Elisa Mantel-Smith , LCSW-R

Elisa Mantel-Smith is a licensed clinical social worker based in New York City who holds a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University. She brings more than a decade of experience working with individuals, families, and groups to address health concerns, fertility challenges, grief, and other life transitions. Elisa’s LCSW-R credential identifies her as a licensed clinical social worker in New York qualified to provide clinical therapy and case management.

Her clinical work emphasizes meeting people where they are and creating an authentic, supportive space to explore concerns and options. Whether the focus is navigating loss, coping with medical or fertility-related stress, or managing broader life changes, she guides clients through practical strategies and compassionate listening. Elisa aims to help clients clarify goals, build resilience, and move toward greater wellbeing at a pace that feels right for them.

She draws on her years of practice with individuals, families, and groups to tailor interventions to each situation, combining professional expertise with a down-to-earth approach. Elisa seeks to foster trust and collaboration so clients can address current challenges and plan for sustainable change.

Therapeutic approaches and flexible online care

Elisa integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotionally-focused therapy to meet a range of concerns. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, helping people feel heard as they explore values and goals; it is useful for building self-awareness and strengthening coping resources. CBT offers practical tools to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and is often applied to anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Emotionally-focused therapy helps people understand and reshape emotional responses within relationships, supporting deeper connection and improvements in communication and intimacy.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Elisa works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts methods over time so care aligns with the client’s priorities and progress.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for busy schedules, limited mobility, or geographic constraints. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, try different session styles, and access licensed professionals from where clients are most comfortable.