We use our own and third-party cookies and web beacons to deliver a faster and safer experience, to monitor and analyze usage, to comply with laws, and for advertising purposes. By clicking 'I Agree', you agree that data such as your IP address and third party identifier may be shared with advertising partners to help us deliver more relevant ads. To update your settings or opt out, go to 'Cookie Settings'. To learn more read our Privacy Policy.
“I like flaws and feel more comfortable around people who have them. I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.”
Hi there! I am Joshua, a nationally certified licensed professional counselor who adores meeting new people! I truly love my job, and hope that this reflects in our sessions. Formerly from the Southern US (Mississippi), I now reside in Denver, Colorado. I have approximately 10 years of involvement with the counseling profession. I acquired my degrees from Mississippi State University in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have multiple national certifications. I have experience working in various settings, including acute/inpatient, university-based, outpatient addiction, and most recently as a children's therapist. Although I am a specialist in LGBTQ+ issues, I have also been trained in trauma, gender-affirming therapy, mood disorders, and emotion regulation, in addition to covering a broad range of mental health issues. Domestically, I'm licensed to practice in the states of Mississippi and Colorado.
I would describe myself as a very accepting and warm therapist, operating from a drive of empathy, multicultural competency, and compassion. I also view myself as alternative and non-traditional in most of my approaches. I tend to sway more towards a psychodynamic approach to therapy, but also incorporate cognitive-behavioral, reality, existential, feminist, relational, culture-centered, and narrative styles.
I’ve also taught and lectured in various psychology courses, with my favorite being Human Sexual Behavior. I like to incorporate my academic knowledge into my therapy practices, as I find psycho-education to be a magnificent tool in sustaining mental wellness.
It is a primary goal of mine to be adaptable, accepting, and embracing. I love the experience of interpersonal connection that is provided by my career, and the ability to help empower others. I also love humor, and utilize it often! Therapy can often be portrayed as serious and 'stuffy' so I try to bring some joy into the room. I love the bonus of meeting international clients, as it provides the opportunity to learn more about each other's cultures!
I feel honored to have the opportunity to provide my services to whoever is in need, and am eager to explore the journey of life with you!
Professional experience
10yrs in practice
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Body Image, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Family of Origin Issues, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and Shame, HIV / AIDS, Impulsivity, Jealousy, Life Purpose, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Post-traumatic Stress, Self-Love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Young Adult Issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Joshua McElroy. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Josh is rad! For I think the first time in my life, I have a therapist I actually feel comfortable around - who I can be myself around!
Written on May 14, 2023 after therapy with Joshua for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Josh is warm and caring and creates a safe space for me to be vulnerable and work through my thoughts
Written on Apr 10, 2023 after therapy with Joshua for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
I initially didn’t even want a male therapist. But when I read Joshua’s bio.. something clicked.. I know now that I made the right choice. I have never felt more safe, heard, and understood. Joshua helped me move through one of the most difficult times in my life and I will forever be thankful for the time, patients, and unbiased direction that I received in such a short time. . I am confident in my decisions now, trust myself again and feel healthier moving forward.
Truly exactly the support that I needed.
Written on Apr 07, 2023 after therapy with Joshua for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and adhd
Josh is an incredible person and an amazing Therapist! He is very open minded and extremely beneficial to have around! He is an amazing listener, very relatable and always keeps it real. He never makes me feel judged, no matter what the situation and he always renounces that it is okay to make mistakes, and gives great reassurance when I need it! He also gives helpful strategies and mechanisms to help/ to cope with negative situations. I would highly recommend him as a therapist because he is genuinely so down to earth, and to add he always makes me laugh:) He has a great personality and his therapy sessions always feel so relaxed and never feel like a chore:)
Written on Dec 13, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Josh is so easy to talk to. He relates well to me, sharing personal details to help relate to my problems. He makes me feel welcome and it's so clear that he wants to help me be a better person.
Written on Nov 17, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
Joshua continues to be a great support, an insightful counsellor and someone i rely on.
Written on Oct 18, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 2 years and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
Amazing guy, very knowledgeable in so many areas and he's so real with me
Written on Oct 07, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
I have been with Joshua for over a year now and looking back at where I started to how I am now, I definitely do feel like there is a lot of improvement and I feel a lot more aware of what is going on with myself. Each week you feel better about proactively doing something to work on and better yourself, and I am forever grateful to have Joshua guiding me through this all. Conversations never feel forced and I always feel like I can speak my mind and it’s nice to be able to have a laugh with him. I recommend better help to all my friends because of him.
Written on Jul 28, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Joshua is an excellent therapist. He is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and helps you feel relaxed. As a queer person, it was essential that I had a queer therapist who understood my challenges - Joshua was the person for that!
Written on Jun 29, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 3 months on issues concerning lgbt
Joshua is the most incredible therapist. He consistently makes me feel comfortable as if i’m am talking to a friend every week. He is incredibly affirming to my gender and sexuality and really makes me feel heard and safe to tell him anything without fear of judgement. Joshua is an amazing person and I feel so grateful to have him as my therapist
Written on Jun 11, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
I have literally only had 1 therapy session that was't with Joshua so my frame of reference is limited but I think he's great.
He's open and honest, listens and cares but unlike some will call you out on your shit when you need it which I found useful.
By sharing a tonne of his own experiences and professional knowledge, I understand how I tick at a fundamental level much more clearly and feel not only like i now have a much better relationship with myself (seriously, I'm fucken awesome ;) ) but also feel way more in control of myself and my life.
Great guy, 10/10 do reccommend.
If I had any tips to you as prospective client of Joshua's: putting the work in to plan out what you want from a session will really pay off. There were one or two sessions in the probably 40 or so I've done with him that felt a bit like they were going in circles or retreading old ground, but I don't put that all on him and sometimes that needs to happen as part of the process.
Joshua McElroy? more like Joshua Mabestboy
Written on Jun 07, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 9 months on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Joshua is the best therapist I have ever met with. After one year I have grown and developed with his guidance more than I have at any other point in my life. I am forever grateful.
Written on May 05, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 10 months on issues concerning addictions, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and adhd
Joshua is a kind, patient and insightful therapist. He uses a variety of techniques and tools to make sessions relatable, productive and helpful. I like the flexibility around sessions that meet you where you’re at; whether it’s just a vent day, exploration or putting practices in place. I feel seen and heard and comfortable to chat judgement free. I chose Joshua as I was drawn to his LGBTQIA+ experience and expertise but I have found more than I could have bargained for in a therapist. Would recommend him to anyone.
Written on Apr 14, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Joshua is an incredibly skilled, creative and sensitive therapist & human being. Even after just a few sessions, I feel so understood & supported by them and love their explorative and trauma-aware approach to therapy. Could not possibly have higher praise!
Written on Mar 20, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
When you get down to the root of things and open your eyes to problems that you didn't know have been affecting you for who knows how long it just feels like you get to stay at a place you've been vacationing for much longer.
I am very thankful to my previous therapist, before Joshua, because I needed that experience to point me into this direction of getting down the the roots. They are able to discuss concepts in a paced manner. They offer an environment that is at ease. I really can't thank them enough for having these therapy sessions with me.
Written on Feb 20, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, and eating disorders
I had never used better help before and I was so pleasantly surprised when they matched me with Joshua! He’s so kind and incredibly helpful when it comes to the issues I discuss with him. As a trans person it’s really nice to see that there are people out there who are happy to help in your journey. Highly highly recommend him!
Written on Feb 01, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Josh has helped me feel more in control, which is an incredible feeling/ tool and I've never felt that in my life.
He makes me feel heard and understood. I don't feel alone anymore and I feel confident enough to start trusting myself, as well as act as my own confidant and not just look for the answers in others.
I'm not sure if anything I say could do any justice to the kind of therapist he is. Josh is an excellent and wise mentor.
Written on Jan 17, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Joshua is a very competent therapist that helped me with my polygamous relationship. He really lift me up when I needed it the most. His behavioral therapy techniques are amazing. He knows what's up and you're going to feel comfortable sharing everything with him from the beginning.
I am glad that I had the chance to talk to him and learn from him.
I totally recommend him to everyone who needs some mental health help.
Written on Jan 02, 2022 after therapy with Joshua for 6 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Josh is amazing! He has completely turned my life around and I’ve never felt more supported.
Written on Dec 14, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Until now I’d always had trouble finding a therapist that I was comfortable talking to. Joshua made our sessions feel like talking to someone I know, and I felt better sharing things with him that always made me uncomfortable or emotional with other therapists. Down to earth, funny, and very kind! I’ve definitely made progress since I began, and the things I needed guidance for now feel a lot more attainable and realistic. Would most definitely recommend to people seeking a counsellor who isn’t too cold and clinical, who makes approaching difficult topics much less intimidating, which is tricky to find sometimes.
Written on Nov 03, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
He is great
Written on Oct 06, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, and adhd
He is like chatting to a friend , he is so supportive and really listens to me. He gives me great at advice constantly and is really helping me deal with things in a healthier way :)
Written on Sep 28, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
I can't stress enough how much my quality of life has improved since I started working with Joshua. I don't know how I would have gotten through the last few months without him, but I am very thankful to have him in my life cheering me on and encouraging me to do great things! I would absolutely recommend Joshua to anybody who is in need of a warm, accepting and caring therapist.
Written on Sep 24, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Josh is amazing. I cannot emphasise enough how much he has changed my life. So lucky to work with him and have him guide me on my journey
Written on Jun 28, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and eating disorders
Speaking to Joshua felt like speaking to a friend with expertise in trauma counseling. He was always available when I needed to talk to him and understood my needs accurately from the beginning. What I liked most is that he connected with me like a peer rather than just a counselor, which helped me learn so much about trauma counseling and empowered me to manage my trauma better. Thank you Joshua!
Written on May 09, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, and compassion fatigue
I have been working with Joshua for a few months now and he has been incredibly helpful. His insights and therapeutic techniques are excellent. He is warm, caring, and understanding; and he is super knowledgeable in his area. I am grateful to have come across this therapist. Thank you Josh!
Written on Mar 18, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Joshua has given me so much space to be myself and work things out without feeling guilty. Unapologetically me while helping me figure things out, Joshua has given me the confidence and clarity to be on a better path.
Written on Feb 10, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
I’ve been working with Joshua for a few weeks and have had all positive experiences. He makes it easy to talk about difficult subjects and gives me resources via worksheets to work on during the week. I find they keep accountable. Even in a few weeks I feel measurable changes in my mood, and awareness/mindfulness of my emotions. I would recommend him to a friend any day.
Written on Feb 07, 2021 after therapy with Joshua for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I HIGHLY recommend Joshua, he is a great listener and has some really good, real world advice. I feel he really understands where I am coming from and he is the best therapist I've ever had.
Written on Sep 11, 2020 after therapy with Joshua for 1 month on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and sleeping disorders
Joshua is a great counsellor! He really listens to my situation and is easy to talk to about my problems. He has a very progressive way of thinking and has helped me develop confidence and strategies to feel like my mental health issues aren’t taking over my life. Would definitely recommend Joshua’s services.
Written on Aug 11, 2020 after therapy with Joshua for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Joshua has helped me so much in such a short space of time. He is so respectful and positive, that even talking about the hardest things is okay and really helpful. He is extremely knowledgeable about all different techniques to help you and has a natural empathy and understanding of what is needed to help you move forward. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Written on Jul 31, 2020 after therapy with Joshua for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Super friendly and very easy to talk and open up too! You can tell he knows what he's talking about and even on days when im not very good at communicating hes able to keep the ball rolling
Written on Jul 30, 2020 after therapy with Joshua for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
I’ve had 3 sessions with Joshua so far, and I’ve seen various counsellors, a psychologist, and psychiatrist in the past, but I’ve never been more open and honest about myself to anyone. Joshua is great at normalizing and validating my feelings and fears. I highly recommend him to anyone out there who is struggling.
Written on Jun 18, 2020 after therapy with Joshua for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Joshua is AWESOME!!! We have a lot in common. He is very respectful and supportive!
Written on Jun 17, 2020 after therapy with Joshua for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and self esteem
I can’t recommend Joshua enough.
I feel completely understood and at ease with Joshua. He actually listens and gives some of the best practice advice I’ve had.
He is always prepared for our sessions and goes out of his way to make sure he’s covering all of my concerns.
Written on Jun 07, 2020 after therapy with Joshua for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
We use our own and third-party cookies and web beacons to deliver a faster and safer experience, to monitor and analyze usage, to comply with laws, and for advertising purposes. To learn more read our Privacy Policy. To opt-out please update your settings here to turn off cookies and click 'Confirm My Choices'.
Manage consent preferences
Necessary CookiesAlways Active
These cookies are ones we consider necessary for the website to function and operate, regulate and monitor user experience, assess attribution internally, control data ingress, comply with laws and your indicated preferences, and provide security. For these reasons, necessary cookies will always be active.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies are for personal advertising and measurement of advertising effectiveness. They may be set by us or our advertising partners. They may also be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. If you opt in to targeting cookies, data such as your IP address, third party identifier, device type and browser type may be shared with our advertising partners. If you opt out of targeting cookies, you may experience less personalized advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us, through our third parties, to process data related to traffic sources, visits, and site interactions to optimize our product and service.
Would you like to write a review for Joshua McElroy?
Your review of Joshua McElroy would be greatly appreciated.
We will share your review with Joshua McElroy, and it may be posted on our website and Joshua McElroy's profile. To protect your identify, your name will not be associated with the review. Posts may be edited to remove identifying information.
Please provide a review for Joshua McElroy
Thank you for submitting a review
Your feedback is very important, and we'll carefully review it to continue improving the therapy experience for everyone who uses BetterHelp.