I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from The George Washington University, with additional training at Georgetown University. I am licensed in both New Jersey and New York as a Psychologist.

In addition to private practice and consulting, I have worked for the past 10 years in counseling centers, clinics and hospitals providing psychotherapy and leading programs in Women’s Health, Primary Care, and Team building. I am on the faculty at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, teaching psychiatrists how to quickly help clients in extreme emotional distress.

My wide range of experiences with diverse individuals has helped me understand the challenges people face in both their daily lives and under extraordinary circumstances. I have extensive training in psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness therapies, and will tailor treatment to support your specific needs.

My specialized training includes, but is not limited to:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – intensively trained by Dr. Marsha Linehan
• Evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse
• Adjustment and coping with medical illness
• Communication difficulties and conflict among teams, groups and couples
• Treatment of First Responders – Veterans, police, firefighters, paramedics
• Therapy and consultation for physicians and health care professionals

A selection of awards, publications, and media appearances includes:

• Award: Gold Oak Leaf Award for Patient Centered Care: 2013, 2014, 2015 – Department of Veterans Affairs, NJ Healthcare System.
• Award: ICARE Award – NY/NJ Region: 2016, for Outstanding Contributions to teams in the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Publication: Ilysa R. Michelson and Cory Chen, “Caring for Caregivers: Understanding and Helping Those Who Support the Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan” in Advances in Social Work Practice with the Military. New York, NY: Routledge, 2016.
• Publication: Lauri Calkins and Ilysa Michelson, et al, “The Value of Provider Proximity within Primary Care-Mental Health Integration,” Psychological Services, Fall 2013.
• Publication:  “Initiating DBT Services in a Veterans Integrated Service Network: Success Factors,” Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Fall 2013
• Media Appearance: VA Healthcare Advantage, 30 minute television show featuring “Ilysa Michelson, Caregiver Support Program in VISN 3,” 2013.