IFSTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

MD

Dr. Alissa Putman, MD

  • Experience20 years
  • LocationMaryland
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Relationship, and Self esteem
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Client-Centered Therapy
Continue with Alissa

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Alissa

Dr. Alissa Putman offers therapy for people coping with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, career challenges, grief, and a wide range of life transitions.

Background and approach

She emphasizes the importance of a strong fit between therapist and client and prioritizes collaborative goal-setting so sessions move toward practical change while honoring what feels meaningful to each person. With two decades of professional experience, Dr.

Putman blends client-centered care with evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques and Internal Family Systems to tailor support to individual needs. Her background includes work in higher education and healthcare, and she also volunteers in suicide prevention education and youth mentoring.

Holding an MD and licensed in Maryland, she draws on principles from positive psychology and executive coaching to address burnout, resiliency, identity exploration, and competing demands. Throughout the therapeutic process she frequently checks in about progress and direction to ensure sessions remain aligned with clients' goals.

She welcomes conversations about intimacy, parenting, multicultural concerns, body image, forgiveness, and many other areas where people seek greater clarity, balance, and self-compassion.

Integrating therapeutic methods for online care



Internal Family Systems helps people explore internal parts or voices that influence feelings and behavior, supporting greater self-understanding and gentler internal communication; it can be useful for issues like shame, self-criticism, and complex emotional patterns. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathetic listening and building a trusting relationship so clients feel heard and supported while they identify their own goals and solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can help with anxiety, mood concerns, and coping with life stressors.

Choosing the most helpful approach is often a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to consider their priorities, preferences, and life circumstances and may combine elements from different approaches to match evolving needs and goals. This ongoing collaboration helps tailor sessions to what is most relevant and effective for the individual.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for those balancing work, family, or mobility limitations. These formats make scheduling easier and allow continuity of care when in-person meetings are difficult, while still enabling meaningful therapeutic work with licensed professionals.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Dr. Putman address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy-related issues, career and identity concerns, grief, self-esteem, parenting topics, and many related areas such as body image and multicultural concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and client-centered, emphasizing empathy, goal-setting, and regular check-ins to make sure therapy stays aligned with what the client wants to achieve.
What is her professional background?
She has 20 years of clinical experience working in higher education and healthcare settings and volunteers in suicide prevention education and mentoring for underrepresented minority teens.
What credentials and location should I know about?
She holds an MD and is licensed as a psychologist in Maryland with the license number MD Psychologist 04134.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
She provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentBody imageCommunication problemsDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Internal Family Systems

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Maryland

Languages

English