Alison McKernan, LICSW
Specializing in Adolescents, Young Adults, Anxiety & Family Systems — Virtual Across Minnesota
Specialty Areas: Parenting, Anxiety, ADHD, Adolescents, Young Adults, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Peer Relationships, Family Systems
About Alison: Seeking out therapy can be intimidating for many reasons. Alison's goal from the very first session is to take those fears away and provide a comfortable, welcoming environment. With nearly 25 years of experience as a social worker across foster care, hospital, and school settings — including 22 years as a high school social worker — she brings deep expertise working with adolescents, emerging adults, and family systems. She has been a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker since 2006 and holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago.
Therapeutic Approach: Alison's goal is to create a trusting relationship that allows clients to open up and begin moving toward the change they're seeking. She uses positivity, gentle humor, and encouragement to help provide the strength needed to make healthy changes. Her approach is person-centered and solution-focused — always starting with a safe, non-judgmental space to listen, process emotions, and determine next steps together. Her core belief is that a genuine, caring relationship is what creates the healing needed and the courage to move forward.
Availability: Virtual appointments available statewide across Minnesota. Evening and weekend appointments available.