Today we’d like to introduce you to Marc Smith, MD
Hi Marc, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into psychiatry has always been driven by a deep curiosity about how the mind, brain, and emotions interact—how our thoughts, chemistry, and life experiences shape our mental well-being. I was drawn to psychiatry because it allows me to not only understand these connections but to make a real difference for people who are truly struggling—those who feel lost, hopeless, or stuck—helping them regain a sense of control in their lives.
I completed my medical training at Columbia University and my psychiatric residency at USC, where I gained extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Traditional psychiatric approaches—medication and therapy—have helped countless people and remain essential tools in treatment. However, today’s medical system often takes a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving many patients still struggling to find relief. Medications can take weeks to work, therapy alone may not fully address the biological aspects of mental health, and too often, people find themselves stuck—waiting for progress that feels slow or out of reach.
That’s when I became interested in interventional psychiatry and innovative treatments—specifically, how cutting-edge approaches like ketamine therapy and genetic testing could provide faster, more effective relief for those who hadn’t found success with conventional methods.
I founded CLEAR Ketamine + Psychiatry in Westlake Village, CA, to create a practice that goes beyond traditional psychiatry—one that offers holistic, personalized, and evidence-based care. My goal is to provide patients with more than just prescriptions—I want them to feel truly heard, to receive treatments that actually work, and to know that their mental health journey is guided by expert, ethical, and compassionate care.
At CLEAR, we help people who feel stuck—whether they’ve battled depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other complex conditions—by offering treatments tailored to their unique needs. I believe mental health care should be cutting-edge but also deeply human—and that’s exactly what we provide.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any meaningful endeavor, building CLEAR Ketamine + Psychiatry has come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been navigating the stigma and misconceptions around innovative treatments like ketamine therapy. While research continues to validate its effectiveness, many people—including patients, providers, and even parts of the medical community—still associate it with its past as an anesthetic or recreational substance. Educating people about the science behind these treatments, and how they can be safely and ethically integrated into psychiatric care, has been an ongoing but important effort.
Another challenge has been breaking away from the conventional medical model, which often prioritizes volume over quality. Many healthcare systems push for shorter appointments, quick medication adjustments, and minimal follow-up—an approach that leaves both patients and providers frustrated. I was intentional about structuring my practice differently: longer appointment times, highly personalized care, and a focus on the whole person rather than just symptom management. While this model provides deeper, more meaningful care, it also requires more resources and commitment to maintaining a patient-centered experience.
Lastly, running a specialized, private practice in an evolving field means constantly staying ahead—keeping up with the latest research, maintaining the highest ethical standards, and ensuring that patients feel supported every step of the way. Despite these challenges, I believe they’ve helped shape CLEAR into what it is today: a practice built on expertise, innovation, and a commitment to doing things the right way, not just the easy way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about CLEAR Ketamine + Psychiatry ?
CLEAR Ketamine + Psychiatry is a specialized mental health practice in Westlake Village, CA, dedicated to providing innovative, expert, and holistic psychiatric care. We offer treatments for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other complex conditions, with a focus on patients who haven’t found relief through traditional methods.
What sets CLEAR apart is our personalized and ethical approach to psychiatry. Many ketamine clinics are run by non-psychiatrists, offering treatment without comprehensive mental health oversight. On the other hand, traditional psychiatric practices often focus solely on medications without exploring new, science-backed interventions. At CLEAR, we combine the best of both worlds—evidence-based medication management alongside cutting-edge interventional treatments like ketamine-assisted therapy and genetic testing to optimize care.
Our approach is based on time, depth, and connection. We take the time to truly understand each patient—not just their symptoms, but their history, lifestyle, and personal goals—allowing us to create a treatment plan that actually works for them. Every appointment is intentional and comprehensive, ensuring patients feel heard, supported, and guided every step of the way.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the standard we’re setting. In an industry where mental health treatment can sometimes feel transactional, we are proving that psychiatric care can be both highly scientific and deeply human. We are helping patients break free from cycles of suffering, reclaim their lives, and find real, lasting relief.
For those looking for more than just a prescription—who want to explore what’s truly possible for their mental health—CLEAR offers a thoughtful and innovative forward.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding the right mentor and building a strong professional network has been invaluable in shaping my career and my practice. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mentorship doesn’t have to come from a single person—the best guidance often comes from a variety of sources. I’ve learned from experienced psychiatrists, interventional mental health providers, and even professionals outside of medicine who have helped me think differently about patient care, business strategy, and innovation.
For those looking for mentors, I’d recommend seeking out people who align with your values, not just your profession. Whether through medical associations, training programs, or even local networking events, the key is to find individuals who genuinely care about your growth and who challenge you to think critically. Some of the most impactful insights I’ve received have come from professionals outside of traditional psychiatry—people who are redefining mental health care, ethical business practices, and innovative treatment approaches.
Networking, for me, has been about building authentic relationships rather than just expanding contacts. The best connections I’ve made have come through collaborating with therapists, engaging with forward-thinking medical professionals, and staying involved in communities where meaningful conversations about mental health are happening. Instead of approaching networking with a transactional mindset, I focus on learning from others, sharing knowledge, and staying open to new perspectives.
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to put yourself in rooms where people are doing things you admire, even if it feels slightly outside of your comfort zone. Whether through professional conferences, online communities, or local meetups, surrounding yourself with curious, ethical, and driven individuals will naturally lead to opportunities for mentorship and growth.
Pricing:
- Ketamine Therapy Initial Consultation: $199 (One 60-minute visit)
- Ketamine Therapy Comprehensive Plan: $4,500 (One month of treatment, includes 3 therapy sessions + 6 ketamine treatment sessions)
- Ketamine Therapy Introductory Plan: $1,300 (One week of treatment, includes 2 therapy sessions + 1 ketamine treatment session)
- Psychiatry Initial Consultation: $400 (60-minutes)
- Psychiatry Follow-Up Sessions: $350 (45-minutes)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clearketapsych.com
- Instagram: @clearketapsych
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566934535660
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CLEARKetaPsych
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/clear-ketamine-psychiatry-westlake-village
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GCHVy8q183c7WvfLA
