Sarah McElvain, LMSW
Supervised by Alexis Edwards, LCSW-S
Imagine if we measured success by the amount of safety people felt in our presence.
- Jonathan Louis Dent
Sarah is a neuro-affirming therapist who is passionate about supporting other neurodivergent folx. As a late-diagnosed multiply neurodivergent Social Worker (and parent to neurodivergent children), Sarah specializes in working with anyone identifying as or curious about AuDHD, autistic, ADHD, and PDA (as well as their families). Sarah is skilled in providing accessible and affirming formal ADHD and autism assessments. She also loves providing strengths-based neurotype exploration sessions for those curious but not wanting a formal diagnosis. And for clients already identified, Sarah offers warm and compassionate therapy sessions.
Sarah’s therapeutic approach is person-centered, insight-oriented, co-regulatory, and felt safety focused. She pulls from various therapeutic modalities including narrative, IFS parts work, person-centered, solutions focused, and Autistic-Centered therapy to help clients integrate their wiring and experiences. Sarah also supports clients with neuro-affirming I-CBT for OCD. With youth, she uses a mix of child-centered play and parts work to let kids lead with play, creativity, and conversation. She is anti-hierarchical in her work with all populations and centers accommodations (not exposures). As an AuDHD clinician, Sarah desires to build authentic connection, trust, and safety. She prioritizes your autonomy and colorful language is always welcome!
Sarah holds a Master of Science in Social Work degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and human development from Vanderbilt University. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in public schools, the juvenile justice system, mental health agencies, and her own practice as a postpartum doula and sleep specialist. She is a systems thinker and is a disability rights advocate.
Originally from rural Illinois, Sarah passed the long winters getting lost in books and watching Reading Rainbow, and she had aspirations to be an author. Nowadays, her role as a counselor allows Sarah the opportunity to be a ghostwriter and editor - she helps facilitate clients’ telling of their own story. Whether in counseling sessions or the assessment process, Sarah partners with clients to integrate their inner experience and craft a cohesive narrative.
These days, Sarah still loves a good book, though her preferred genre is now non-fiction; her deep interest is learning all about neurotypes. She also loves maximalist decor, caring for her many bougainvilleas, drawing birds with pastels, and playing skeeball with her kids. Other favorites include 90s hip hop, athleisure wear, fidgets, greenbelt walks, audio message tangents with friends, dining out with her husband, watching their son play soccer, and hanging out in pastures while their daughter rides horses.
Qualifications & Trainings
Assessing for Autism and Supporting Autistic Trans/Non Binary Clients, Dr. Dana Cea, April 2025
Assessment of Adult ADHD and Autism for Master’s Level Therapists, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, February 2025
ADHD and Autism Assessment Training Course, Neuropebble, January 2025
Autism Differential Diagnoses Course (ADHD, BPD, bipolar, and trauma/PTSD), Dr. Theresa Regan, October 2024
Autistic Informed Autism Assessment Advanced Training for Licensed Professionals, Properties of Light, September 2024
MIGDAS 2 Diagnostic Interview System Workshop with Dr. Marilyn Monteiro, June 2024 and December 2024
Memberships
The Divergent Clinician Consultation Group (2024-present)
NASW (2025)
Autistic Autism Diagnosticians Collaborative (2025)
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (2024-present)
Austin ISD Special Education Inclusion Work Group (2025)
Coalition for Special Education Equity for Austin ISD (2022-present)
Specialties:
Support for Neurodivergent folx (Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, ARFID, PDA, OCD, learning disabilities)
Anxiety (without use of exposure therapy)
School trauma
Neurotype exploration sessions
Autism evaluations
ADHD evaluations
Abbreviated assessments
Sensory profiles
Parenting support for implementing low demand lifestyles (including screen time)
Navigating school accommodations and IEP support
Populations:
Children 5+
Teens
Adults
Fees:
Individual (50 Minute): $140
Autism Assessment: $897
Audhd Assessment: $1097
Sliding Scale & Payment Plans Available