Leila  O'Connell
Vetted

Leila O'Connell

She/Her/Hers

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
Rhode Island Not Accepting Online
Providence Not Accepting In-person

This therapist is currently not accepting new clients. Find available Rhode Island therapists on Zencare.

Updated January 31, 2024

Specialties & Expertise

  • Trauma
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Chronic illness
  • Persistent and severe mental illness
  • Loss and grief
  • Issues related to aging

Professional statement

Leila O’Connell is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Providence, RI specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, persistent and severe mental illness, and loss and grief. Leila combines excellence in evidence-based therapy techniques with extensive clinical experience of nearly 30 years in practice.

Leila enjoys helping clients recover from trauma, working at a steady pace to gently guide clients beyond painful past events to lead more fulfilling lives. She has particular expertise in supporting individuals with persistent and severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Leila also works with many older adults facing challenges related to aging, such as navigating chronic physical health conditions. Furthermore, she frequently works with individuals diagnosed with cancer, providing them emotional support.

Leila primarily takes a psychodynamic approach in order to help clients better understand themselves and their emotional patterns, incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques as well. Leila highly values a team-based, collaborative approach, and works closely with clients’ healthcare team of psychiatrists and primary care physicians to ensure close-looped care.

Leila’s practice welcomes an eclectic mix of clients including individuals in academia and in the arts community. She takes special care in engaging clients with compassion, humor, and sensitivity.


Message to clients

Compassion, curiosity and humor are the best adjectives to describe my work. I have been a clinical social worker for nearly 30 years and believe more than ever in the power of the 'talking cure.' I provide a safe space for people to share their stories and bear witness to their pain and sorrow. Thru this process people learn to (re) create sustainable lives. I believe that recovery/positive change is always possible and strive to offer people hope thru our work together. While psychodynamically trained, I often use CBT techniques, self compassion and case management on a case by case basis.


Specialties

Trauma - Including dealing with past sexual assault, childhood trauma, environmental trauma (e.g. witnessing/experiencing violence), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

Anxiety - Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks

Depression - Sleep and energy disruption, overall mood disturbance, inability to enjoy yourself, and difficulty being motivated, amongst many other symptoms

Chronic illness - Managing chronic illness ; receiving a diagnosis, contemplating and processing related emotions, viewing through a holistic lens

Persistent and severe mental illness - Working with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder

Loss and grief - Processing the loss of a loved one, any form of grief; processing the emotional aspects of personal illness or the illness of a loved one

Issues related to aging - Managing the emotional and physical concerns related to aging and the geriatric population




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)
  • Loveland Therapy Fund Clients

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Brown University Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • First Health
  • Harvard Pilgrim
  • Johnson and Wales University Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • Multiplan or PHCS
  • Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
  • RISD Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • Tricare
  • United Healthcare
  • University of Rhode Island (URI) Student Insurance (United Healthcare)

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $90 (55min)
  • Initial session: $150 (55min)

Additional session information

Payment options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • As needed

Location(s)

Providence practice
208 Governor Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Not accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Tue 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Wed 10:00am-8:00pm
  • Thu 10:00am-8:00pm
  • Fri 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Rhode Island)
Not accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Tue 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Wed 10:00am-8:00pm
  • Thu 10:00am-8:00pm
  • Fri 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Private Practice, 2007 - Present
Thundermist Psych Center, 2007 - 2009
Lisa Rocchio and Associates, Contractor, 2003 - 2007
Family Services of RI, 2003 - 2004
Emory University Counseling Center, 1998 - 2002
Northside Mental Health Center/Vistas Program, 1993 - 1998
The Bridge Counseling Center, 1992 - 1993
The Charley Group Home Program, 1990 - 1992
Berkshire Farm for Boys, 1984 - 1986

Smith College, MSW, 1989
Williams College, BA, 1984


Licensure

Rhode Island: ISW01497

Massachusetts: 125566


Languages

English