Elisa Mantel-Smith , LCSW-R

Elisa Mantel-Smith is a licensed clinical social worker based in New York City who brings over a decade of experience supporting individuals, families, and groups through complex life challenges. She holds a master of social work degree from Columbia University and the LCSW-R credential, which indicates advanced clinical training and licensure in New York.

Her practice emphasizes meeting people where they are and helping them navigate matters related to health, fertility, loss, and other life transitions. Drawing on experience with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, grief, trauma and addiction concerns, she offers practical guidance alongside emotional support. Elisa creates an authentic therapeutic environment aimed at fostering wellbeing and resilience.

She combines clinical knowledge with a compassionate approach to help clients move toward clearer coping strategies and improved daily functioning. Elisa approaches each case with attention to the individual and the broader systems affecting them, whether working with a person, a couple, or a family. She looks forward to supporting clients as they work toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Elisa integrates several evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding the client’s perspective and building a collaborative, empathetic relationship - it helps with self-esteem, life transitions, and coping with stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and certain patterns that interfere with daily functioning. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on emotional experiences and attachment patterns to improve relationship dynamics and deepen emotional connection.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Elisa works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to determine which methods best match a person’s needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility and make it easier to maintain regular contact with a therapist. These options allow clients to fit care into busy schedules, access support from home, and continue therapeutic work consistently with licensed professionals.