Dr. Kurt Ela, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He works with patients throughout the life cycle, with an emphasis on child and adolescent therapy and parenting. Over his tenure at Georgetown, Dr. Ela has taught medical students, psychology externs, psychiatry residents, and child and adolescent psychiatry fellows. He is the winner of the Psychotherapy Supervisor Award, the William Licamele, M.D., Distinguished Seminar Teacher Award, and is a recognized Wellness Coach for the Department of Psychiatry.

Dr. Ela received his undergraduate degree in English Literature and Psychology from Amherst College and his doctorate from The George Washington University. He completed his internship at the University of Pennsylvania where he worked with pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients.

Prior to pursuing psychology, Dr. Ela worked in advertising on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. As a former “Mad Man,” he helped promote a number of consumer products in television and print. His life changed after working on a pro bono account. The project was CeaseFire an initiate under The Chicago Project for Violence Prevention. After working with at risk youth to create effective messaging for the program, he decided to seek alternate ways to help youth in need of support by pursuing clinical psychology.

Personally, Dr. Ela lives with his wife, two boys and cat in Washington, DC. You will find him outside as often as possible hiking, biking, boating, or skiing with his family.