warmth here.
The Story Behind Early Branches and My Commitment to Early Childhood Care
I spent over ten years specializing in early childhood mental health, a field I care about profoundly. When I moved back to New Jersey from Utah to be closer to family, I wanted to continue this work in a way that stayed aligned with my values, training, and the relationships I build with children and caregivers.
In the interview process with several employers, I heard a recurring message:
“Your expertise is rare. You should consider opening your own practice.”
That feedback resonated.
So I listened.
I OPENED EARLY BRANCHES BECAUSE
Families deserve access to experts who truly understand early childhood.
Caregivers deserve to feel supported, not judged.
Children deserve research-backed care, not guesswork.
And every family deserves to feel hopeful about their child’s future.
This practice is the culmination of years of training, leadership, and clinical experience, but also my heart. Supporting children and caregivers is not just my profession; it's my purpose.
MY PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
CHILD Therapy, Autism Evaluations, ADHD Testing, and Professional MENTAL HEALTH Services in montclair, New jersey
I provide specialized early childhood mental health services and assessments for infants, toddlers, and young children with in-person appointments available near Montclair, Glen Ridge, Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wayne, and nearby New Jersey communities. Families outside these areas can access the same high-quality support through secure virtual services available throughout all of New Jersey and New York.
With advanced training in early childhood mental health, my services are designed specifically for young children and their caregivers. Whether your child is navigating big emotions, behavior challenges, developmental or sensory concerns, trauma, or you are seeking a comprehensive autism or ADHD assessment, I offer evidence-based, developmentally informed care tailored to early childhood.
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Child and Family Therapist for Emotional, Behavioral, and Developmental Needs in-person near Montclair, New Jersey + Surrounding Areas and virtually throughout New Jersey and New York.
Supporting children ages 0–12 years old through evidence-based treatments designed to strengthen emotional regulation, behavior, and the caregiver–child relationship.
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Gold-Standard Autism Evaluations for Children Ages 0–12 in New Jersey
Culturally informed, compassionate, and developmentally grounded autism evaluations using gold-standard tools, including the ADOS. Assessments include a thoughtful differential diagnosis process to help determine whether autism is present, rule out or clarify other contributing diagnoses, and provide a clear, accurate understanding of your child’s strengths and needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTISM ASSESSMENTS IN NORTH JERSEY -
Evaluations include a thorough differential diagnosis process to distinguish ADHD from other developmental, emotional, or behavioral conditions and to ensure families receive clear, accurate guidance and next steps.
Evidence-based ADHD evaluations that go deeper than checklists to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs utilizing IQ, neuropsychological, and research-informed measures to evaluate. -
One of my favorite roles as a psychologist is being a reflective supervisor/ consultant to those doing the important work in helping others. In our work, it is important to take the time to reflect on the thoughts, feelings, and biases we are experiencing. This process is important not only to make sure we are providing the best services possible for children and families, but also to make sure we stay happy and healthy in our work to prevent burnout. I have experience supervising individuals of all training levels, professions, and backgrounds.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION, CASE CONSULTATION, AND CLINICAL SUPERVISION -
Professional Mental Health workshops, presentations, and trainings for agencies, schools, and organizations on early childhood mental health, trauma, diversity, development, and more.
Available virtually or in-person.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH PRESENTATIONS & TRAININGS
PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
“Dr. Smith is one of those rare people who is not only a highly skilled professional, but also a human being who lights up a room and spreads warmth and connection wherever she goes. She's part of a small group of mental health professionals who specialize in working with very young children and their families, fostering secure relationships and growth. She has a natural capacity to connect with her small clients and their adults. She has a way about herself that creates a sense of belonging, and she is a fierce advocate for including everyone! If I were looking for a therapist for my little one and myself, I would choose Dr. Sam!”
Dr. Ilse DeKoeyer
“Dr. Smith is a superb evaluator and diagnostician. She helps children and caregivers feel comfortable with the process and ensures the most accurate results by engaging everyone in a comprehensive and supportive evaluation. Professionals referring to her for diagnostic clarity are always impressed with the quality of the evaluation and her ability to answer the referral question and provide tailored recommendations.”
Jennifer Mitchell, PhD, IECMH-E®, PMH-C
“Samantha is a warm, grounded, and highly skilled therapist. She brings clinical insight, genuine care, and a steady presence to her work. Her approach fosters growth, trust, and meaningful change and her guidance consistently helps children thrive.“
Margie Chastain, LCSW
“While I was Sam's supervisee, I felt heard, validated, and respected as a burgeoning mental health professional. In moments of difficulty, Sam showed me and my clients genuine compassion, offering psychoeducation that gave me diverse tools to tackle situations in unforeseen ways. With humor and authenticity, Sam's love for humanity was apparent in all of our supervision sessions, and she is a mentor I will seek guidance from as I continue on my professional journey.”
Elizabeth Malley
“I have been privileged to work closely with Samantha Smith, Psy.D, IMH-E as a Board member of the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health, for the past several years. Sam is an inspiration, always leading with heart, empathy, conviction, and courage. She backs up her emotional accessibility with a strong intellect committed to optimizing the care of stressed young children and their overwhelmed families. She also brings her deep caring to the emotional support of her co-workers through reflective supervision.”
William Cosgrove, MD
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Samantha Smith through the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health for several years and have seen firsthand the depth of her knowledge, care, and leadership. She is widely respected state-wide for her expertise in early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and supporting nurturing caregiving relationships. Dr. Smith brings a deep commitment to promoting equity and high-quality care for young children and their families.”
Alysse M. Loomis, PhD, LCSW
A Warm, Collaborative, and Supportive Child TherapIST IN MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY
Families often share that they immediately feel at ease talking with me.
My approach is:
Nonjudgmental
Clear and direct, but gentle
Highly attuned to the child’s developmental stage
Structured yet playful
You’ll always know:
What we’re working on
Why we’re doing it
How it’s helping your child
What progress looks like
And you’ll never feel alone in the process.
Schedule a Child Therapy or Assessment VIRTUAL Consultation
You deserve a therapist who deeply understands early childhood and who genuinely cares about your family’s future.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation
to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and see whether we’re a good fit.