Dr. Debra Joy

Debra Joy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts whohas been working in the field of crisis for the past 30 years. She started on the streets of New York City, helping runaways off 42nd street into the shelter close by at Under 21/Covenant House. Debra worked as an Emergency Investigator for 10 years in the Mattapan/Roxbury/ Chelsea areas of Boston. Debra has been performing crisis psych evaluations in the Emergency rooms of Lowell andLawrence for 14 years. She has been able to help children and adults to find a safe, sober life. Her nonjudgemental and relaxed style has been an asset when clients have needed it the most. Debra has worked with Gang youth from DYS at an alternative school in Lowell. Debra has helped DMH clients who have severe mental health issues in a day program setting and to stay out of the hospital. She specializes in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for teens and adults with self-harm issues. Debra uses CBT and ACT in her therapy to help …clients to accept where they are at this time and to build on their strengths. She has helped many of her clients to be able to work, go to college, and live independently after trauma gripped their lives. Debra has worked in the Massachusetts area for over 30 years, and she brings with this a wealth of knowledge about the resources for clients. She is familiar with the school systems and special education programs (504/IEP) in this state as well.Debra has her CAGS (Pre Doctorate) in Family Therapy from Fitchburg State University. Debra has her MEd in School/Community Counseling from Salem State University. Her BS degree is in Community Counseling from UMASS, Amherst. Debra attended Westfield State University majoring in Psychology, before transferring to UMASS. Debra came from a large family with a father who was a teacher. She understands what it’s like to not be able to afford college and she found that our state college system offers an affordable solution.