About Parkside:

Trauma-Informed Mental Health Care You Can Trust

Parkside Psychological Associates (Parkside) LLC is a privately-owned mental health practice specializing in trauma-specific treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Serving Crawford, Erie, and Mercer Counties in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Parkside provides expert, compassionate care designed to support individuals and families on their path to healing.

Founded by Audrey Smith, Licensed Psychologist, Parkside brings more than 25 years of specialized experience in trauma treatment—particularly in the areas of sexual abuse and complex trauma. Audrey’s leadership and clinical expertise has anchored Parkside’s deep commitment to delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care across multiple settings.

Our main office is located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, with licensed mental health therapists offering in-person services in Meadville, Erie, Mercer, and Sharon. In addition to our office-based services, we also provide school-based therapy in 12 schools across Crawford County, ensuring accessible support where children and adolescents need it most.

The Parkside Difference

At Parkside, we are at the forefront of trauma-focused mental health treatment. What sets us apart is our:

• Specialized Expertise: Our therapists are extensively trained in a broad range of evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment models.
• Collaborative Approach: We work closely with other trauma-informed care organizations and groups in Northwestern Pennsylvania, integrating services to ensure the best outcomes for those we serve.
• Experienced Leadership: With over 28 years of hands-on involvement in trauma systems of care, our founder brings unparalleled insight and direction to every level of the practice.
• Commitment to Quality: Each member of our professional clinical staff is carefully selected, supervised, and supported to ensure consistent, high-quality care.

Mission:

1. To provide with fidelity, effective trauma-specific therapy for children, adolescents, and adults whose lives have been impacted by traumatic events, utilizing evidence-based treatment models, and

2. To work collaboratively with system and community partners in the establishment of a trauma-sensitive System of Care and ultimately, a trauma-responsive community.

Parkside Initial and On-going Trauma Assessment 

All clients referred to Parkside Psychological Associates participate in an initial assessment to obtain information related to the client’s trauma history and the emotional and behavioral impact of those experiences. The Parkside Initial Assessment Outline details assessment methodology and instruments specific to each age group. Assessment results are synthesized into a unique client picture of the client’s strengths and needs.

The results of all Initial Assessments are used to determine if clients are appropriate for Parkside treatment or if referral to a different service is warranted (PCIT, general mental health treatment, in-home services, etc.).

The results also assist the clinician in making a clinical diagnosis and in selecting the treatment model that is best suited to meet the client’s needs. Assessment scores are also utilized to evaluate treatment effectiveness during and post-treatment.

Parkside Training and Supervision: 

In addition to external trauma training, new therapists are trained by Audrey Smith, Jen Adams, and Michele Tome.

Topics covered include:

• Multi-faceted trauma assessment
• Synthesizing assessment information to inform diagnosis and treatment planning
• Caregivers as co-regulators
• The neurobiology of trauma
• Emotional regulation techniques: quieting the survival brain
• Education about complex trauma and elements of effective treatment.

After the initial orientation, therapists receive ongoing consistent clinical supervision, minimally on a bi-monthly basis.

A Comprehensive Continuum of Trauma Treatment

At Parkside Psychological Associates, we recognize that the needs of individuals impacted by trauma can vary widely. In response, we have invested significant time, training, and resources into building a comprehensive continuum of trauma-specific treatment services tailored to meet those diverse needs.

All treatment models offered at Parkside are grounded in clinical research and best practice standards. They are listed on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) and/or recognized by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) as evidence-based or promising practices.

This ensures that every client receives care that is not only compassionate and individualized—but also proven to be effective.

These include:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• TF-CBT (Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• TFCBT for Complex Trauma
• SMART (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment)
• Seeking Safety
• Real Life Heroes
• SPARCS (Structured Psychotherapy Responding to Chronic Stress)
• TIR (Traumatic Incident Reduction)
• ARC (Attachment Self-regulation and Competency for Complex Trauma)

Parkside School-Based Services 

Parkside Psychological Associates is proud to maintain long-standing, collaborative relationships with many schools across Crawford County. In each of these schools, we provide specialized, trauma-focused counseling services delivered by licensed mental health professionals. Our team also offers consultation and training to school staff, enhancing their capacity to recognize and respond to trauma in students.

Innovative School Programs

In addition to traditional school-based counseling, Parkside supports innovative intervention programs in two local school districts. These programs are designed to positively impact student attendance and performance and increase their sense of belonging in the school environment through skill-based interventions.   Individual and group interventions focus on 5 key areas: emotional and behavioral regulation, improving self-esteem/self-confidence, increasing healthy relationships, self-awareness and stress management, and responsible decision-making.

Clinical Supervision & Staff Development

As part of our commitment to developing the next generation of trauma-informed clinicians, Parkside offers supervised, non-licensed roles within our school-based programs. These positions provide valuable experience and help staff earn required clinical supervision hours as they work toward licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW).

Program Leadership

The Parkside School Program is led by Michele Tome, a licensed trauma specialist with extensive experience in both clinical and school-based settings. Michele’s deep understanding of trauma and its impact on school-aged children guides our work in the schools and supports the professional growth of our clinicians.

Her leadership is invaluable—not only to Parkside’s team but also to our school partners. Michele brings a steady, experienced voice to every collaboration, working closely with students, families, school staff, and outside agencies to ensure students receive the comprehensive care they need to succeed.