Heather Schmitt, PhD

Title: Licensed Psychologist

Location: Brighton

Approach to Treatment  

Dr. Schmitt specializes in the assessment and treatment of a variety of emotional and behavioral concerns in children and adolescents. She applies therapeutic approaches rooted in the latest research, while tailoring treatment to the individual needs and characteristics of each person with whom she works. Known for her warm and friendly approach, Dr. Schmitt is dedicated to strengths-based family involvement in treatment to promote everyone’s success. Sessions with Dr. Schmitt center authenticity and honesty to reach therapeutic goals. Kids often encounter active components in treatment to promote engagement – for instance, they might role-play a strategy with parents in the room, watch a brief video example, or move around the office while practicing a coping skill. Dr. Schmitt finds it particularly rewarding to work with teens who have yet to encounter a positive therapy experience. 

Areas of Expertise 

  • Selective Mutism (Dr. Schmitt provides in-school intensive therapy options in Michigan and throughout the US)

  • OCD and Anxiety Disorders

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Disruptive Behavior Problems

  • Adjustment Disorders

  • Parent and School Consultation

  • Testing/Assessment (ADHD and Learning Disabilities; Functional Behavior Assessment)

  • Dr. Schmitt uses evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure response prevention (ERP), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), behavioral parent management training (PMT), and mindfulness-based approaches. 

  • Age Range: Children/adolescents (ages 3-18) and young adults (ages 18-22).

Experience and Training

Dr. Schmitt graduated with her doctorate in school psychology from Michigan State University. She has worked with children and their families in a variety of treatment settings including outpatient clinics, schools, and residential treatment centers. Dr. Schmitt has extensive experience in behavioral consultation, working closely with school-based professionals, caseworkers, and other mental health providers to provide education and meet a child’s needs. Dr. Schmitt also provides supervision to trainees and staff.

More About Me

When Dr. Schmitt isn’t in the Brighton office, she enjoys an active lifestyle in Ann Arbor with her husband and sweet dogs, Eevee and Plover. She loves long hikes and plays sports of all sorts (rugby, volleyball, tennis, kickball, you name it!). She equally loves baking lots of treats, so that active lifestyle helps her keep the balance…at least on most days.

Email Heather Schmitt at:
Hschmitt@thrivingminds.info