Elisa Mantel-Smith, LCSW-R

Elisa Mantel-Smith is a New York licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-R) who earned her master of social work from Columbia University. With 10 years of clinical experience, she has supported individuals, families, and groups through health concerns, fertility challenges, loss, and a variety of life transitions.

Elisa focuses on meeting clients where they are, offering an authentic and supportive environment that balances emotional validation with concrete strategies. She works collaboratively to help people clarify their needs, address relationships and caregiving dynamics, and build sustainable paths toward improved wellbeing. Her practice emphasizes listening, practical tools, and respectful partnership as clients navigate complex personal and family issues.

Known for a warm and steady presence, Elisa tailors her approach to each person’s circumstances and goals. She welcomes the opportunity to work together to identify priorities and take manageable steps toward change and resilience.

Therapeutic approaches for online support

Elisa draws on client-centered therapy to create a respectful, empathetic space where clients lead the pace and focus of work. This approach helps people feel heard and supported while exploring identity, relationships, parenting, and life transitions.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and to develop practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and compulsive reactions. CBT offers concrete tools that can be practiced between sessions to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) is another method Elisa applies when relationship patterns and attachment concerns are central. EFT helps clients notice and shift emotional responses that affect intimacy, communication, and family dynamics.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Elisa collaborates with each person to choose or combine methods based on their needs, goals, and preferences so therapy feels tailored and useful.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, manage care responsibilities, or continue support during transitions. Licensed professionals and therapists can adapt these formats to offer consistent, flexible care that meets clients where they are.