Joy Makela
Joy Makela, LMHC-QS, LSP, LPC, NCC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Licensed School Psychologist
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Board Certified Counselor
Joy is frequently described by her patients as a highly supportive, genuinely compassionate, and remarkably confident counselor who excels in communicating with clarity and understanding. Her collaborative approach, combined with her extensive training, makes her especially well-suited for working with high-achieving individuals, including professionals, diligent students, and competitive athletes, all of whom are seeking to enhance their overall mental fitness and well-being.
She is keenly aware that there are unique challenges when you’re reaching for the most out of life, such as the demanding balance of various responsibilities, complex relationship issues, performance-related anxiety, and persistent feelings of isolation. Drawing from her personal experiences as an Air Force spouse of a frequently deployed special operations pilot, devoted Army Aviator’s mom, and Air Force daughter, Joy possesses a deep understanding of the specific struggles that military and first responder families often face in their day-to-day lives.
Joy earned her Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida, where she also had the opportunity to teach before transitioning into private practice. In addition to her work as a counselor and school psychologist, Joy is a professional educator, an engaging public speaker, and an award-winning writer and photographer. Actively involved in her community, she generously volunteers with a variety of educational, local government, and nonprofit organizations. Joy and her husband, who have been happily married for over 30 years, share a love for soccer, an interest in science, and a passion for cheering on the Florida Gators, SMU Mustangs, UT-Dallas Comets, Texas A&M Aggies, FIU Panthers, and the San Antonio Futbol Club all while celebrating the wonders of life with their three treasured adult children.
Patient Age Ranges: Older Adults (65+), Adults (20-64), Teens (14-19), and Pre-teens/Tweens (11-13)
