My career in behavioral health encompasses a number of related domains, including private clinical practice, employer and justice system referrals, work with individuals, families and couples, substance use disorders, and group work.
Experience includes work with innovative models in school based counseling, supportive educational counseling with court referred divorcing couples, providing expert testimony in family and criminal court, and directing both outpatient and residential programs. I have served as chair of a national conference on substance use and treatment, and a city-wide conference on integrating child welfare and substance use affected families.
Teletherapy has become widespread in the era of Covid-19, and I am currently engaged as a provider, and also have used in my practice going back to 2012.
Other experience includes community education, advocacy and leadership in provider organizations, as well as international and local consultation. I have also been an adjunct faculty providing classroom instruction in correctional institutions, serving inmates matriculated in college courses.
Currently, I work part-time as the mental health resource in a supported housing program operated by a local non-profit agency in New York City.
My treatment approach uses a trans-theoretical model encompassing elements of harm reduction, CBT, motivational interviewing, family systems, and trauma informed practice,
I feel a profound appreciation for the humanity of all the clients I have known in my decades of practice, and for their diversity and the wisdom acquired through knowing
them. In my practice, my deepest commitment is to trauma informed principles, and to cultural humility that respects and learns from human diversity and individuality.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Eating disorders, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Blended Family Issues, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NY LCSW 032063
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Michael McAllister. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Michael is a kind, thoughtful and considerate therapist who took the time to hear me out, and guide me along, offering perspective and helpful tips that I could use in real time, so to speak. And he’d earmark the topics that we could unpack later and follow up. I’m not a good writer, so if it wasn’t clear, I couldn’t recommend Michael enough to speak to
Written on Mar 22, 2024 after therapy with Michael for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Michael McAllister had helped me in many ways. I feel that prior to our sessions I was a more fragile person and with his help I have regained some confidence.
Written on Jan 09, 2024 after therapy with Michael for 2 years and 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
I have been working with Michael through the BetterHelp app for several months now, and I can't recommend them highly enough. From the very first session, I felt like Michael truly cared about my well-being and was committed to helping me manage my mental health.
Michael is compassionate, insightful, and truly invested in my progress. He listen carefully to my concerns and offer practical strategies to help me manage my anxiety. I always leave our sessions feeling like I have a clearer understanding of my feelings and a plan for moving forward.
What I appreciate most aboutMichael is their ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space for me to share my thoughts and feelings. I never feel like I am being criticized or judged for my struggles, and that has been incredibly liberating for me.
Overall, I would highly recommend Michael and the BetterHelp app to anyone who is seeking help with their mental health. The combination of an incredible therapist and an easy-to-use app has been a game-changer for me, and I am so grateful for the progress I have made with Michael's support.
Written on Apr 30, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
I've worked with Michael for a year or so and he has helped me work through a few big personal/relationship issues. With his help I feel like I'm becoming a better version of myself and better able to handle the curveballs life throws at me. Add to that, our conversations are always interesting and thought provoking. I highly recommend Michael for therapy.
Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 11 months on issues concerning relationship issues
I don’t really know where to begin with Michael. I started working with him when I was at my lowest. With his help, I’m finally at a place in life where I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been. Thank you for everything Michael. I hope our paths cross again in life but in another format under different circumstances.
Written on Aug 05, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Michael was a wonderful person to talk to. A great listener, who really cares about and understands you. Very approachable, wise, and easy to converse with. I would absolutely recommend speaking with him!
Written on Sep 29, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes