Elena Lemanna

Elena Lemanna (she/her) earned her MSW at VCU in 2007 and has worked ever since in a combination of inpatient and outpatient mental health settings.  For the last 5 years, she has devoted herself to the mental health needs of pregnant and parenting people, and those who have experienced perinatal loss.  Elena has a dedication these populations as well as those adjacent, such as bereaved grandparents.  Elena recognizes the complexity of societal and interpersonal dynamics at play during the perinatal period and is passionate about supporting individuals through issues around role changes, identity, and the significant transitions that come with this time.  Elena utilizes a highly collaborative and strengths-based approach to support improved well-being.

Specialties

Elena’s specialties include perinatal mental health, perinatal bereavement, potentially life-limiting fetal diagnoses during pregnancy and infancy and parenting while in recovery from substance use.  Elena’s experience also includes mood disorders, anxiety disorders and trauma-related disorders.  Elena is supportive of those who have chosen pregnancy termination for any reason.  Elena is LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Modalities

Elena utilizes a combination of cognitive and behavioral approaches guided by a client’s needs and stated goals.  Some of these may include techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy and Narrative Therapy.

Education

• Bachelor of Art, UNC Chapel Hill, Sociology, 2003
• Master of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2007
  • Clinical Concentration

Licenses and Certificates of Completion

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia
• Certificate in Aging Studies, VCU, 2007
• Postpartum Support International: Advanced Perinatal Psychotherapy

Licenses and Certificates of Completion

• National Association of Perinatal Social Workers