Carrie L. McElwee

LCSW (she/her)6 years of experienceNext available
4.8 (71)
Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Greetings! My name is Carrie McElwee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in California. I believe in meeting the client where they are and creating a safe space for each client to feel empowered as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically.

I have in my professional career integrated humor, compassion, empathy, and realness.

My mission is to promote mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I have in my professional career integrated humor, compassion, empathy, and realness. I am trained in using various evidence-based practices.

First session

Clients can expect to spend time building rapport, discussing their needs, and creating obtainable goals. I thrive on allowing the client to get to know the provider, it's key when working through difficult/challenging moments and/or exploring one's traumatic history. Of course after completing any paperwork necessary the focus is on what's important, the client and their therapy journey. I consider where you came from, what you've been through, and help you process how you feel about it all.

Strengths

I enjoy setting a tone/environment which is relaxed and stress-free. It can be an enjoyable experience working with me because I encourage each client to seek their personal joy and healing, by giving themselves grace. But I'm not afraid to challenge my clients in order to achieve their treatment goals, work through challenges, and achieve healing in a therapeutic setting.

Ideal clients

As a trained trauma-informed therapist, I specialize in working with adolescents and adults within several demographics, including BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. I also work with couples facing relationship and sexual issues.

Treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use CBT to assist clients in recognizing how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We then use this knowledge to change the individual's thinking patterns, which will help the client experience a less anxious and stressed life.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I am a trained Dialectical behavior therapist and I use this evidence-based psychotherapy in treating personality disorders and interpersonal conflicts.

Couples Counseling

I enjoy bring a refreshing and "let's get down to business" approach to my Couple's Counseling. By assisting individuals we will exploring their relationship from a scientifically and spiritually model where we dive deep into the emotional, mental, and energetic causes underlying the less desired relationship.

Gender-affirming therapy

As a trained trauma-informed therapist, I specialize in working with adolescents and adults within several demographics, including BIPOC and LGBTQ communities.

EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. EMDR can be used to lessen the symptoms of depression, panic disorder, or certain phobias.

Location

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions
444 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802, 8th Floor

Reviews and ratings

4.8 rating (71)8 reviews
February 4, 2026

She’s easy to talk to and her office has a clean cozy vibe. I’ve been with her since late September and she has helped me through some of the hardest moments of my life. Heartbreak, depression, failure, anxiety, etc. I believe I would be in a much darker place right now if I didn’t have her by my side. She’s also easy to joke and laugh with so don't be scared to show a little personality

Verified client, age 18-24Review shared after session 15 with Carrie
November 18, 2025

We had our first couples therapy session where it was mostly describing ourselves, our situation, our goals, etc., as well as hearing about Carrie's style and approach to counseling. She was very direct and attentive, and we are looking forward to beginning the work with her.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 1 with Carrie
October 7, 2025

She is professional and welcoming. Seems ready to tackle any challenge and determined to understand why you are the way you are. Left me feeling hopeful, I really like her.

Verified client, age 18-24Review shared after session 1 with Carrie

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Schedule 60 min