Therapist Joy Close Photo

Joy Close, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety LGBTQ+ Grief Depression Coping with life changes
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

Seeking out therapy is an important decision, and it is imperative that you feel comfortable so that you can do the work necessary to help improve your life. Everyone goes through challenges and there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. My goal is to help you attain a better understanding of yourself, to help you develop new skills, improve your coping, and find resolution for the issues you may be facing. My approach is collaborative, and I work hard to create a supportive, accepting, and safe space where you will feel heard, valued, and empowered. I use a range of therapeutic techniques and offer a highly personalized approach tailored to your individual needs.
With 27+ years of experience, I have provided therapy for adults with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, family conflict, sexuality, adjustment, LGBTQIA+ and relationship concerns.
I am passionate about social justice, my work and making the world a better place for all. I am an anti-racist, anti-sexist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex positive clinician. I work with adult clients from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds


Professional experience

28yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety LGBTQ+ Grief Depression Coping with life changes

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Communication problems, Family of Origin Issues, First Responder Issues, HIV / AIDS, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Sexuality, Traumatic Brain Injury, Women's issues, Young Adult Issues

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

NC LCSW C003042

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Joy Close. 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.

Joy has been the best therapist I have had by far. She pushes me in just the way I need and has helped me realize so much about myself. I have been able to make more progress than I ever have in the past 10 years. She’s very understanding and non-judgemental. I would definitely recommend her.

Written on Jul 02, 2023 after therapy with Joy for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

I have been seeing Joy Close as my therapist for several months now, and I can confidently say that she has made a tremendous impact on my life. When I first started therapy, I was struggling to work through past traumas and felt stuck in my personal and professional life. But with Joy's guidance, I have been able to explore my emotions, address my fears, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Joy has a unique ability to make you feel heard, validated, and understood. She creates a safe space for me to share my thoughts and feelings without any judgment. Her approach is both compassionate and direct, which has helped me gain new insights into myself and my relationships. She has taught me practical strategies to manage my anxiety and depression, and I am now better equipped to handle life's challenges.

Since working with Joy, I have noticed significant improvements in my overall well-being. I feel more confident, resilient, and in control of my life. I have also been able to embrace new opportunities and take risks that I would have never considered before. Joy has truly helped me transform my life, and I am grateful for her support and guidance.

Written on Mar 24, 2023 after therapy with Joy for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Professional and understanding.

Written on Mar 09, 2023 after therapy with Joy for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, and coping with life changes

I’m so thankful to have Joy in my life. She is an excellent therapist who excels at helping her clients feel validated and empowered. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their mental health.

Written on Jul 04, 2022 after therapy with Joy for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and parenting issues

I very much like her, she is understanding and very friendly.

Written on Jun 20, 2022 after therapy with Joy for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd

I joined BetterHelp a month ago because I had reached a point in my life journey that I knew in order for me to continue to grow and feel better about myself I needed to dig deeper into my past and what has gotten me where I am today.

I had my first live video appointment 4 weeks ago with Joy. She immediately made me feel comfortable and in a safe space. We had a great first session and I felt as though she listened and from her experience immediately recognized things in our conversation that are part of my past that are driving my current behaviors. She provided insight and didn’t push for me to go deeper unless I wanted to. Since that visit we have met weekly and continued to walk through what is happening in my life today and how my reactions and behaviors are tied to the past. Joy has given me tools and things to ask myself that have helped me challenge myself in my daily life and focus more on what is driving my reactions and responses.

I have used the daily journal to share each day any highlights or thoughts I want Joy to be aware of and to know about me between our weekly visits. She regularly responds and offers her insight into what she is hearing in my writings. This helps me between our weekly visits continue to feel connected and supported on my journey.

Overall, I can’t say enough great things about my experience with BetterHelp and with Joy. The platform is perfect, easy to navigate and helps make me feel in constant connection. Both the app and the website are exceptional tools.

Thank you Joy and BetterHelp for enriching my life and bringing me closer to my best self.

Written on Jun 12, 2022 after therapy with Joy for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd