Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Lynchburg, VA

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Emory University. I bring over 8 years of clinical experience, including 4 years in medical nursing and 4 years in mental health care across inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings.I also served as a nurse in the U.S. military, where I cared for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. This experience shaped a steady, grounded approach to care, especially in moments of stress, transition, or uncertainty.

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.

Throughout my graduate and professional experiences, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds on issues including anxiety, self-esteem and identity, stress management, and life transitions. As a mother, I also have a passion for supporting expecting and new mothers as they prepare for and adjust to expanding their families. I prioritize developing a supportive, collaborative relationship with each client, helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges.

Welcome. If you have been feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, mood swings, or trouble focusing, you are not alone. Maybe your teen is struggling, or you are exhausted from trying to manage symptoms on your own. When your mood, energy, or attention feel out of control, daily life can feel harder than it should. I offer a supportive, judgment free space where your concerns are taken seriously.

When navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, it is easy to assume that something is fundamentally wrong with you. If you are struggling with low self-concept, anger, or substance usage, you might view these obstacles as personal failures. My goal is to completely shift that narrative. Together, we will look at what is going on with you, rather than what is wrong with you.

Since 1993, I have spent over 30 years helping individuals recognize their innate strengths and leverage them to overcome life’s hardest hurdles. Throughout my career, I have developed deep clinical expertise, obtaining specific, formal certifications across multiple states to ensure you receive highly credentialed and adaptive care.

Taking that first step to reach out for support can feel intimidating. Because of this, our introductory session is designed to be a safe, collaborative space. We will explore what is currently going well, examine the challenges you are experiencing, and align on your expectations for therapy. My primary objective is to establish an empowering professional relationship built entirely on your strengths.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner with a PhD, and I've spent ten years working with people who are genuinely tired of feeling like they should have figured this out by now. I work virtually with clients throughout Virginia, and I take a different approach than most therapists: I consider myself part clinician, part teacher. My goal isn't just for you to feel better in session — it's for you to leave understanding yourself well enough that you don't need me forever. I work with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, trauma, life transitions, and end-of-life concerns. I'm also a proud affirming provider for LGBTQ+ clients and believe good therapy should be accessible to everyone — which is why I've built in morning, afternoon, and evening availability.

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.