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Alison McCandless, LCSW, CSW

Compassionate LCSW specializing in trauma and mood disorders
  • Trauma and abuse support
  • CBT and DBT skills
  • Attachment-focused care

About Alison McCandless

Alison McCandless is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with three years of experience working in community mental health. She holds an LCSW, indicating a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential, and a CSW, which denotes an additional social work credential. Originally from Southern California, she spent the past three years working for a community mental health agency in Chicago before recently relocating to Denver, Colorado.

Her clinical experience includes supporting low-income individuals facing a range of mental health needs, such as life stressors, mood and psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Alison draws on a mix of therapeutic methods to match each person’s needs, integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approaches, and a strengths-based perspective.

She emphasizes gathering a thorough history and using a biopsychosocial assessment to understand functioning and symptom patterns, then building coping skills and behavioral strategies alongside helping clients make connections and meaning from past experiences. Alison presents care with empathy and hope and is not currently accepting new clients.

Areas of Expertise

Also Specializes In

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsEating and food-related issuesGuilt and shameHoardingLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Attachment-Based Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Alison McCandless have?

Alison McCandless has 3 years of clinical experience working in community mental health.

Is Alison McCandless a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW. She is licensed in Illinois and Colorado - IL LCSW 149024690 and CO LCSW CSW.09929741.

In which languages does Alison McCandless provide therapy?

Alison McCandless provides therapy in English.

Where is Alison McCandless located?

Alison McCandless is located in Colorado.

How can I work with Alison McCandless as my therapist?

You can work with Alison McCandless through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Alison McCandless work with international clients?

Alison McCandless does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Alison McCandless cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Care



Alison uses several evidence-informed approaches that translate well to remote work. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on relationship patterns and how early connections shape current bonds - it helps people who struggle with abandonment, attachment issues, or relationship difficulties by exploring how past relational experiences influence present behavior. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-oriented approach that identifies unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replaces them with more adaptive patterns - CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and many mood disorders. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - it is often applied for intense emotions, self-destructive urges, and difficulties in managing relationships.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Alison will work with each person to assess goals, preferences, and needs, adapting methods over time to ensure the best fit for their situation.

Online sessions via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules, reduce travel time, and make it easier to maintain consistent care from home or other convenient locations. These options allow therapists and clients to focus on progress and skill-building while accommodating different communication styles and life demands.

Ready to start therapy with Alison McCandless?

Take the first step toward a better you.