IFSTherapists

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

MD

Dr. Allison Bethea, MD

  • Experience20 years
  • LocationMaryland
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, LGBT, and Parenting
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Explore online therapy options

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Allison

Dr. Allison Bethea began her professional path in clinical psychology more than two decades ago and holds an MD.

Background and approach

She has spent 20 years refining a collaborative, strengths-based practice that emphasizes clear therapeutic relationships and practical skills. Her training includes work in anxiety and stress management, depression, and strategies for coping with attention difference challenges such as ADHD.

Dr. Bethea also brings experience with the mental health effects of physical illness and with clients who have visual impairments or are parents of children with special needs.

In session she integrates evidence-informed methods, drawing from Internal Family Systems alongside cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices to tailor interventions to each person’s needs. Her work addresses a wide range of concerns including mood disorders, trauma and grief, sleep and anger difficulties, relationship and family stress, and issues related to gender and identity.

Located in Maryland, she provides services in English and offers multiple online session formats to increase access and fit for different lifestyles.

Integrating proven approaches through online care

Dr. Bethea commonly uses Internal Family Systems to help people explore internal parts and their relationships, supporting work on patterns that contribute to anxiety, self-criticism, or emotional pain. She also employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking and develop concrete skills for managing mood, worry, and behavior in daily life. These approaches are presented in accessible ways so clients can practice new strategies between sessions and see how they apply to real-world challenges.

Finding the right approach is viewed as a collaborative process. She works with each client to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then adapts methods over time so the work fits the person rather than forcing a single model. Clients can expect options and adjustments as part of the therapeutic plan.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for busy schedules and differing comfort levels. These formats make it easier to attend regularly, integrate therapy into daily life, and access care from Maryland without geographic travel.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, bipolar mood concerns, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
Her style is collaborative and strengths-based, blending Internal Family Systems with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques to develop practical strategies tailored to each person.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 20 years of experience in clinical practice, with specialty training in anxiety, stress management, depression, and approaches for attention difference challenges.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an MD and is a practicing psychologist in Maryland with the license designation MD Psychologist 03036.
Are sessions available in other languages or for international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are offered?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeChronic pain, illness, and disabilityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)EmptinessGender dysphoriaImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryVisually impaired

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Maryland

Languages

English