Find a therapist in Reston, VA — covered by insurance

I've built my practice around a simple but powerful idea: that understanding yourself — really understanding yourself — is one of the most transformative things a person can do. I specialize in supporting people through depression, anxiety, life transitions, substance use, mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and end-of-life concerns. That last one might surprise you. End of life is one of the most profound and underserved areas in mental health, and I consider it an honor to walk alongside people and families navigating that terrain. Across all of my work, I bring an educational lens — I don't just want to help you feel better in the moment, I want to help you understand yourself well enough that you can keep growing long after our sessions end. My approach is grounded in CBT and mindfulness, and it reaches toward something bigger: the full picture of who you are — emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming — and sometimes the hardest part is simply starting. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist, and Master Addictions Counselor, I bring more than two decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments.

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.

I'm a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in both general psychiatry and addiction medicine. My background spans a wide range of mental health conditions — from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and substance use — and I bring a deeply holistic perspective to every patient I work with. I offer telehealth care with flexible scheduling, including early morning appointments starting at 7:30am for those who need care before their workday begins.

I believe that working with someone on your mental health is one of the bravest but rewarding thing that someone can do. Be proud that you are taking this step and I look forward to being a part of your journey.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor offering virtual therapy in Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision and specialize in working with individuals navigating the impact of childhood maltreatment and trauma, including sexual abuse. I also support women living with autoimmune diseases who are managing the emotional and psychological toll of chronic illness.

I am a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC) licensed in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, providing therapy to adults residing in those states.

I was drawn to being a therapist through my own personal experiences and understanding the value of having a safe space to process my emotions. I truly enjoy being able to help others and consider it a privilege to support others to reach their potential.

I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, health-related stress, grief, self-esteem, stress management and significant life transitions. My goal is to help clients better understand the patterns contributing to emotional distress while strengthening their ability to respond to challenges with resilience and intention.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 10 years, I work with a plethora of inter-generational clients aged 21-90 who are struggling with anxiety and depression and trauma.

As a chaplain, I take a psycho-spiritual approach and work with clients assisting with intercultural issues, blended family dynamics, religiosity challenges and grief & loss.