Alis Africano , MD, LCPC

Alis Africano is a Maryland-licensed clinician with 15 years of professional experience supporting people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflicts, trauma, and related concerns. She draws on a collaborative approach that centers the client's experience, recognizing that each person is the expert on their own life and brings strengths to the therapeutic process. Alis aims to create a space where clients can explore challenges, build coping strategies, and move toward more fulfilling ways of living.

Holding an MD and an LCPC, Alis combines a medical perspective with training as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor; her credentials are listed as MD LCPC LC3303. She works with a wide range of concerns including depression, grief, parenting and fatherhood issues, ADHD, bipolar and other mood disorders, anger, self-esteem, and difficulties related to identity and immigration. Additional areas of focus include attachment and abandonment issues, communication and control problems, domestic violence, and family-of-origin dynamics.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Alis supports clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and works with international clients as well. She emphasizes empowerment, practical skills, and compassionate guidance, helping people take courageous first steps toward change and resilience.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Alis Africano

Alis Africano uses evidence-informed approaches tailored to each person's needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps clients notice unhelpful thoughts and learn to act in ways that align with their values; it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thinking and behavior that maintain distress; it is often effective for depression, anxiety, and mood regulation. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and collaboration, giving clients space to explore their feelings and build self-trust while the therapist follows the client's lead.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Alis works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to assess goals, preferences, and needs, adjusting methods over time to find the best fit for each individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility: sessions can be attended by video call or phone, and shorter check-ins can take place via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to access care from different locations, accommodate busy schedules, and maintain continuity as life circumstances change.