Elisa Mantel-Smith, LCSW-R - Therapist in New York

About Elisa

Elisa Mantel-Smith is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on practical, warmth-based therapy. She uses straightforward, people-centered methods to help clients manage stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, grief, parenting questions, and addiction-related challenges. Her style aims to feel approachable and clear for a worried parent reading on a phone.

She trained at Columbia University and has worked in New York for ten years. That experience includes supporting people through health issues, fertility challenges, and loss.

Background and approach

She draws on proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to guide daily coping and problem solving. Sessions usually start by listening closely to what is happening now. Elisa helps identify small, realistic changes that can reduce stress and improve communication.

She uses client-centered principles to shape each plan around the person in front of her. When trauma or painful memories are present, she incorporates trauma-focused techniques to help people feel more in control. Solution-focused tools are used for immediate problems like parenting logistics, family disagreements, or managing panic.

Her approach aims to build skills and clearer patterns of interaction. Over time this work is intended to reduce overwhelm, strengthen relationships, and support healthier daily routines. Elisa welcomes questions about how therapy would fit a caller's specific situation.

Therapeutic approaches for online family and parenting support

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building understanding first. The therapist follows the client's lead and adapts support to what feels most useful, which helps when navigating family stress, parenting questions, or life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact. It teaches simple skills to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful patterns that can affect relationships and daily routines.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people notice and change interaction patterns that keep relationships stuck. It is often used to improve connection and communication in close relationships and family situations.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with a client about their goals, needs, and preferences and will recommend or blend techniques accordingly. That collaborative process helps set clear, achievable steps.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit sessions around school, work, or caregiving responsibilities and let people get help without extra travel. A range of options also lets clients choose the communication style that feels most comfortable as they try new skills and tackle family challenges.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Attends to the emotions underneath a recurring argument or distance, and to the attachment needs driving them. Often used where a relationship keeps returning to the same painful loop.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns, eating and body image issues, anger, self esteem, depression, and coping with life changes, among others.

What is her general therapy style?

Her style is client-centered and straightforward, combining talk, practical skills, and specific techniques from CBT, EFT, solution-focused, and trauma-focused approaches to meet immediate needs and longer-term goals.

How much experience does she have?

She has ten years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, and groups in New York, including support around health, fertility, and loss.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is a licensed clinical social worker in New York with the credential LCSW-R and practices in New York.

Which languages are offered for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What do I do to start therapy?

To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 10 years
Licensed: New York
Languages: English

Next step

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