Works with
How Joy works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- MD, LCSW-C
- Licensed in
- Maryland
- Years in practice
- 13
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Joy
Joy Rumsey is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or angry find clearer ways forward. She meets people where they are and focuses on small, practical steps that can ease distress and make daily life more manageable. Joy uses a strengths-based approach, drawing on what each person already does well.
Sessions focus on developing skills to calm strong emotions, change unhelpful thinking, and shift behaviors that get in the way of goals.
Background and approach
She encourages clients to set real, achievable goals and practices tools between sessions. She holds an MD and a Master of Social Work and is licensed in Maryland as an LCSW-C. Joy has 13 years of clinical experience across hospitals, schools, and outpatient practice settings.
That background includes work with people facing mood disorders, substance use challenges, grief, and trauma. Her clinical work has included facilitating outpatient programs for adults dealing with addiction and mood concerns. She has also worked in inpatient settings and in schools, gaining experience with a wide range of life issues such as anger, relationship strain, self-esteem struggles, and major life changes.
In sessions she combines evidence-informed approaches to help people manage symptoms and build a life that reflects their values. She aims for collaboration, practical tools, and steady progress rather than quick fixes.
What Joy works with
Everything Joy lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Joy's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
Approaches Joy lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Internal Family Systems
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How evidence-based methods translate to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when emotions are strong. It is useful for stress, anxiety, anger, and life transitions because it focuses on action over avoidance.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a skills-based approach that looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact. Clients learn concrete techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and then try methods that fit each person's needs. This is a collaborative process where tools are adjusted over time based on what helps most.
Online sessions are available as video calls, phone conversations, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video works well when visual feedback and a longer conversation are useful, while phone calls can be a simpler option with lower bandwidth. Live chat or messaging can suit brief check-ins, skill practice, or times when writing feels easier. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into busy days and different schedules, while still focusing on practical skills and steady progress.
Questions people ask about Joy
What kinds of problems does she address?
Joy works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, grief, relationship strain, trauma and coping with life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
She emphasizes practical skills and collaboration, helping clients set goals and practice tools that reduce intense emotions and change unhelpful behaviors.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 13 years of experience working in hospitals, schools, and outpatient settings with people facing mood disorders, addiction, grief, and trauma.
What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?
Joy holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Maryland, listed as LCSW-C.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work together?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What formats are available for sessions?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and scheduling; sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.