Alison M. Disseler, LICSW

After decades of diverse experience in mental health treatment, I found that there was a large disparity in treatment for maternal mental health compared to the need. I offer expertise in individual therapy focused on the perinatal experience, tailored to the specific needs of the client. Too often people in their “perinatal years” are struggling silently or reeling from trauma around fertility, high risk pregnancies, loss, grief, birthing experiences and postpartum mental health conditions. I believe the shame, stigma, and discomfort surrounding these issues are far more harmful than most realize, and I’m passionate about changing that narrative.

Before opening my private practice in November 2020, I provided therapy at a small group practice in Wellesley, MA, until the pandemic restrictions shifted everyone to virtual sessions. My experience spans a wide range of areas, including mood disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, substance use, psychosis, early intervention, transitional-aged youth, and perinatal mental health. I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse treatment settings—ranging from partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs to residential care, group therapy, community mental health centers, and outpatient group practices. This broad experience has allowed me to work with individuals across different levels of acuity, honing my ability to meet clients where they are.

When I am not working, I enjoy the outdoors, theater, music, exploring new places, crossword puzzles and spending time with my family and friends.

  • Accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, (BSW) and a Minor in Business Management, Periclean Scholar, and awarded the Hilda Bashevkin Betten Social Work Award from Skidmore College

    With Advanced Standing, earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work, (MSW) with a concentration in Mental Health from The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis

  • Current: Massachusetts LICSW #120529 in good standing

    Previous, expired in good standing licenses:

    Massachusetts LICSW #117143

    Maryland LCSW-C #19776

  • Former experiences include individual, family and couples therapist in a group practice, Director and Recovery Coach for an Early Intervention Program for First Episode Psychosis, utilization review, Clinical Coordinator/Case Manager in an outpatient mental health clinic, an eating disorders treatment facility, and a Partial Hospitalization Program.

    Additionally, while in undergraduate and graduate schools, I completed many internships in the areas of domestic violence, substance use and dependency, and legislative advocacy for reproductive rights.