PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

MA Portrait of Mary Allen
Online therapist

Mary Allen

Compassionate, goal-focused clinical social work

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
31 years
Licensed in
California, North Dakota, Wisconsin
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Mary

Mary Allen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than three decades of practice. She offers straightforward, compassionate support for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, relationship concerns, and grief. Her style is warm and direct, focused on clear goals that clients agree on together.

She draws from several therapy methods and adapts them to each person’s needs. Sessions emphasize practical steps and conversations that help people manage emotions and improve communication.

Background and approach

The work often includes noticing patterns, practicing new ways of responding, and setting small, doable goals. Mary has spent 31 years helping people navigate life transitions, trauma and abuse, caregiving stress, and issues linked to identity and intimacy. She also has experience with ADHD, compassion fatigue, chronic illness, and challenges that come with adoption and blended family situations.

Her background includes practice in Wisconsin and licensure details include ND LCSW 6242 and WI LCSW 8198-123. Clients can expect a collaborative process. Mary listens carefully, offers honest feedback, and adjusts methods to fit each person’s situation.

Conversations are practical and guided toward real change rather than vague theory. Getting started is a simple process: complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a session according to the listed options. Mary aims to make the work manageable and focused so people can move forward at a pace that suits them.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships and how early bonds affect current connections. In sessions this often means looking at how you react under stress and practicing new ways of relating that feel safer and more reliable for you.

Client-Centered Therapy centers on your priorities and pace. The therapist listens without judgment and reflects what matters to you, helping you make decisions and find your own solutions to problems like parenting stress or life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It helps identify unhelpful thinking, try small behavior changes, and measure progress with concrete steps that reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Mary will work with each person to choose which methods fit their needs and goals. She explains options, checks in on what is working, and adjusts plans so the work stays practical and relevant.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This variety helps people fit sessions around work, caregiving, and other commitments. It also lets the therapist use practical tools and homework between meetings, making it easier to try new skills in real life and track progress over time.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?
Mary works with a range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting, grief, trauma and abuse, LGBT issues, and ADHD.
What is her therapy style like?
Her approach is direct, warm, and goal focused. Sessions are interactive and aimed at practical changes you can use between meetings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 31 years of clinical experience to her practice, with a history of working with diverse life challenges and long term therapeutic work.
What credentials and location apply?
Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with licensure listed as ND LCSW 6242 and WI LCSW 8198-123. Her practice is based in Wisconsin.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work with her?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to Mary

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point