Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Colonial Heights, VA

I'm not a regular therapist—I'm a cool therapist. You'll likely find me using humor in sessions because it's one of my favorite coping skills (when it's appropriate). I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself.

Helping others has always been my passion, and I love supporting clients as they create meaningful changes in their lives. I also value learning and believe that knowledge can be a powerful tool for growth, so don't be surprised if I recommend a book or two during our time together.

I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, substance use concerns, burnout, and adjustment disorders or other life transitions. I also love supporting new moms as they navigate the perinatal period and the unique challenges that can come with it.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a broad clinical background in treating substance use disorders, mood disorders, trauma related disorders/experiences and co-occurring mental health conditions that may not fall so neatly into a diagnosis. I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have most of my professional experience within forensic and outpatient settings.

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.

Challenges shouldn’t just be endured—they should be the catalyst for your breakthrough. My goal is to help you transform life's toughest hurdles into a foundation for lasting resilience and self-discovery, giving you the tools to reclaim your strength and lead a more intentional life.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.