Selective Mutism, Anxiety & Related Disorders Treatment Center

Overcome Selective MutismHelping children, teens & adults find their voice

The SMart Center specializes in treating children, teens, and adults with Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s evidence-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®).

6,000+individuals treated worldwide
30+years of Selective Mutism experience
S-CAT®Social Communication Anxiety Treatment

Treatment begins with the Selective Mutism Evaluation (SME)Financial assistance for qualifying familiesIn-person or via telehealth

As featured in

  • As Seen on CNN
  • As Seen on Good Morning America
  • As Seen on Time
  • As Seen on People
  • As Seen on New York Times
  • As Seen on Inquirer

Understanding SM

What is Selective Mutism?

Selective Mutism (SM) is a complex anxiety disorder characterized by a child, teen, or adult’s inability to speak and/or communicate effectively in certain social situations due to overwhelming feelings of anxiety.

Meet our founder

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

Unspoken Words, a Selective Mutism podcast by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

SM

Elisa Shipon-Blum, DO – referred to as Dr. E by her beloved patients – is the President and Director of the SMart Center, with over 30 years of experience in the medical field.

From her years researching Selective Mutism, Dr. E developed the evidence-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment (S-CAT)®. S-CAT® is the concept that SM is more than just the mutism – it focuses on the WHOLE person.

Dr. E has been featured on 20/20, CNN, Inside Edition, Good Morning America, TIME Magazine, People Magazine, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, San Diego Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, the Palm Beach Post, and more.

Dr. E started her Unspoken Words Podcast as a way to share her 30+ years of experience & knowledge working with children, teens and adults with Selective Mutism.

Our services

How the SMart Center Can Help

Spotlight

Featured Programs & Courses

At the SMart Center

Assessments& Testing

Explore our wide array of comprehensive evaluations, assessments and testing.

AutismADHDPsychological

Now enrolling

6-Week, VirtualSocial Skills Series

Available for children, tweens, teens, & young adults.

Ages 6–9Tweens & teensYoung adults

Self-paced course

SM in the School6.5 CE credits

Selective Mutism IN THE SCHOOL self-paced course. 6.5 Continuing Education Credits | Expires May 31, 2027.

EducatorsSchool psychologistsSelf-paced

Intensive group program

CommuniCamp®Group treatment & parent training

Intensive group treatment and parent training & support program to help parents, children, and teens (ages 3–17+).

Ages 3–17+Parent training30+ hours

Gold standard care

Intensive IndividualPrograms

One-on-one, fully personalized S-CAT® treatment, focused entirely on your child or teen’s specific needs.

1, 2, or multi-dayIn-personTelehealth

Success stories

Recent Shining Stars

To explore all of our success stories, click here. Interested in hearing about a family’s treatment experience with us? Ask us for a reference!