Alissa Cohen, APCC

My Approach

I’m here to offer a welcoming, judgment-free space for you or your loved ones. I understand how challenging or overwhelming it can be to find the right therapist in today’s world, and I am here to support you through that process. Whether you’re a child, teenager, adult, or parent, I am committed to helping you take that first step. If starting therapy feels intimidating, know that we will work together at your pace to build trust and begin the healing process.

I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and a credentialed School Psychologist, specializing in supporting children, teens, young adults, and parents. I also offer family therapy and social skills groups. My areas of focus include trauma, neurodiversity, giftedness/2e, mood disorders, and high sensitivity. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with overachievers and perfectionists—those who set extremely high standards for themselves, often at the expense of their mental and emotional well-being. My goal is to help you (or your child) embrace who you are while learning to establish healthy boundaries and let go of the pressure to be perfect. I believe everyone has unique strengths and goals, and together we’ll uncover and celebrate them.

Specialties, approaches and interventions include:

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Internal Family Systems
• Somatic Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Harm Reduction
• Parent Coaching
• LGBTQ+ affirming care
• Trauma Informed Therapy
• Assessment for children
• Assessment for teenagers
• Therapeutic assessment
• Emotional and behavioral assessment
• School and academic challenges
• Autism
• ADHD
• Learning Disabilities
• Giftedness and twice exceptionality (2e)
• IEP support via assessment data and recommendations

Let’s work together to unlock your potential, embrace your strengths, and move toward a future where you feel empowered and whole.

I Offer Educational Support

Alongside therapy, I have over ten years of experience navigating the educational system, including special education (IEPs), 504 plans, and behavioral challenges. With a deep understanding of both emotional and academic needs, I am here to help you or your child thrive in all areas of life.

I Provide Assessment Services

As an APCC, I provide assessment services at TheraThrive. With eight years of experience evaluating children and teens (ages 5-18), I now also assess adults, and have found I love working with all ages. I take a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach and have extensive experience supporting and assessing neurodivergent learners from diverse backgrounds.

My Education

I have an Ed.S. in School Psychology, a Pupil Personal Services Credential, and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, with an Emphasis in Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling, from Chapman University. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with an emphasis in trauma and military psychology. I am a Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #8028), and have completed my hours necessary to become licensed as an LPCC. I am currently being supervised by TheraThrive’s Clinical Director, Katie Malone, LMFT, LPCC.

About Me

I am a first generation and neurodivergent individual. I grew up in a home where mental health and academic needs went mostly unseen. I joined this field, and am a member of the TheraThrive team, because my own personal experiences have motivated and inspired me to try my best to help shift the way our community engages with not only mental health needs, but also those who think, learn, look, and behave outside of what is deemed typical. However you may define it, we all deserve to live a life full of connection, success, love, and acceptance. 

I am so excited to be able to join you on your journey!  Onward!