Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Leesburg, VA covered by Aetna

Now accepting new clients. I am a transgender man and queer identified. Before becoming a therapist, I had previous work experience and years of study as a creative professional and educator. I value authenticity, a willingness and openness to learn, grow, heal, and live an empowered and sustainable life. I enjoy working with people from all stages of life from adolescents to older adults. I have in person availability on Mondays and Tuesdays to work with clients in person in Charlottesville. I offer virtual sessions via telehealth for clients throughout the State of Virginia and California.

I’m Dr. Carly Ellman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and sports social worker with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and athletes across a wide range of life transitions.

My therapy style is warm, honest, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I believe you are the expert of your own life, and my role is to help you build clarity, confidence, and tools that support your wellbeing both inside and outside the therapy room.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, sport-related stress, or a desire for deeper self-understanding, you’ll find a safe, non-judgmental place to explore and grow.

My background includes clinical practice, college teaching, and working directly with youth, parents, and coaches to strengthen mental health, resilience, and relationships through evidence-based approaches.

I’ve also earned a Sports Social Work Certificate and serve on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Mental Health Registry, where I work with athletes navigating performance pressure, identity, anxiety, and stress.

Seasons change and so do we. I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful change. With experience in schools, hospitals, and community mental health, I create a supportive space where you feel seen and heard. Using a person-centered approach, CBT, and mindfulness, I’ll help you reframe thoughts, set goals, and build tools for lasting growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience providing evidence-based mental health services to adolescents, adults, couples, families, and elite athletes. Help athletes in their mental skills and performance.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-oriented, helping clients develop practical strategies to overcome challenges while building resilience and lasting emotional well-being.

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Puerto Rico and have worked across outpatient mental health, crisis intervention, community behavioral health, and professional sports. I currently serve as a Mental Health Team Counselor with the Baltimore Orioles organization, where I support professional athletes in managing stress, anxiety, performance demands, life transitions, and overall psychological wellness.

My clinical experience includes treating anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship concerns, grief and loss, stress management, self-esteem, and life transitions. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and strengths-based interventions, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique goals and needs.

I believe that meaningful change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.