Often rebooked
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. 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.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
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.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
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.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
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.
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.
6 ratings with written 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
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.
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.