Therapy for Young Adults in Fayetteville, NY

You Don't Have to Keep Feeling This Way

Anxiety and identity therapy for young adults 18 and older in Fayetteville, NY — serving Syracuse and Central New York.


You deserve to stop shrinking and start living.

What Therapy Can Help You Experience

If you're self-aware enough to know something is off but can't quite name it, you're in the right place. Therapy isn't about fixing yourself or performing your way through it, it's about understanding what's underneath all of it, and finally building a life that actually feels like yours.

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Feel Calmer Internally

You might notice your mind feels quieter and less chaotic. The constant loop of overthinking starts to ease.

Black compass rose within a circle.

Trust Yourself More

Many clients begin to trust their feelings and instincts without needing constant reassurance or validation from others.

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Communicate More Clearly

You may find it easier to express what you need and set boundaries without guilt, especially with family.

Maybe This Feels Familiar

You're anxious most of the time, even when nothing specific is wrong. Your mind won't shut off. You overthink every decision, replay conversations, and question yourself constantly. On paper, your life might look fine, but internally you feel exhausted, stuck, and overwhelmed.


Does this feel familiar?


  • You feel responsible for everyone else's emotions and don't know how to put yourself first
  • You're afraid of disappointing your parents or making the wrong choice
  • You don't really know who you are outside of what others expect from you
  • You feel lonely even in relationships, like no one really knows the real you.


If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. A lot of young adults carry this quietly, and therapy is where you don't have to anymore.

Schedule Today

Meet Joy Strickland - Play Video
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Therapy That Feels Warm, Real, and Supportive

NY LMHC – 016703

VT Telehealth - 068.0137047TELE

FL Telehealth - TPMC7892

I'm Joy Strickland, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Vermont. I primarily work with self-aware young adults, roughly 18 to 28, navigating anxiety, people-pleasing, and self-doubt that often traces back to family dynamics or early relational experiences, though I welcome older adults carrying these same patterns. I understand how anxiety, family stress, and self-doubt affect young adults in ways others may not see.

After 30 years as a teacher, I saw how personal and family dynamics shape confidence, decision-making, and emotional well-being. That experience led me to this work.


Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded, and trauma-informed.

Therapy Services

for Young Adults in

New York, Vermont, & Florida

I specialize in working with  young adults ages 18+ who are navigating anxiety, family stress, and the transition to independence.

Sessions available in-person in Fayetteville, NY or via Telehealth across NY, VT and FL.

Young Adult Anxiety Therapy

For people who feel stuck in their heads, constantly worrying and second-guessing themselves

Therapy For College Students

Support for students feeling overwhelmed by pressure, expectations, and uncertainty about the future

Family Therapy for Parent-Teen

Help working through guilt, communication issues, and family dynamics

Young Adult Transition Therapy

For young adults navigating graduation, college changes, or entering adulthood

Emotional Regulation and Self-Trust Building

Learning to understand your emotions and trust your own feelings

Parent Coaching for Anxious Young Adults

Guidance for parents navigating anxiety, independence, and communication with their child.

How Therapy Works

Getting started is simple and straightforward. Here's what the process looks like.

Reach Out

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation, or give me a call. We'll talk about what's bringing you in and whether we're a good fit.

First Session

The first few sessions are conversational and focused on helping you feel comfortable. We talk through what's weighing on you right now and start building trust.

Ongoing Support

We meet regularly and work at a pace that feels manageable. Therapy becomes a steady, supportive space where you can be yourself and grow without feeling judged or rushed.

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What Clients Experience

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★★★★★

Joy is currently building her testimonial collection. Trust is built through her 30 years of teaching experience, specialized training in anxiety and family systems, and warm, grounded approach to therapy.

What Clients Experience



"As a parent, when our son's mental health crisis happened weeks before graduation, we were heartbroken, thrown off guard and unsure who to turn to. I can't remember exactly what search I did to find Joy (it helped that she was verified on Psychology Today), nevertheless, we were so very fortunate and grateful to find her amidst the thousands of mental health professionals across NY State. My son was insistent that he wanted in-person therapy and as soon as we met Joy, we felt comforted and after our sessions, relieved. She combines heartfelt empathy with a wonderfully grounded, no-nonsense presence. She helped my son and us through a tremendously difficult time and got us through to the finish line with school. We can't thank her enough. Wished we lived closer so we could continue to see her in person, but know she is a phone call away should we ever need her again.


Thank you so much, Joy, for getting us through this difficult time. We really couldn't have done this without you!"


-Grateful Parent, NY


The Difference Support Can Make

I became a therapist because I saw the emotional weight many young people carry alone. Anxiety, self-doubt, and family stress often sit beneath the surface. Many capable young adults struggle with unprocessed emotions, perfectionism, and patterns they do not yet know how to change.


With support, life can begin to feel different. You may notice less second-guessing and more trust in your own feelings. Conversations with parents feel easier. Decisions begin to reflect what feels right for you.



Therapy does not erase difficulty. It helps you move through it with more clarity, confidence, and steadiness.

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Ready to Start?

If any of this feels familiar, I'd be glad to talk. You can start with a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. There's no pressure, no judgment, and no expectation that you need to have it all figured out.