About the SMART Center
The SMART (School Mental Health Access to Resources through Telehealth) Center is a research, training, and treatment clinic dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, trauma-informed mental health services. Through a combination of innovative research, clinical training, and direct care, the SMART Center supports children, adolescents, adults, and families across the region.
We provide both in-person and tele-behavioral health services, ensuring accessible, flexible care that meets the diverse needs of the communities we serve. Our approach integrates evidence-based practices with a strong commitment to workforce development, preparing the next generation of mental health professionals.
Mission
Our Approach
The SMART Center delivers comprehensive, client-centered care using evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions. Services are provided in both in-person and telehealth formats to increase accessibility and continuity of care.
Our clinical approach includes:
- Play Therapy
- Trauma-focused interventions, including CBITS and Bounce Back
- Child and family-centered treatment models
We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals and families feel safe, respected, and empowered.
Check out our video about the SMART Center below.
Meet the Team
Leadership
Dr. Susan Elswick
Director, SMART Center
selswick@memphis.edu
View Profile >
In June 2020, Dr. Susan Elswick received funding from the Urban Child Institute and
The University of Memphis Institute for Interdisciplinary Memphis Partnerships to
Advance Community Transformation (iIMPACT) to develop a tele-behavioral health training
and treatment program for the region due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the
mental health service delivery in the region. With this seed funding, Dr. Elswick
launched the School Mental Health Access to Resources through Telehealth (SMART).
Dr. Susan Elswick, SMART Center Director, has over 20 years of clinical mental health experience that includes community mental health, case management, residential programming, ABA-based programming, school-based programming, parent coaching, integrated behavioral health, infant mental health, and home-based services. Her research interests include the use of evidence-based behavioral interventions for addressing client’s needs, the use of expressive art therapies/experiential therapies in the field of social work practice, and the use of informatics and technology in the field of social work.
Program & Clinic Staff
Debbie Trimble, LMSW, LSSW
SMART Center Clinic Coordinator
dtrimble@memphis.edu
Debbie joined the SMART Center Clinic in 2022 as a Bachelor of Social Work intern. After earning her BSW in Fall 2023, she remained with the clinic as a Graduate Assistant while completing her Master of Social Work degree. In 2025, she earned her MSW and obtained licensure as both a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW). She is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
As Clinic Coordinator, Debbie plays a key role in supporting daily operations, guiding interns, and helping ensure the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care for children and families. She is a certified trainer in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), equipping professionals with tools to better support mental health and prevention efforts.
Known for her strong leadership, empathy, and dedication, Debbie fosters a supportive and welcoming environment for clients, families, staff, and interns. Her commitment to excellence and passion for community impact make her an integral member of the SMART Center team.
Clinical Team
The SMART Center’s clinical team includes licensed clinical social workers, licensed master social workers, licensed school social workers, and graduate-level clinicians who work collaboratively to provide high-quality care. All clinical services are supervised by experienced faculty members with extensive backgrounds in mental health practice and education.
Our team is dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that responds to the unique needs of each client.
Melissa Hirschi, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Melissa Hirschi is Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Memphis. She received her MSW from Boston University in 2007 and her joint sociology and social work PhD from Boston University in 2017. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has extensive practice experience working with members of disadvantaged and marginalized communities such as formerly homeless and incarcerated women, individuals living with mental illness, first responders, providing health clinic social work services to individuals and families, and as a clinical caseworker with the Division of Child and Family Services in Utah.
Debbie Trimble, LMSW, LSSWSMART Center Clinic Coordinator
Internship & Supervision
Internship Opportunities
The SMART Center serves as a dynamic training site for graduate-level clinical interns pursuing degrees in social work and related fields. Interns receive comprehensive supervision, structured training, and ongoing support in both tele-behavioral health and in-person service delivery.
Interns gain practical experience in evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, including:
- Play Therapy
- Trauma-focused interventions, including CBITS and Bounce Back
- Individual, family, and school-based services
Through direct client interaction, session observation, co-facilitation, and participation in professional development trainings, interns build strong clinical skills in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Clinical Supervision for LMSWs
The SMART Center also provides clinical supervision for Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) working toward licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).
Our supervision model emphasizes:
- Ethical and professional practice
- Development of clinical skills and confidence
- Integration of evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions
Supervisees receive individualized guidance, case consultation, and ongoing feedback while gaining experience in approaches such as CBT, play therapy, and trauma-focused care. Our goal is to support clinicians in achieving licensure while strengthening their ability to provide high-quality care.
Why Train with the SMART Center?
- Experience both in-person and telehealth service delivery
- Learn and apply evidence-based, trauma-informed practices
- Receive high-quality supervision and mentorship
- Work in a collaborative, team-based clinical environment
- Build skills that prepare you for long-term success in the field
Interested in an Internship or Clinical Supervision?
IN LOVING MEMORY AND HONOR OF CHRISTY
Christy Peterson
SMART Center Coordinator
In January 2025, the SMART Center mourned the loss of a friend and an invaluable colleague,
Christy. Those who had the opportunity to meet Christy were instantly touched by her
uplifting spirit and genuine enthusiasm for life.
Christy served not only as the SMART Center’s Coordinator, but also as a dedicated mentor to the interns who trained with us. Her kindness, sincerity, and unwavering willingness to help others made her an exceptional presence within our clinic.
Her contributions to community outreach were significant, and she was a passionate advocate for individuals who could not advocate for themselves. Christy’s impact, both within our clinic and in the broader community, will be deeply and lovingly remembered daily.