Welcome to BetterHelp! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor for the State of Louisiana with 18 years of social work experience. I moved to London, England in 2008 for approximately 5 years where I worked as an agency social worker in various London Borough agencies such as Leaving Care, Referral and Assessment, Foster Care and Juvenile Services. Upon returning home to Louisiana, I accepted a position with a behavioral health company where I’ve worked for approximately 11 years in various levels of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient hospitalization. During five years of my employment with Compass Health I was the Program Director of two large PHP/IOP outpatient programs. I also have 4 years experience working with Assertive Community Treatment that provides community based mental health services to high-risk populations. My counseling style is warm, empathetic and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, goal oriented and client centered treatment. CBT- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides individuals intervention that aim to improve mental health. CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful negative thought patterns, behaviors, improving emotional stability and focus, and assist in the development of personal coping strategies that target current situational stressors. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Be the change you wish to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi

From the first moment of successfully leaving our mother's body and beginning to breath on our own, we began a life journey that mirrors our own epic story. This epic is similar to those I used to watch as a child at the Sunday evening movies. Usually a hero, for instance, Hercules, would be engaged in ongoing event-filled days of danger, challenge, and conquest. Along the way there were characters who attempted to thwart his efforts or support his quest. His focus remained resolute and steadfast and was usually met with success. If not doing that hour definitely by part two he would be the victor. Our life challenges, however, are not usually met with the excitement of a movie; and success in overcoming them is not usually with one or even two hours. But like old movies, our challenges involve obstacles, dangers, wonders, and successes of varying dimensions. These challenges for many of us serve to push us forward to take another breath of life and to continue our personal life walk. From each push, breath, and challenge we can choose to learn and experience success or satisfaction with how we are engaging with life. I am Joy Smith McElveen, a licensed clinical social worker in New Orleans, LA.. Like many of you, my epic story is filled with many challenges of major life disappointments, frustrations, illness, fears, anxiety, depression, and anger. However, there was always a sense of wonder which generated happy times, love, and a glimmer of hope-filled days. Focusing on the wonders of hope helps me put challenges and obstacles into a perspective that allows me build change efforts. I think it is having a sense of hope, the real wonder, that pushes us forward despite the challenge. My practice is based on expanding a search for hope within each person seeking to change direction. Living demands that we must continue to grow. We grow through learning and making changes in our sphere of life. Our emotions and thoughts help or hinder our behavior. It is within these areas we need to evaluate, and search for meaning to be productive and fulfilled. My practice is based on using Dialectical Behavior Therapy undergirded with applications from Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. These approaches have interconnections with how we can choose to change how we think, feel and behave. They each require that the person seeking to make changes do the work and the helper is alongside working with her/him. I would like to be one of the characters in your epic story who supports your quest for change. I have a BA in sociology from Louisiana State University (now UNO); a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor); and a doctorate from Howard University School of Social Work. I have certifications in each treatment approach listed above.

Thank you very much for checking here: I hope to be of service to you. My 17+ years of experience includes many years of counseling and listening, across various cultures, ages and personal client needs, with a few years as adjunct professor at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA: 3 years of work as a patient counselor in a hospital psychiatric unit, and 3 years of practice in a pediatric clinic. My current solo practice is empathetic, accepting and non-judgmental, having also practiced as an EAP (employee counselor) in a very large hospital and city system, in which I was required to see anyone for any situation or issue they may bring to counseling. This unique opportunity provided me with insights and understanding of people beyond my own personal scope of experience. I believe this has made me more sensitive to the needs, hurts and stress of the various clients I serve. I am generally available 6 days a week for appointments, because I really do enjoy my practice and my clients. I am licensed in Louisiana, Oregon and Florida and serve clients in those states, as well as in overseas countries. I am old enough to enjoy my 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchild, together with my wife in a delightful sharing relationship. This creates a relaxed, accepting and strong relationship and family foundation for your counseling needs. My personal strengths hopefully convey to you a caring and positive mindset as we work together. My hobbies are sailing, backpacking, snow skiing and cooking (especially apple pies:) (p.s. In fairness to potential Oregon clients, I want to let you know that I am in the Eastern Time Zone, and regretfully, I can only be available to West Coast clients from 6:00/ am until 1:00 pm :( If this is not workable hours for you, you may wish to find another therapist who may have better hours for your schedule. I felt it was only fair to let you know this in advance.) Also..I can open more hours than what shows on the schedule, so if you need a day/time that is not shown, please message me. Hope to hear from you soon!

I received my Master’s degree in Social Work in 1994. Since that time, I have had opportunities to work with adults, children, and families in a variety of settings. Though I have experience with many mental health issues, I would consider my specialties as mood disorders, trauma, relational issues and parenting. My experience has taught me the importance of flexibility when working with a client and their unique circumstances. Treatment techniques and strategies will vary depending on the needs presented. Through the years, my basic core philosophy towards therapy has been strengthened through successes I have witnessed. This philosophy is based on my strong belief that we, as humans, do the best that we can with the circumstances we are given, and that we have the ability to grow and make positive changes. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe and caring environment, filled with acceptance and empathy, providing guidance and honest feedback to assist in the change process.

I am a therapist in Louisiana with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with children and adults on issues that impact their daily lives. My therapy style is gentle and encouraging and my approach encompasses cognitive behavior therapy. I believe in the power of sharing your story and having yourself and someone else hear it. I also focus on sharing strategies to help manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I appreciate the privilege of and look forward to walking with you through this journey.

I am a LPC for 27 years and a board certified dance movement therapist. I am also a registered nurse and a certified yoga instructor. I have worked with children and adults offering trauma and grief therapy. As a movement therapist, I offer the opportunity to experience bodily felt emotions by teaching mindfulness. I use systems family theory as well as Jungian and object relations. Currently, I am working with eating disordered and addiction patients. I feel I am centered and grounded in my approach with clients. I listen and respond thoughtfully.

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & motivation, grief, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I provide people of all backgrounds with a grounded, nonjudgmental space to be genuine, slow down, and look honestly at who they are and how they arrived here. Therapy with me is not about fixing who you are—it’s about understanding yourself deeply enough to decide where growth is needed and what no longer fits your life today. As a licensed therapist in Louisiana and Texas, with over two decades of experience, I actively challenge clients in thoughtful, respectful ways to increase psychological flexibility. This includes learning how to reframe and reconstruct long-held viewpoints, examine patterns shaped by life history, and shift perspectives that may once have been protective but are no longer serving you. Your past matters—not as something to stay stuck in, but as a guide for recognizing what you are ready to keep, what needs to change, and what belongs in the archive rather than your present lifestyle. I believe meaningful change requires honest self-reflection and full acceptance of who you have been, without shame or avoidance. From that grounded place, we can identify your current stage of change, clarify what growth looks like for you now, and move intentionally toward it—whether that involves radical acceptance, empowered decision-making, or actively choosing a new direction. I work best with adults in their mid-twenties and older who are ready to engage thoughtfully in the therapeutic process. My clinical strengths include relationship dynamics, empowerment, identity development, perspective-shifting, and helping clients navigate periods of transition, breakthrough, or recalibration with clarity and purpose.

As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex challenges. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and discover deeper personal meaning. I have extensive experience working with young adults, caregivers, and professionals addressing stress, anxiety, and workplace dynamics. My therapeutic practice focuses on empowering clients to overcome social anxiety, manage life transitions, and build resilient coping strategies. I understand the nuanced struggles of personal growth, offering compassionate guidance through issues like self-esteem, guilt, shame, and personal transformation. Drawing from a trauma-informed and person-centered framework, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthier perspectives, and cultivate meaningful change. Whether you're facing workplace stress, relationship challenges, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with grief, coping with loss, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, anger, anxiety depression and more. I also have experience working with those coping with life changes. I can assist in areas of spirituality from a Christian perspective. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & despression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.