Melissa O’Donnell MSW, LICSW

Melissa O’Donnell, Executive Vice President of Behavioral Health at REAL HELP, has built her career by listening first and leading with purpose. A Rhode Island native and a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, she began her work as a direct care provider in a hospital maternal child health setting, where centering patient voice quickly became her north star. That hands on experience shaped a career blending compassionate care with strategic leadership.

Today, Melissa leads the clinical, operational, and fiscal direction of a growing multistate organization. She supports clinicians, expands programs, and sets quality benchmarks rooted in client centered care. Through Real Help’s telehealth platform, she helps remove barriers such as transportation challenges, inflexible schedules, and limited access, allowing clients to receive personalized support wherever they feel comfortable.

Her leadership has earned recognition including the Apex of Valor Award, the Welch Award for Excellence in Patient Centered Care, the Rhode Island College School of Social Work Honor Roll, and being named one of Rhode Island’s Top 50 Women Leaders.

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