
Joining the Team Soon!
Stephen Smoker, MFT
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern | Firefighter​
Supervised by Kristina Cook, LPCC and Maria Medvedev, LMFT​
Offering Appointments in Midtown Sacramento
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Contact Us Today to Get on My Waitlist!
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In-Person: Sacramento, CA or via Telehealth
I see Adults for Individual and Couples Therapy
My Availability: ​
Appointment availability rotates weekly, as I continue to work as a firefighter.
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I accept Private Pay (Credit Card and HSA/FSA cards) and Aetna Insurance.
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Individuals with Core Psych EAP (First Responders and Spouses) can contact me directly about opportunity to work with myself or one of our other Approved Clinicians with Core Psych.
For those who’ve seen too much and held it all in—
this is a Place to lay it down, Tend to the injuries no one else sees, and move Forward with Renewed Strength!
About
“Living a life of daring greatly means cultivating the courage to be vulnerable, to set boundaries, and to let ourselves be seen.” - Brene Brown
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​Living the life of a first responder comes with a level of responsibility, intensity, and exposure that few outside the profession truly understand. With over 15 years of experience in EMS — including more than 13 years as a paramedic and 11 years as a full-time firefighter with the City of Santa Rosa — I bring both professional training and lived experience into the therapy room. I understand how the demands of the job, the accumulation of critical incidents, and the culture of “pushing through” can slowly shape how you relate to yourself, your work, and the people you care about most.
My path toward becoming a therapist was deeply personal. After navigating my own mental health challenges and participating in both individual and couples counseling, I experienced firsthand how impactful it can be to work with a clinician who understands first responder culture. That experience inspired me to pursue this work so I could offer culturally competent, grounded support to others. I now work with first responders, men, couples, and family systems, helping address the ripple effects of trauma, stress, emotional suppression, and relational strain — both on and off the job.
In therapy, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), while approaching treatment through an emotion-focused, curiosity-based lens. I believe meaningful change happens when we slow things down, build awareness, and create space to explore what’s underneath long-standing patterns. In professions where vulnerability is often misunderstood or discouraged, I view vulnerability as a strength — a sign of courage and readiness for healing.
I approach Post-Traumatic Stress as an injury rather than a disorder, and work collaboratively with clients to better understand their nervous system responses, process unresolved experiences, and develop tools for resilience. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you — it’s about helping you reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been buried beneath survival mode. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, anger, relationship disconnection, sleep difficulties, or feeling numb or stuck, our work will be tailored to your goals and pace.
While much of my experience centers on first responders, you do not need to come from a military or emergency services background to work with me. I also support individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life who are navigating stress, trauma, identity concerns, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. No matter your background, we are here to help you reclaim your peace, build resilience, and find the clarity you need to move forward. ​​​

Everyday I see the Power of Resilience!
In addition to my clinical work at Second Wind, I volunteer with the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat through the First Responder Support Network, supporting healing in community-based retreat settings. Outside of the therapy room, I’ve been with my wife for nearly 20 years, and together we’re raising two children in Midtown Sacramento.
In my free time, I’m either out cycling — especially mountain biking — strength or triathlon training, cooking, or gardening in our backyard. I look forward to working with you with authenticity and to being an integral part of your healing journey.
You don’t need to have the right words to start.
If you’re ready to explore what’s been weighing on you and how to move forward with clarity and intention, I’d be honored to work with you.
Here, you don't have to explain the job to be Understood.
We'll Hold Space for the weight behind the uniform — and Support Your Healing Forward!
Get started today by sending me a message!

My Contact Information
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Main Office: 530 - 966 - 8144
My Direct Line:
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Appointments Available:
Appointment availability rotates weekly, as I continue to work as a firefighter.​
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Online or In-Person In Midtown! Sacramento, CA
Approved Health Insurance:
Aetna Insurance
Optum Insurance
Out of Network Provider
If you are a Responder with Core Psych EAP, Please Contact My about the possibility of working together!
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*I can provide a "Superbill" or Statement of Services for Clients who are interested in utilizing PPO Insurance. I am not in-network with insurance and do not bill insurance companies directly. Please contact your insurance company to verify coverage or possible reimbursement with an out-of-network provider.
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Not Eligible For TRICARE Reimbursement At This Time​​




