About Elise

Elise McDonald is an experienced and skilled Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 14 years of experience working with adults living with insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. Elise received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University in 2012, with a specialization in working with trauma. She has worked for the Providence VA Healthcare System since 2011 providing personalized, individualized and evidenced-based treatment for Veterans living with PTSD, helping them to navigate their healing journeys and enrich their lives.

Elise’s approach is collaborative, compassionate and grounded in research. She is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). By tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs of each client, she strives to create a safe and supportive environment where growth and healing can occur.

Whether you’re seeking relief from past trauma, struggling with insomnia, coping with anxiety or depression, or working through the challenges of daily life, Elise is here to help you move forward with resilience and confidence.

Elise is licensed to practice in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Approaches

Areas of Expertise

Insomnia & Sleep Disorders

Stress Managment

Depression

Life Transitions

Grief & Loss

Trauma & PTSD

Veterans' Issues

Anxiety

Work-Related Stress

Adjustment Difficulties

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Boston University School of Social Work, 2012, MSW

Fordham University, 2007, BA

Licensing

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

MA LICSW118661 Active

RI ISW043365 Active

Professional Affiliations and Certifications

American Board of Clinical Social Work, Board Certified Diplomate (BCD)

Member of The Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine

Clinical Trainings Programs

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Certified VA CPT Provider

Acceptance and Commitment for Depression; Certified VA ACT-D Provider

Motivational Interviewing; Certified VA MI/MET provider

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia; Certified VA CBT-I Provider

VA CALM (Mindfulness Training Program); Certified VA CALM Facilitator

Maps/Lykos MDMAT-Assisted Therapy Training Program; Trained in MDMA-AT

Education and Training