Michael Ellwood, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at VCU. He supports the spinal cord injury (SCI) and complex care teams at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Dallas Disbro Ability Center in addition to the hospital’s SCI model systems research program. Dr. Ellwood provides initial evaluations and psychological treatment to assist patients and families with adjusting to and coping with the challenges they face during their admission to the inpatient rehabilitation program.

He is a graduate of Hamilton College and the clinical psychology doctoral program at Virginia Commonwealth University. During his career, Dr. Ellwood has held various roles, including serving as a staff psychologist on the SCI Service and the Director of Training for Psychology—fellowship and internship programs accredited by the American Psychological Association and practicum student training—at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System. Additionally, Dr. Ellwood has also served as co-director of the Primary Care Mental Health Integration Program for Commonwealth Counseling Associates and as associate director of outpatient behavioral health services for Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield. His research interests include individuals’ adjustment to living with spinal cord injury.