Allison Bates, DSW, LCSW-S

Dr. Allison Bates, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board-approved supervisor, has over a decade of experience spanning hospitals, government agencies, and nonprofits, serving diverse client populations including pregnant and parenting teens and terminally ill individuals.

As founder and executive director of The ALLICE Collective, Dr. Bates is committed to transforming mental health care in Black communities by creating spaces for healing and connection. Under her leadership, The ALLICE Collective has served over 500 community members through support groups and wellness programs, embodying her vision for accessible, culturally relevant mental health care. Dr. Bates emphasizes that community is essential for connection, support, and lasting well-being. Dr. Bates supervises six interns each semester at The ALLICE Collective, guiding them to complete their training and advance into impactful roles.

As the owner and CEO of The Courageous You PLLC, Dr. Bates leads a group counseling practice that offers supportive environments for individuals to navigate life’s challenges and embrace personal growth. Through The Courageous You PLLC, Dr. Bates has supported over 800 clients in achieving better mental health with an empathetic approach. She also provides clinical supervision for social workers working toward their licenses, furthering professional excellence in the field.

Dr. Bates’ leadership journey began with her service in the U.S. Army, where she completed two deployments in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. This experience has enriched her leadership and dedication in mental health advocacy.

She holds a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctorate of Social Work from Rutgers University. Dr. Bates frequently speaks on holistic mental health, resilience, and community building, combining clinical expertise with leadership to foster supportive communities.

When she’s not leading initiatives or mentoring future professionals, Dr. Bates enjoys watching documentaries, engaging in fantasy football, and playing competitive games of spades or pool.