Dr. Joy McElveen
Experienced LCSW focused on practical change
LCSW Louisiana
- Experience
- 35 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Anger
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Languages
- English
About Joy
Dr. Joy McElveen brings 35 years of clinical social work experience to her practice in Louisiana, helping people navigate stress, anxiety, grief, anger, low self-esteem, depression, addictions, relationship and family challenges, trauma and abuse, and major life transitions.
Background and approach
She centers her work on cultivating hope and practical strategies that shift how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact, guiding clients toward more satisfying daily functioning and clearer meaning in their lives. Her approach blends evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based techniques, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused work.
She emphasizes collaboration, asking clients to engage actively in the work of change while she offers structure, skills training, and reflective support. Dr.
McElveen draws on decades of practice to tailor interventions to each person’s concerns and life circumstances. Educated at Louisiana State University (BA), the University of Michigan (MSW), and Howard University (doctorate), she holds LCSW licensure and practices from a strengths-oriented perspective that values resilience and steady growth.
Evidence-Informed Approaches Offered Online
Dr. McElveen integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into online work. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. ACT emphasizes values-guided action and accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful behavior changes, which can help with grief, avoidance, and life transitions.She approaches treatment collaboratively, recognizing that finding the right mix of techniques often takes time and discussion. The therapist works alongside clients to explore goals, try specific strategies, and adjust methods based on what fits each person’s needs, preferences, and progress.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which provide greater flexibility for scheduling and support between meetings. These options can make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills in everyday situations, and access therapy from different locations within Louisiana while working with a licensed professional.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Licensed
Louisiana, Connecticut
Languages
English