Our clinicians are passionate about helping patients across a wide variety of experiences. While some may focus on one specialized experience, others approach their clinical career informed by several different experiences and communities. This is the case with Allison Martinez, LCSW. Allison has a background in education, inpatient psychiatry, residential step-down care, and even community theater!
We recently spoke with Allison about her journey in clinical social work and what brought her to Rivia Mind. Here’s what she had to say.
Education & Background
Allison has a BFA in theatrical performance and a MSS in Clinical Social Work. The latter was a path she came to later, after years of acting and motherhood. “When my daughter was young, I taught preschool and worked as a bartender and waitress. I participated in Community and Murder Mystery Theatre to keep myself sane. I pursued my Master’s degree when my daughter got older.”
She found that social work was a perfect fit, offering a number of career options that she was interested in. “For a while I worked in education and was the director of a high school for pregnant and parenting girls. During and after grad school, I worked in an inpatient psychiatric program and in their residential step-down facility. I worked both places full-time and part-time for 15 years. It was awesome in that I learned so much! My side gig since 2018 is a small private practice.”
Specialty & Approach To Therapy
Allison has a therapeutic approach based on attachment theory, self-compassion training, mindfulness, and self-soothing skill building. She enjoys collaborating with a team and watching people “come together for a positive purpose.”
“I previously would have described myself as eclectic, working with people ages 4-90, with all kinds of challenges. I have done outpatient therapy since 2016, and virtual therapy since 2020. However, I recently worked for 3 years in a virtual OB/GYN setting and discovered that this was my wheelhouse! I continue to enjoy a framework as a general practitioner and love a sprinkling of dual diagnosis, geriatric, trauma recovery, anxiety and depression. People’s stories fascinate me. I am humbled and inspired by the resilience and creativity of my clients.”
Joining Rivia Mind
Allison joined Rivia Mind’s team recently, and we’ve been grateful to have her with us! About her time here, she says, “My experience with Rivia so far has been amazing. The people I work with exude kindness and wisdom. I have very much enjoyed the collaboration and learning.”
Advice For New Patients
With so much experience in the world of mental health, Allison has come across many patients who are just starting therapy. So what wisdom does she have to offer? Well, for a start, try it out and trust yourself. “Go to a few sessions, be open-minded and curious. Wholeheartedly trust your gut when choosing someone to work with. We are all human and we need one another. Therapy is a tool and like any other tool, with time, we can learn how to use it effectively.”
Self-Care For the Clinician
When Allison finishes her last appointment and heads home, how does she take care of herself and decompress? Her favorite self-care strategies involve spending time with family, friends, pets, and playing with SASS, her improv team. “And every day at lunch, my pitbull Junebug and I visit the neighborhood electrician’s office. The people there adore her, and I get to chat and chill for a few minutes. It’s a highlight of the day!”
Interested in scheduling an appointment with Allison, book an appointment today! Looking for a clinician like Allison in your state? Contact Rivia Mind today to find a provider that’s right for you!
