Catherine Elzie, LCSW
LGBTQ+ affirming LCSW specializing in trauma care
- LGBTQ+ affirming
- Trauma and relationships
- 15 years experience
About Catherine Elzie
Catherine Elzie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Oregon and New Mexico with a broad background in mental health and substance abuse treatment. She brings 15 years of professional experience in mental health and two decades of work in substance abuse settings, combining clinical training and practical experience to support clients facing depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, relationship struggles, and identity-related concerns. Catherine takes a collaborative approach to care, inviting clients to be active partners in setting goals and shaping treatment because she views each person as the expert on their own life.
Colleagues and clients note that she is warm, non-judgmental, and validating, and she sometimes uses humor when appropriate to lighten difficult conversations. She practices from a body-positive perspective and follows a Healthy at Every Size (HAES) approach to weight and body issues. She is also LGBTQ+ affirming and sex positive, and she offers culturally competent care for veterans, women veterans, and LGBTQ+ veterans.
Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, and Motivational Interviewing, and she integrates these methods to address trauma, mood disorders, and a wide range of life challenges.
Colleagues and clients note that she is warm, non-judgmental, and validating, and she sometimes uses humor when appropriate to lighten difficult conversations. She practices from a body-positive perspective and follows a Healthy at Every Size (HAES) approach to weight and body issues. She is also LGBTQ+ affirming and sex positive, and she offers culturally competent care for veterans, women veterans, and LGBTQ+ veterans.
Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, and Motivational Interviewing, and she integrates these methods to address trauma, mood disorders, and a wide range of life challenges.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSexual assault and abuseSexualityWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Catherine Elzie have?
Catherine Elzie has 15 years of experience in mental health.
Is Catherine Elzie a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details include OR LCSW L13618.
In which languages does Catherine Elzie provide therapy?
Catherine provides therapy in English.
Where is Catherine Elzie located?
Catherine is located in Oregon.
How can I work with Catherine Elzie as my therapist?
You can work with Catherine through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Catherine Elzie work with international clients?
Catherine Elzie does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Catherine Elzie cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Catherine draws on evidence-informed approaches to help clients build skills, clarify values, and manage intense emotions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on identifying personal values and learning to take committed action even in the presence of difficult thoughts or feelings - it is often helpful for mood, anxiety, and life-purpose concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns, which can be useful for depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills to support people dealing with intense emotions, trauma-related reactions, and relationship challenges.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Catherine works with clients to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan over time so therapy remains aligned with what matters most to the client. Licensed professionals and therapists often blend techniques to create a personalized path forward.
Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule care around work, family, and mobility limitations, and they allow consistent support even when in-person visits are not possible.