Dr. Allison Bates, LCSW-S, affectionately known as “Dr. Alli,” is a former musician and military veteran. Unconventional and fearless, she has never been afraid to try new things and believes one of her best decisions was changing her life course to pursue a career in social work. Leaving music and the military behind, she started a new journey which, after years of long nights and hard work, led to founding The Courageous You PLLC.

Drawing on her own experiences with trauma, microaggressions, chronic stress, toxic relationships, AND healthy relationships, Dr. Alli has been committed to breaking the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental health care. Her experiences include hospital social work and case management, child protective services, substance abuse, school classroom management, and mental health authorities. She has also managed a small medical clinic and is now the owner and full-time managing director of The Courageous You PLLC.

Dr. Alli is passionate about educating Black men and women on the connection between mental health and physical health and how this adversely impacts our communities. She also loves to assist clients in connecting past trauma to current physical health challenges and faulty thinking and behavioral patterns.

The Courageous You PLLC has allowed Dr. Alli to increase her capacity to help others develop and maintain the skills and tools needed to better manage personal challenges. Her hope is that individual healing will lead to healthier relationships, families, and communities as a whole.