Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Boston, MA

Hello, and welcome. My name is Elisha Bernstein and I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 17 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I attended Simmons University in Social Work. Most of my clinical background is working in acute behavioral health needs.

For over 30 years, I have assisted individuals navigate significant transitions and emotional struggles. Since 2007, I have been certified in hypnotherapy after completing 10 years of study in clinical hypnosis along with training in Systems Theory, psychodynamic psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems IFS), mindfulness, and spirituality without religious affiliation.

I believe that therapy can have a great impact on one's life. If one is motivated, one can resolve problems, feel better, and address past hardships. I have over thirty years of experience helping clients achieve their goals in a supportive and safe environment. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. I received my undergraduate degree from Stanford University and my Masters of Social Work from Columbia University. I have resided in both the United States and Latin America. I look forward to working with each and every client, in order that they may reach their happiest self possible.

It takes two to speak the truth: one to speak, and another to hear - Thoreau

I strive to help clients by being curious, kind, reliable, and insightful. This is how I believe therapy helps people to grow, and to ultimately feel better about themselves and their lives.

I primarily work through a psychodynamic lens, focusing on a client's emotional life, exploring connections between a client's past and present, and addressing internal conflicts. I also use ideas found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy such as exploring thought patterns and negative core beliefs.

Searching for a therapist is the first step toward a more resilient version of yourself. As an LGBTQIA+ Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, I provide a space rooted in respect, sensitivity, and radical compassion. Whether you are navigating the heavy weight of burnout, the complexities of trauma, or the daily strain of anxiety and depression, I am here to help you find your footing. Transformation isn’t linear—there will be setbacks—but if you are ready to invest in yourself, I am ready to support you in every stage of the process.

We all face challenges and difficulties in our lives. While we generally cope, there are times when emotional distress needs informed guidance. Depression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues are real illnesses. That's where a professional such as myself can step in to guide you through recovery to wellness. I graduated from Harvard Medical School and trained at the University of Pennsylvania. I work as your partner to explore your needs, wishes, fears, and pain, We will develop a plan of treatment and recovery. Together we will help you move to a better place.

Seeking help can feel overwhelming, and finding the right provider matters. I provide a warm, welcoming space where clients can feel heard, respected, and supported. I worked in community health for several years as a bilingual nurse practitioner and place great value in providing culturally competent care.

I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I earned both my Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from Columbia University. My clinical training includes experience in outpatient community health, school-based mental health, private practice, and child, adolescent, and adult inpatient psychiatry. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a registered nurse in a detox and rehab facility serving individuals with substance use disorders, including low-income, formerly incarcerated, and unhoused populations.