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Elena Chambers, LLMSW

Clinical Social Worker

Ann Arbor & Virtual

Hi, I’m Elena! I’m a clinical social worker here at the Ann Arbor location of the Mala Child & Family Institute, where I have the joy of working with children, teens, and young adults as they navigate life’s challenges and grow into their most confident, emotionally grounded selves.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan, where I focused on evidence-based approaches to support mental wellness for youth and families. Before entering the field of social work, I worked in the Ann Arbor Public Schools as a paraprofessional. It was there, working closely with students and watching their resilience unfold, that I discovered my passion for supporting young people through meaningful connection, encouragement, and care.

In therapy, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a way that feels empowering, not overwhelming. My sessions are collaborative and tailored to each person’s needs. We work together to build a path toward healing, confidence, and emotional clarity.

I know how hard it can be to reach out for support, and I honor the courage it takes to show up and be seen. Whether you're a child learning to name big feelings, a teen struggling with identity or stress, or a parent looking for support for your family, I’m here to offer a space that’s safe, nonjudgmental, and centered around you.

I’d be honored to walk alongside you and your family on your journey toward greater well-being.

  • Hi! I’m Elena, and I’m someone who loves helping kids, teens, and families feel better, braver, and more understood.

    Sometimes we feel sad, nervous, angry, or confused, and that’s okay! In our sessions, we might talk, draw, play games, or just figure things out together. I’ll always listen to you and help you learn new tools to feel more calm and confident.

    My job is to be on your team, to help you feel safe, be yourself, and grow in your own way. I can’t wait to meet you!

    A fun fact about me is that I play the violin!

work with Elena

  • Masters of Social Work, University of Michigan

    • Anxiety, Panic Disorder & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Chronic Pain or Illness

    • Depression

    • Grief & Loss

    • Learning Differences & Academic Challenges

    • Life Transitions

    • Physical Disabilities or Injuries

    • Self-Esteem

    • Sleep Issues

    • TNB/LGBTQIA2S+ Issues

    • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

    • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    • Play Therapy

  • Children (4-10), Preteens, Teens, & Adults

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Aetna

    • Priority Health

Therapy for complex PTSD at Mala Child and Family Institute—serving Plymouth, Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills, and nearby Michigan communities with trauma-informed, relational, and integrative care for children, teens, and adults.

Get to know Elena

  • I worked in the Ann Arbor Schools for a year between my undergraduate and graduate degrees and felt that it was so rewarding to be able to help young people through emotions, conflicts, and tough situations in life. I wanted to continue to provide spaces where kids feel seen and heard, and that is one of my primary goals as a therapist!

  • I love being able to see the growth in my clients. It is an honor to be with you on your journey and learn about your life.

  • In therapy, I want to prioritize what is most important to you! I adapt the structure of sessions to fit client needs. We might do an activity together (like drawing or playing a game), talk about what is going on in your life, or problem-solve together with something that’s been on your mind. Incorporating play into therapy is very important to me, and a lot of therapeutic work also may happen playing with the toys in my office.

  • Therapy is YOUR space to talk about what’s important to you. We will go at the pace that is right for you and work together to help you reach your goals.

  • LGBTQIA+ rights—especially ensuring that young people in this community feel supported and understood.

  • When I make choices in my life, I like to ask myself “What decision would I feel most proud of in 20 years?” This helps me to tap into my gut feelings and values.

  • I play the violin!

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