Meet Marc Smith, MD

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marc Smith, MD. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marc, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I’ve always been drawn to understanding the deeper layers of human experience—how our biology, thoughts, relationships, and stories interact to shape our mental health. During my training and early years in practice, I became especially interested in helping people who felt like their challenges weren’t being fully addressed by conventional care alone.

I saw the potential for more integrative, personalized approaches that combined evidence-based psychiatry with innovative tools like ketamine therapy. That’s what inspired me to found CLEAR Ketamine + Psychiatry: to offer a space where people could receive thoughtful, evidence-based, ethical care that considers the full picture—not just symptoms, but the person as a whole.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the founder and medical director of CLEAR Ketamine + Psychiatry, a mental health clinic based in Westlake Village, California. We specialize in helping people who’ve tried traditional treatments without success—whether they’re navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, or just feel disconnected from themselves.

What sets CLEAR apart is our approach. We combine innovative treatments like ketamine therapy and pharmacogenetic testing with a personalized, physician-led process that integrates biological, psychological, social, and even spiritual dimensions of healing. Every part of our model—from the treatment environment to the protocols we use—is designed with intention and integrity.

What excites me most is that we’re redefining what psychiatric care can look like. It’s not just about symptom management. It’s about real transformation—guiding people out of the cycle of suffering and into a life that feels more connected, hopeful, and fulfilling.

We’re also growing. Interest in CLEAR continues to expand, and we’re currently exploring ways to reach more people—whether through education, collaborations, or new offerings in the future.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, a few qualities and ways of thinking have consistently helped guide my path—especially as I transitioned from traditional psychiatry into building a more innovative, patient-centered practice.

1. Clinical Integrity
From the start, I’ve made it a priority to stay grounded in what’s medically sound, ethically responsible, and evidence-based. In a field that’s evolving quickly, it’s easy to get swept up in hype or trends. But clinical integrity is what builds trust—and what protects patients.

Advice: Know your field, stay current, and don’t offer anything you wouldn’t feel confident recommending to someone you love.

2. Communication and Presence
The ability to listen deeply, communicate clearly, and hold space for someone’s experience has been just as important as my medical training. Healing often begins with feeling heard.

Advice: Whether you’re in business or healthcare, never underestimate the power of showing up fully and really listening.

3. Willingness to Question the Status Quo
CLEAR was born from questioning how things were being done—and choosing to do them differently. That mindset has opened doors to innovation and more meaningful outcomes.

Advice: Stay curious. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

The people who do best in our care are those who are open, engaged, and committed to their healing—especially those who’ve tried other treatments and still feel like something’s missing. They may feel discouraged, but they haven’t given up. They’re willing to explore new approaches, take an active role in their care, and reflect honestly on where they are and where they want to go.

We work especially well with patients who value a thoughtful, integrative process—not just quick fixes. They’re often high-functioning but struggling internally, and they’re looking for something that can create real movement in their lives. When those elements are in place, the work can be incredibly powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clearketapsych.com
• Instagram: @clearketapsych
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566934535660
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/clear-ketamine-psychiatry-westlake-village
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GCHVy8q183c7WvfLA