• Are you having trouble doing things you used to enjoy, completing daily tasks, spending time with loved ones, and/or even getting out of bed? It might be time to seek professional help and improve your quality of life. Complete the New Patient Request Form and begin your path to recovery today.

Services

  • Psychotherapy Sessions

    -Individual Therapy: Tailored therapeutic interventions to address personal challenges & mental health concerns. Interventions include techniques from various modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and more.

    -Couples & Family Therapy: Strengthening relationships and resolving conflicts through constructive dialogue and collaborative evidence-based treatments. Interventions include techniques from narrative therapy, CBT, experiential therapy, psychoeducation, the Gottman Method, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and more.

  • Psychological Testing & Evaluation

    Comprehensive psychological assessments to understand individual needs and inform treatment planning including:

    -Intelligence testing: to help you understand your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Useful for those wanting to understand their intellectual capabilities and/or seeking clarity on their cognitive skills.

    -Personality assessments: to help you understand your personality traits, strengths, and areas of concern. Useful for those seeking self-awareness or addressing specific personal challenges.

Meet the Providers

  • Maricela Smith, Psy.D.

    Licensed Psychologist/Owner (Not Currently Accepting New Patients)

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

    Dr. Smith specializes in working with patients diagnosed with a serious mental illness, as well as patients who are part of the general mental health population. She is a strong advocate of a “strengths-based” approach to therapy. Dr. Smith currently serves on the board of the Arizona Psychological Foundation and is an active member of AzPA. In her free time, you will find her spending time with her family, exercising, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts.

  • Gina Betwarda

    Practicum Student (Accepting New Patients)

    Gina is a fourth-year doctoral student pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Northern Arizona University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Nutrition from Purdue University and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University (NAU). Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Gina worked as a wellness consultant serving adults diagnosed with a serious mental illness in the community mental health setting. Additionally, she worked as a child safety specialist serving children and families involved in the child welfare system.

    During her time at NAU, Gina obtained experience through three practicum placements, focusing on neuropsychological evaluations of children and adolescents. Gina is currently training under Dr. Smith at Twin Hills Psychological Services, where she works providing therapy. Gina incorporates a strengths-based approach in her clinical work, drawing from modalities such as Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

    Outside of her clinical work, Gina is a self-proclaimed foodie who loves discovering new restaurants and recreating her favorite dishes at home. She also enjoys exercising and spending time with her dog.

  • Beza Bekele

    Practicum Student (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.

Why Choose Twin Hills Psychological Services?

  • I am a highly qualified and an experienced psychologist specializing in various therapeutic approaches.

  • I prioritize my patients’ needs and goals, offering individualized and holistic interventions. I have experience using modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, REBT, and other evidence-based treatments. I believe it is important to incorporate different modalities to meet the patient’s needs. We will collaborate on the most effective treatments for you based on your presenting concerns.

  • I uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of my patients’ information.

  • My services are available in English and Spanish and both in-person and online, making psychological support accessible to all.

  • I continually embrace new knowledge and technologies to enhance the effectiveness of my services and contribute to the advancement of the field of psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

My office is located at 3707 E. Southern Ave. Ste. 1026 Mesa, AZ 85206 in the Regus building. It is near the corner of Val Vista and Southern.

Do you offer after hours appointments?

Yes, I am willing to work with your schedule and can do evening and Saturday appointments, if necessary.

How will I know if we are a good fit?

The new patient request form provides the necessary information for me to determine if I am the best psychologist to assist you with your needs. If I am not, I will provide you with at least three referrals to other providers near you. As far as personality is concerned, I believe both of us will know if we are a good fit within the first three sessions.

Do you prescribe medicine?

No, psychologists in Arizona currently do not have prescribing privileges.

Do you offer online appointments or telehealth?

Yes, I provide online appointments via secure HIPAA-compliant video platforms.

Which languages do you speak?

I speak English and Spanish.

Are you licensed anywhere else?

Yes, I am currently licensed in the states of Arizona and Utah.

Do you work with children?

Yes, I work with adolescents and adults.

How much are your sessions?

Pricing varies depending on the services provided and insurance coverage, but I strive to make treatment affordable for all budgets -payment arrangements are an option to ensure you are able to get the help you need.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I am currently credentialed with various insurance companies and EAP programs including:

  • Aetna

  • Cigna

  • BCBS

  • Oscar Health

  • United Healthcare

  • Quest Behavioral Health

  • Oxford

  • Carelon Behavioral Health

  • United Healthcare Medical Advantage

  • ComPsych

  • Health Advocate

It is the patient’s responsibility to make sure I am in-network with their insurance provider as each health insurance plan is different.

Do you offer sliding scale rates?

I do not offer sliding-fee scale rates at this time.

How do I get started?

Please complete the New Patient Request Form and I will contact you within 1-2 business days.