Licensed Psychologist/Owner (Not Currently Accepting New Patients)

Dr. Maricela Smith is a bilingual (English and Spanish) licensed psychologist in Arizona and Utah. She earned both her Psy.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus. Dr. Smith completed her pre-doctoral internship at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services – Metro Clinic and her post-doctoral training in outpatient psychotherapy and clinical services at COPA Health – Gateway Clinic.

Dr. Smith specializes in working with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, as well as those from the general mental health population. She is a strong advocate for a strengths-based approach to therapy, emphasizing resilience, empowerment, and holistic well-being.

Dr. Smith currently serves on the board of the Arizona Psychological Foundation and is an active member of the Arizona Psychological Association (AzPA). Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts.

Practicum Student (Not Currently Accepting New Patients)

Beza Bekele is a Psy.D. student in Clinical Psychology and an aspiring clinical psychologist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Humanities in Medicine and Sociology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and completed her prior education both in the US and abroad.

Her prior clinical training has included conducting neuropsychological evaluations for adult and geriatric populations as well as co-facilitating outpatient group therapy addressing intergenerational trauma, climate-related distress, and global violence. She has also provided psychotherapy in a private practice setting, supporting clients with depression, anxiety, substance use, and identity-related concerns. She is currently providing therapy under the training of Dr. Smith at Twin Hills Psychological Services. Her clinical work draws on integrative approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in the biopsychosocial model, integrating physical, mental, and environmental factors to support overall well-being. She believes in the importance of multicultural competence and cultural humility while honoring each client’s identity and lived experience as essential to effective treatment. Her areas of clinical interest include supporting those navigating anxiety, depression, interpersonal challenges, grief, trauma, family-of-origin concerns, identity development, sexuality (LGBTQ+ affirming), and life transitions. She also has a special focus on working with multicultural individuals and families addressing culture clashes and intergenerational trauma, within BIPOC populations including as immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking people.

Outside of her clinical work, Beza enjoys staying active through yoga and pickleball, cooking, and spending time with loved ones and dogs.