Shannon Julianne Toy, MD, LCSW-C, LCSW

Shannon Julianne Toy prefers to be known by her middle name, Julianne. Based in Michigan, she brings a breadth of experience and a commitment to collaborative, client-centered care. Julianne holds the credentials MD, LCSW-C, and LCSW - MD indicating a Doctor of Medicine, LCSW-C indicating a licensed clinical social worker with certification, and LCSW indicating a licensed clinical social worker. With seven years of clinical experience, she has supported people across the life span and in a wide variety of settings, including homes, community programs, courts, jails, hospitals, schools, and offices.

Julianne’s background includes work as a case manager and long-term volunteer support for at-risk youth and individuals with developmental disabilities, and she has experience providing teletherapy in multiple formats. She has also worked as a crisis therapist offering brief interventions for people facing imminent risk and has provided both individual and group counseling. Her approach is solutions-focused and strengths-based rather than problem-focused, grounded in client-centered principles that ensure clients are included in every step of care.

Working with Julianne means partnering with a therapist who advocates for clients and helps them build practical strategies to improve well-being. She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, mood concerns, relationship and family issues, trauma, grief, identity and intimacy-related concerns, parenting challenges, career transitions, and related struggles. Julianne welcomes clients who are ready to take steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life and is prepared to work together to identify goals and pathways forward.

Therapeutic Approaches for Remote Care

Shannon Julianne Toy uses evidence-informed methods to support clients in online settings. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify personal values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise - it is useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes respect, empathy, and collaboration - the therapist follows the client’s lead to build trust and uncover strengths that support change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical skills to shift patterns - it is often effective for mood concerns, anxiety, and coping with day-to-day challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Julianne works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors strategies over time and invites client input to ensure the work feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy with Julianne is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility. These options allow clients to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity of care during life changes, and choose the format that feels most comfortable for discussing sensitive topics with a licensed professional.