Donna M. Elmendorf | Fellow

Donna M. Elmendorf, Ph.D., is clinical psychologist and the Director of the Therapeutic Community Program at the Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, MA. She is a supervisor of individual treatment and groups in the psychoanalytic training program of the Erikson Institute at Riggs and chairs the Institute’s Consultation Service. Dr. Elmendorf serves on the faculty of the Yale-Riggs Infant and Family Mental Health Program and is a certified consultant of the AK Rice Institute, working in multiple group relations conferences. Prior to coming to Riggs, she completed fellowships in adolescent and family treatment and psychodynamic assessment at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Elmendorf’s work over the last 25 years has centered on understanding the interface between social context and psychological disturbance. She has published and presented on a range of topics, including the social dynamics of so-called treatment resistance, challenges of succession planning in organizations, and trauma and symptom formation. In addition to her work at Riggs, she has a private practice that includes individual, couples and family psychotherapy and organizational consultation. Dr. Elmendorf has served on several not-for-profit boards in the areas of education, environmental conservation, and mental health.