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MD, LCSW-C

Joy Rumsey, MD, LCSW-C

  • Experience13 years
  • LocationMaryland
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Addictions, and Grief
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Joy

Joy Rumsey, MD, LCSW-C welcomes clients who are ready to change patterns that no longer serve them and to build practical skills for daily life. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, mood concerns, relationship and family struggles, anger, and life transitions.

Background and approach

Her approach centers on using each person's strengths and lived experience as a foundation for growth while targeting specific behaviors and thought patterns that get in the way of wellbeing. Rumsey combines skill-building strategies with deeper work to address the emotions and internal parts that influence choices and habits.

Over 13 years she has practiced in hospitals, schools, inpatient and outpatient settings, and independent practice in Maryland. Her background includes specialized training in addictions and leading outpatient programs for adults with mood disorders and substance use challenges.

She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and maintains clinical licensure in Maryland as LCSW-C alongside an MD credential. Joy aims to collaborate with each person to set clear goals and develop practical tools for long-term emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Work

Joy uses Internal Family Systems to help people notice and dialogue with the different inner parts that influence thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for understanding patterns in relationships, mood, and self-management. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is offered to help clients clarify values and develop committed action while learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is employed to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior cycles with concrete exercises and skills practice.

Finding the right approach is typically collaborative; the therapist works with clients to assess needs, goals, and preferences and may draw from one or more methods to tailor care. This collaborative process helps determine which strategies feel most useful and which areas warrant deeper exploration over time.

Online sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it possible to attend regularly from home or other locations while maintaining continuity of care, allowing therapists and clients to focus on progress with practical tools and ongoing support.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
Joy supports people coping with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, low self esteem, depression, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, anger, bipolar disorder, and life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her work blends practical skill teaching with reflective exploration, using approaches such as Internal Family Systems, ACT, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing to meet clients where they are.
How long has she been practicing clinically?
She has 13 years of experience providing therapy in hospitals, schools, inpatient and outpatient programs, and independent practice settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds MD and LCSW-C credentials with license number MD LCSW-C 25668 and practices in Maryland.
Does she offer services in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are provided in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
In what session formats can clients meet with her?
Clients may connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their preference and availability.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and services are billed through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingInternal Family Systems

Experience

13+ years

Licensed

Maryland

Languages

English