Joy Close , LCSW

Joy Close is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience helping adults navigate significant life challenges. She emphasizes a collaborative style that supports clients in gaining clearer self-understanding, building practical coping skills, and finding resolution for persistent problems. Joy shapes each treatment plan to the individual, drawing from a range of therapeutic techniques to meet the needs presented in therapy.

Her practice centers on creating an accepting, nonjudgmental space where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to make change. Joy works with adults facing anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, family conflict, sexuality and relationship concerns, and adjustment issues. She has long-standing experience supporting LGBTQIA+ clients and brings a commitment to social justice into her clinical work.

Joy identifies as anti-racist, anti-sexist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex positive, and she intentionally works with clients from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Her approach is warm and practical, focused on helping people develop new skills, improve coping, and move toward the outcomes they want in life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take committed action toward a meaningful life, even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It is often useful for stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens closely and helps the client explore their own solutions. This approach supports self-exploration and works well for relationship issues, self-esteem, and adjustment concerns.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches practical ways to observe thoughts and sensations without getting swept away by them, which can reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation for issues like anxiety, grief, and chronic stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Joy collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors interventions and adjusts the plan as therapy evolves to help clients make steady progress.

Online therapy offers flexible access to licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, maintain continuity of treatment during life transitions, and connect with a therapist from wherever the client is located.