Helpline
Call 1.855.378.4373 to schedule a call time with a specialist or visit scheduler.drugfree.org
Helpline

Elisa Peña, M.A., CASAC

Helpline Specialist II

Elisa Peña provides direct services to families and caregivers seeking help for their child’s substance use or addiction. She is passionate about working with individuals and families impacted by mental health and substance use or addiction. Elisa began her journey in the helping profession by completing two internships in the Children and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Unit at Metropolitan Hospital and in a therapeutic foster care agency.

Elisa has many years of clinical work experience and previously worked as a bilingual substance use disorder counselor in a medication-assisted treatment clinic and held the position of a bilingual crisis counselor for the Mental Health Association of NYC Crisis Call Center. She operated various crisis lines in both English and Spanish, that included the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Veterans Hotline, OASAS Hopeline, Mental Health Hotline, National Disaster Hotline, Bullying Hotline and the 9/11 WTC Benefits Program Helpline. Elisa has also worked with families and at-risk youths who were enrolled in PINS Diversion Program and involved in family court.

Elisa obtained her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hunter College and Master’s degree in counseling for mental health and wellness from New York University. She also holds certification as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) from the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).