Catherine Elzie , LCSW

Catherine Elzie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with deep experience supporting people through trauma, mood disorders, and identity-related challenges. She brings 15 years of professional work in mental health and two decades of experience in substance abuse treatment, and she is licensed to practice in New Mexico and Oregon. Catherine blends clinical training with a collaborative stance, inviting clients to be active partners in shaping treatment while drawing on evidence-based methods to address complex needs.

Clients say she is warm, non-judgmental, and validating, and she frequently uses humor when it fits the therapeutic moment. Catherine practices from a body-positive, Healthy at Every Size (HAES) perspective and affirms LGBTQ+ identities and sex-positive values. Her practice focuses on PTSD and trauma, including childhood and generational trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, veteran-related concerns including combat and non-combat PTSD, and mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Catherine earned a bachelor’s degree in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, and Motivational Interviewing. As an LCSW, she is trained to assess, diagnose, and provide psychotherapy and practical supports to help clients pursue meaningful change.

Evidence-Based Approaches Delivered Online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most and take committed action toward those values while learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings; it is often helpful for depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, offering practical strategies for symptoms related to mood disorders and anxiety. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes building skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, which can be especially useful for managing intense emotions and improving relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the work, and Catherine collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process may combine elements from different therapies so the care fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, manage mobility or health limitations, and connect from different locations. Licensed professionals can use these options to maintain continuity of care and adapt pacing, homework, and skill practice to what works best for each client.