geometry-shapes iconGrief, Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, Neurodiversity
Online in Colorado
4 years in practice
Ages served: 18-65+
shield check with plus icon

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Ellie accepts 30 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado Medicare Advantage
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | GHI BMP
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | PPO - HMO
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Carelon
Carelon | Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Kaiser Permanente of CO | HMO
Kaiser Permanente of CO | HMO Medicare Advantage
Kaiser Permanente of CO | PPO
Kaiser Permanente of CO | PPO Medicare Advantage
Multi Plan PHCS
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Ellie

At the start of our work together, collaboration is at the core. You are the expert on your own life. My role is to support you with clinical training and therapeutic tools while honoring your lived experience and the strengths you already carry.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Treatment Victim Advocate. I am also a wheelchair user and have professional and lived experience working alongside LGBTQ+ communities. These perspectives shape my commitment to accessible and affirming care that recognizes both personal experience and the systems that influence our lives.

My approach to therapy is integrative and flexible. I draw from motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and skills-based practices such as DBT and CBT when helpful. Our work is shaped around what feels most supportive for you. Sessions can be structured and goal-focused, or more open and reflective, depending on your needs and priorities.

I have extensive experience working with people impacted by harmful or high-conflict relationships, including intimate partner and family dynamics. I also work with people living with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. This space supports healing from trauma, grief and loss, relationship challenges, identity shifts, and major life transitions. There is no pressure to define your experiences in any one way.

Outside of the therapy room, a bit more about me: I’m a dumpling enthusiast, an open-world fantasy game explorer, and an avid reader who adds five new books to my TBR list for every one I finish.

If this feels like a good fit, I would be honored to roll alongside you.

Provider background floral illustration
Ellie Shepard's profile image

"As a therapist with a disability, I know firsthand what it feels like to move through a world that isn’t adapted to you. Healing begins when we change how we meet our challenges by learning to work with every part of who we are instead of resisting it. It’s our strengths and vulnerabilities together that make us who we are. "

chats icon

Get to know Ellie

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I’ve always known I wanted a career helping others. After college, I initially pursued chiropractic work to combine my love of movement with helping people, but after a serious injury, I had to reimagine what that could look like. Becoming a therapist allowed me to focus on emotional and mental healing and I quickly realized this is where I’m meant to be. I love what I do and plan to do this for the rest of my life.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with clients who want to understand themselves better, tackle challenges head-on, and build more confidence and control in their lives. If you’re curious, open-minded, and ready to do the work, big or small, I’ll meet you there.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

I wish all clients knew that everyone could benefit from therapy, and I believe that everyone should use it at some point in their life. Seeking support doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you...it’s about untangling life’s challenges and hurts and moving toward a happier, more empowered version of yourself

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the early stages of therapy, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and building a strong foundation of trust and rapport. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy, clarify your goals, and begin creating a plan together so you can start making meaningful progress toward the changes you want to see in your life.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My practice is informed by my own experiences as a woman living with a physical disability, which gives me a personal understanding of navigating a world that isn’t always built to fit everyone.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I listen closely to your stories and use that understanding to tailor therapy to your unique needs. Together, we develop goals in line with your life, personality, and what matters most to you.

Read more
Lady on bicycle icon

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesGrief, Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, Neurodiversity, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Autism, ADHD, Sexual Abuse, Relationships, Trauma / PTSD, Caregivers, Emotional Disturbance, Learning / Intellectual Disabilities, Mood Disorders, Social Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation, Chronic Illness/Pain, School Issues, Divorce
ApproachesMotivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Attachment-Based, Any / Eclectic, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused, Strength-Based Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, Psychoanalytic
Academic cap icon

Education and training

Years in practice
4 years
Graduating institute
University of Denver
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
magnify glass with eyes icon

Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
file icon
NPI number1104336452
practice location icon
State of practiceCO
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

What type of counseling would you like?
Select...
Ellie is available for Video visits.
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
Loading...
Ellie Shepard's profile image

Ellie Shepard

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)she/her