Book a therapist or psychiatrist in New Bedford, MA covered by Aetna

If you've ever felt like you're moving through life a little out of sync with yourself, like something is pulling you off course and you can't quite name it, you're not alone. And you're in the right place.

I'm a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist, and my approach to care is anything but one-size-fits-all. I believe that true healing happens when we tend to the whole person, your mind, your body, and your spirit, and that you already hold a lot of the wisdom you need. My job is to help you access it.

For the past two decades, I have worked with adults and older adults who have experienced loss, chronic disease , and patients who have experienced significant loss and grief. I have experience working in a primary care setting and long term care; my goal is to support both your body and mind and find hope, guidance and validation.

It takes two to speak the truth: one to speak, and another to hear - Thoreau

I strive to help clients by being curious, kind, reliable, and insightful. This is how I believe therapy helps people to grow, and to ultimately feel better about themselves and their lives.

I primarily work through a psychodynamic lens, focusing on a client's emotional life, exploring connections between a client's past and present, and addressing internal conflicts. I also use ideas found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy such as exploring thought patterns and negative core beliefs.

1. With 30 years of experience in behavioral health, I am an LICSW licensed in MA, CT, and RI. I hold a Master's Degree from Columbia University. My expertise includes providing evidence-based treatment and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to adults and couples.

I’m an LCSW currently licensed in CT, MA, NH, and ME. I believe that therapy is most effective when it’s practical and empowering. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, life transitions or grief, I aim to create a safe and supportive space where growth and change feel possible. My role is not to “fix” but to walk with you to gain insight, develop tools and move towards the version of you that feels most authentic.

For the past 3.5 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading a multi-site inpatient unit, supporting individuals with persistent mental illness and substance use as they work toward stability and recovery. Now, I’m stepping into private practice and writing my next chapter. I’m licensed in Florida and passionate about making care accessible and meaningful. I’d love to connect—does this sound like a fit for you?

My therapeutic method is tailored to fit your temperament and individual experience. You may be facing a combination of personal, social, and institutional adversity. Discomfort may be unavoidable, but you are not alone; I can help you transform hardship or tragedy into resilience. My process is effective; it evolves as you do. If you experience negative feelings like inadequacy, grief, or shame, I can help you understand the origin of the discomfort and make changes toward ease. Sometimes, worry can be helpful; other times, anxiety and depression lie to us. Having worked in both economically-strained and prosperous communities, I have seen the impact of trauma and neglect on various people. I also understand being a white male can insulate me against the prejudice and discrimination commonly experienced by people of color, women, and the LGBTQ community; I trust my client’s experiences and take responsibility for my blind spots.

I have experience supporting adults, young adults, and adolescents across outpatient, school-based, and healthcare settings. My work often centers on anxiety, ADHD, neurodivergence, emotional regulation, identity development, relationship patterns, and life transitions. I also bring a background in art therapy, which informs my ability to offer flexible, creative, and reflective ways of working with clients. I especially enjoy supporting people who are trying to better understand themselves, build self-trust, and move through life with more clarity and authenticity.

I’m Alison (Ali) Pugh, a Clinical Social Worker, USAF veteran, and mom of two. I help adults who are juggling work, family, caregiving, or major life changes that feel heavier than they look on the surface. If you’re feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, you’re in the right place. My style is calm, collaborative, and steady. There’s no pressure to have the perfect words.