Krysten Allen
MSW Intern | Individual Clinician | Teens & Adults
Specialties:
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
OCD
Addiction
Substance Use
CBT
Solution-Focused
Cognitive Restructuring
I am a dedicated mental health intern currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at George Mason University.
My style of therapy is all about teamwork, focusing on your strengths, and putting you at the center of everything. I truly believe that you know yourself best, and my job is to support you in finding your strengths, setting achievable goals, and coming up with practical strategies to grow. I often use techniques like Solution-Focused Brief Therapy — which is all about hope and resilience — and Cognitive Restructuring to challenge unhelpful thoughts and see things from a fresh perspective. I customize my approach with tools like goal-setting, motivational interviewing, and advocacy to fit what you need most.
I also see mental health advocacy as a core part of what I do. I’m passionate about making mental health care accessible, breaking down stigma, and helping clients speak up for themselves. I want to normalize conversations about mental health, help you identify systemic barriers, and connect you with resources that support both your personal journey and larger community change. My hope is to help you thrive while also working toward a more inclusive and equitable mental health system.
At the end of the day, I’m here to help you recognize your strengths, overcome obstacles, and reach your mental health goals. My goal is to make sure you feel seen, heard, and empowered to create meaningful change in your life.
Hey there! I'm passionate about helping people overcome challenges and find their best selves. My background includes a mix of hands-on client work and understanding the bigger picture — like how systemic factors and community resources play a role in mental health. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology, which gave me a solid understanding of human behavior, thoughts, and resilience.
Throughout my journey, I’ve become pretty skilled with some really effective techniques like Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Restructuring. Think of them as tools to help you focus on your strengths, set goals, and swap out unhelpful thoughts. A highlight for me was my practicum with the DC Department of Behavioral Health, where I got real-world experience with assessments, referrals, and working with folks dealing with substance use and co-occurring issues. That experience showed me how important community and systemic support are in the healing process.
I'm all about creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels respected and heard. I believe in trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and empowering clients to advocate for themselves. My approach is warm, empathetic, and always nonjudgmental — because building trust is the first step to growth and change. Can’t wait to work with you!
On a personal note…
Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy connecting with people on a personal level. I am a Girl Scout troop leader, which allows me to help children build confidence and develop important skills. I love traveling—especially cruising—and find that exploring new destinations helps me recharge and gain fresh perspectives. I also really enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.
A personal quote that inspires me is Maya Angelou’s, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” This quote resonates with me because it reflects the importance of resilience and empowerment—both in my personal life and in my work with clients. I believe that even in difficult circumstances, we have the power to define how we respond and grow from our experiences.
When I need to practice self-care, I enjoy shopping, spending quality time with my family, and attending therapy myself. I believe that taking care of myself is vital for maintaining emotional balance so I can be fully present and effective in supporting my clients.
Need more info?
Take your time to find the right fit. We’re not going anywhere.