Find a therapist in Rhode Island — covered by insurance

Rooted in my graduate training at the University of Rhode Island, I developed expertise in both general clinical and health psychology. I developed a programmatic line of research in health promotion (adoption and maintenance of multiple health behaviors including exercise, smoking cessation and nutritious eating) with a particular focus on exercise motivation as a gateway to adopting other health behaviors.

During my internship and postdoctoral training at VA Connecticut and VA Boston, respectively, my research evolved towards integrating health behavior change (e.g., exercise adoption and maintenance) with veterans suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain and PTSD. As I learned more about the biopsychosocial model of these medically and psychiatrically complex disorders, my ultimate goal became to help veterans better manage their pain and PTSD symptoms, utilizing health behavior change as a complementary component of their overall treatment program. With this approach, the ultimate goal was to help them improve their overall quality of life and well-being, long-term.

My patient oriented research experience, over the past thirteen years, directly informed my approach to my clinical work with individual patients. In fact, I worked for Newton-Wellesley Eating Disorders and Behavioral Medicine for the past fifteen years. As part of this work, I focused on helping individuals suffering from the full continuum of eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder) to sustain their recovery long-term and achieve "recovery maintenance" through establishment and achievement of additional life goals and to move beyond their "eating disorder" identity to a "whole person" identity to create a more meaningful life post-recovery. Additionally, as part of this practice, I treated patients suffering from anxiety, PTSD, chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression as well as veterans from the community.

This wild, painful, beautiful human experience can be a lot to process on our own, and it can be empowering to sort it out with a compassionate mental health professional who can be a support throughout your emotional growth. I am committed to showing up with empathy and gentle curiosity in collaboration with my clients. I am licensed in and seeing clients in Colorado and Rhode Island.

I have a passion for working with visual artists, writers, poets, musicians, and designers. I am an artist who believes that creative expression can be a way to engage the healing process and help us make meaning in this tumultuous world. I love working with artists and creatives, but you do not need to identify as an artist or creative to collaborate in therapy with me. We all hold the potential for creative healing engagement with ourselves, in relationships, and in the world. I welcome the opportunity to work with clients of all backgrounds and identities.

I received my MA in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, my MFA in Visual Art from Rutgers University, and my BFA in Visual Studies from Iowa State University. Before I became a counselor I spent fifteen years teaching studio art and cultural studies courses at colleges and universities across the United States. As an artist, writer, former academic, and mental health counselor, I have dedicated my life to creating connection and depth in relationships.

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.

With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, trauma (including first responders), aging-related concerns, and members of the agricultural and farming communities.

I provide telehealth services across multiple states, I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from Philadelphia University and have been practicing for the past 9 years. I help people of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and any other general life stresses. I am passionate about helping others evolve and grow to live in the best possible version of themselves.