Carolyn Goldman, MSW, LCSW Co-founder
I’m Carolyn Goldman, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of The Behavioral Therapy Collective. I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and have been providing evidence-based, compassionate care for over a decade. My goal is to help individuals build a life they feel is worth living by developing skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and navigate life’s challenges.
I received my Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University, where I developed a passion for DBT. I completed intensive training at the DBT Training Lab under the supervision of Dr. André Ivanoff and have since pursued advanced training in DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) for trauma, DBT for families and couples, and mindfulness-based therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Early in my career, I worked to implement DBT in the women’s facility at Rikers Island, and since 2015, I have provided adherent DBT in private practice settings.
At BTC, I offer a structured and supportive approach to therapy, whether you are struggling with emotion dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, trauma, or relationship difficulties. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to create meaningful change.
When I’m not in the office, you can find me walking my Samoyed, Astro, riding my Peloton, or working toward my Goodreads goal for the year..
NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker #44SC05789400
NY Licensed Clinical Social Worker #097445
South Caroline Telehealth Registered Provider #606
Liz Johnson, MSW, LCSW Co-founder
I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Boston College in 2013. During this time, I completed a nine-month internship at a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program at Massachusetts Mental Health Center in Boston.
After graduation, I worked in a mental health clinic in Boston, where I developed and implemented a DBT program. I have been working in private practice since 2015, and have been providing comprehensive and adherent DBT treatment ever since.
I have been intensively trained in DBT, DBT-PE for trauma/PTSD with Melanie Harned, PhD, the treatment developer, and have also completed comprehensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD through UPenn.
My main clinical specialties and interests are in treating complex trauma and PTSD, OCD, anxiety, personality disorders, ADHD/Autism, and working with high conflict families. My treatment approach is centered around highly-personalized and collaborative care; many of my clients report that they have tried numerous types of therapies that were unsuccessful, invalidating, or unhelpful. It is extremely important to me that I meet each individual or family “where they’re at”, and work together through evidence-based treatment to help them meet their goals and create genuine change.
I am a lifelong equestrian and have developed a DBT/Trauma program for our practice that includes equine interactions out of Mane Stream in Oldwick, NJ. I am currently enrolled in a post-graduate program at the University of Denver for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for licensed mental health professionals.
In my free time, I love running, traveling, hiking up mountains or snowboarding down them, building mastery horseback riding and hanging out with my main mare Cori, and spending time with my family and my dog Peach.
I am licensed to practice in New Jersey, New York, and am additionally registered as a behavioral telehealth provider in Florida and South Carolina.
NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker: #44SC05809500
NY Licensed Clinical Social Worker: #096537
FL Telehealth Registration Number: TPSW2024
SC Telehealth Registration Number: #539 https://llr.sc.gov/Telehealth/socialwork.html
Melanie Rista, MSW, LCSW, Senior Clinician
I’m Melanie Rista, a dedicated therapist committed to creating meaningful change through open dialogue, personalized care, and just the right amount of humor. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hunter College and earned my Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University, where I was honored to be selected for the distinguished DBT Training Program under the guidance of Dr. André Ivanoff.
I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), eating disorders, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression. My approach is evidence-based, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s unique needs—I believe that real progress happens when therapy is both structured and supportive.
Outside of the office, you can find me exploring NYC’s diverse culinary scene, tackling Pinterest-inspired wallpaper projects, or embracing my self-care routine—which definitely includes long walks and plenty of snack breaks..
NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker #44SL06580700
NY License: #114251
OH License: #I2304854
SC Telehealth Registered Provider: #516 https://llr.sc.gov/Telehealth/socialwork.html